Fuchs' Dystrophy Relief

Fuchs' dystrophy is a congenital corneal disorder in which the layer of cells at the back of the cornea stop functioning properly. This loss of function leads to swelling of the cornea, pain, blurred vision and can eventually lead to vision loss. There are ways to manage the symptoms and pain--some that can be performed by the patient at home and others that need the involvement of an ophthalmologist.

At Home Treatments

• The blurred vision in Fuchs' dystrophy is often worse in the morning due to the swelling of the cornea. Early in the disease process, it is possible to lessen the swelling and improve the visual acuity by using a hyperosmotic agent to draw the water out of the cornea. Either placing 5 percent sodium chloride eye drops in the eyes in the morning or 5 percent sodium chloride ointment in the eyes at bedtime can be used to improve the edema or swelling. Also using a warm hair dryer held at arm's length can work with the hyperosmotic agents to dry out the corneas. Exercise caution when using the hair dryer by making sure that it is arm's length and not at high power.

Temporary Treatments by a Physician

• As the disease progresses, the symptoms of Fuchs' tend to get worse and become more persistent. The physician can offer additional strategies to lessen the symptoms of Fuchs' dystrophy. Another symptom that people with Fuchs' dystrophy have is pain from the breaking of "blisters" on the surface of the cornea. The eye doctor can place a loose-fitting contact lens on the eye; these can be left in place for a while and can lessen the discomfort associated with blinking. In more severe cases, the eye doctor can perform a minor surgical procedure to place a flap of conjunctival tissue over the cornea to lessen the pain. This flap can be removed and is not durable for the long term so it is not a permanent solution.
  If the pressure inside of the eye increases, it causes the cornea in these patients to become more swollen. The eye doctor can prescribe eye drops to treat the eye pressure if it becomes elevated.

Permanent Treatments by a Physician

• In more advanced stages of Fuchs' dystrophy, an ophthalmologist may need to perform a more advanced surgery to alleviate the symptoms. The definitive procedure is a corneal transplant; the diseased and scarred cornea is removed and a new, healthy cornea is grafted onto the eye. In some patients, the surgeon may combine the corneal transplant with a cataract extraction. These procedures generally put an end to the symptoms of Fuchs' dystrophy; however, there are still specific care tactics that all patients with a corneal transplant will have to maintain over time.