Treating Fuchs’ corneal dystrophy with Lake Forest corneal transplants

Corneal transplant is a procedure performed in specific instances. One condition for which a corneal transplant may be the appropriate course of treatment is Fuchs’ dystrophy. In this eye disease, degeneration occurs in the cells lying at the innermost part of the cornea. Called the endothelium, this layer of cells is an area of the eye responsible for the maintenance of optimal fluid levels. Fluid is continually pumped through this area, keeping excess fluid from building up and causing swelling within the cornea.

Most people who are affected by Fuchs’ dystrophy will find both eyes impacted by a gradual decline in clear vision. This decline comes from the swelling and clouding that occurs with excess fluid. Although genetics may play a role in the development of this progressive eye condition, there are also cases in which no family history is found. Usually occurring in people over the age of fifty, the early signs of Fuchs’ dystrophy can be detected by your ophthalmologist earlier in life.

Early detection and treatment of eye conditions are important for the preservation of clear vision. As Fuchs’ progresses, the swollen cornea may be further affected by the development of blisters on the front surface, in bullous keratopathy.

Know what to look for

The best way to ensure eyes stay healthy is to maintain regular appointments with your licensed eye doctor. Dr. Salib is concerned not only with vision assessment and correction, but in all matters of the eye. Some of the signs of Fuchs’ dystrophy include:

Glare, or halos around light.
Sensitivity to light.
Eye pain.
Difficulty seeing at night.
Blurred and/or foggy vision.
Increased vision impairment in the morning, with gradual improvement through the day.
Feeling as if a foreign object is in the eye.

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Treating Fuchs’ dystrophy

There are several ways in which this concerning eye condition is treated, based on the severity of vision impairment. When detected early, Fuchs’ may be treated with eye drops designed to remove excess water from the cornea. Additional eye drops may be recommended to reduce the pressure within the eye, if ocular hypertension has developed.

In advanced cases, when blisters called epithelial bullae have developed and ruptured, a corneal transplant may be needed to prevent vision loss and restore physical comfort.

Dr. Salib of The Orange CountyEye Institute, near Lake Forest, has undergone extensive training in corneal transplants and other necessary eye treatments, and has years of experience helping patients preserve and correct optimal vision. Contact us for your eye exam today.