FUCHS’ Dystrophy (pronounced Fooks) affects the cornea, or “window” of the eye that is responsible for focusing light into the eye. FUCHS’ Dystrophy causes the endothelial cells (inner most cells of cornea) to start dying off. The cells are responsible for pumping fluid out of the eye. When the endothelium cells stop working, the corneal fills up with water, swells and causes blurry vision. Extreme complications include blisters on the cornea and may eventually break, cause eye pain.
FUCHS’ Dystrophy affects 1% of the population and is hereditary. If either parent has the condition, their children have a 50% chance of developing the condition.
Dr. Perl has been seeing FUCHS’ patients from New Jersey and around the country over 30 years. Dr. Perl closely monitors FUCHS’ Dystrophy patients and is one of the national leaders in performing DSAEK on these patients. Although symptoms can often be relieved with eye drops or ointments, the only cure for FUCHS’ is a corneal transplant. DSAEK ultra-thin corneal transplants often result in FUCHS’ Dystrophy patients to have fast recovery times, and excellent visual results.
FUCHS’ Dystrophy Symptoms
- Eye sensitivity to light and glare
- Foggy or blurred vision, usually first thing in the mornings
- Eye pain
- Seeing halos around lights
- Worsening vision throughout the day
For more information on FUCHS’ Dystrophy or DSAEK, call 973-439-EYES (3937)