An Overview of Fuch's Endothelial Dystrophy

Last updated 12 months ago

If you are waking up in the morning with blurred vision that seems to improve throughout the day, you may be suffering from a condition called Fuch’s Endothelial Dystrophy in which corneal cells are lost to deposits of guttae. Vision is affected in this condition because the intraocular pressure is not well-regulated when the cornea is weakened. Here are some of the basics about Fuch’s Endothelial Dystrophy (FED) to help you understand if you are at risk for this condition:

Screening and diagnosis
The signs of FED can be identified in an eye exam before you begin to notice symptoms affecting your vision. Therefore, regular check-ups for your eyes are an important part of your vision health. Finding the condition before it presents noticeable signs in your eyesight can save you unneeded discomfort later on. Typically, tests can indicate FED when a patient is between the ages of 30 and 40, but symptoms usually don’t present until the patient reaches 50 or 60 years of age.

Causes
The exact cause of FED is not entirely clear, but it is linked to genetic inheritance. More women than men tend to be affected by the condition. FED is degenerative, meaning it will continue to worsen over time because the corneal tissue will continue to be damaged.

Treatment options
Once your doctor has diagnosed you with FED, there are treatments to reduce the discomfort caused by the disorder while improving your quality of vision. You may consider using prescription eye drops, or you might opt for surgery that will cover the cornea with a thin membrane to protect it.

Find out which treatment is right for your needs and keep your eyes healthy by scheduling a visit with our team of Tampa eye doctors at Newsom Eye. We offer a wide range of surgical treatments to help you see clearly for life. Learn more on our website or call us at (813) 908-2020.