What is Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy

1. Nexus Eye Care What is Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy? https://nexuseyecare.com.au/

2. Nexus Eye Care Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy? Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy (FED) is a progressive eye disorder that affects the cornea, the transparent, dome-shaped tissue at the front of the eye. It primarily affects the endothelial cells, a thin layer of cells which maintain corneal clarity and regulate the balance of fluid.

3. Nexus Eye Care Symptoms of Fuchs’ Endothelial Dystrophy • Blurry or Hazy Vision : Corneal swelling causes morning blurry vision due to overnight fluid buildup, improving throughout the day. • Halos Around Lights : The swelling of the cornea can distort the way light enters the eye, leading to the appearance of halos, particularly in low-light conditions.

4. Nexus Eye Care Symptoms of Fuchs’ Endothelial Dystrophy • Increased Sensitivity to Light: As the condition progresses, individuals with FED may find bright lights uncomfortable and experience glare, which can interfere with everyday activities like driving at night. • Eye Pain or Discomfort : Some people with Fuchs’ Endothelial Dystrophy may experience pain or gritty sensation. • Declining Vision Over Time : Without intervention, the swelling can worsen, leading to a more significant loss of vision, and eventually causing legal blindness.

5. Nexus Eye Care Causes and Risk Factors • Age: People with FED typically do not develop symptoms until over the age of 50, though it can appear earlier in some cases. • Family History: If someone in your family has been diagnosed with FED, your chances of having it increase. • Gender: Women are more likely to develop FED than men, and the condition may also progress more rapidly in females. • History of Intraocular Surgery: Previous eye surgeries, such as cataract surgery, may accelerate endothelial cell loss and worsen FED symptoms.

6. Nexus Eye Care Diagnosis of Fuchs’ Endothelial Dystrophy • Slit Lamp Examination: • Examines eye structures for corneal swelling and endothelial changes. • Specular Microscopy • Captures detailed images of endothelial cells to assess health and function. • Pachymetry • Measures corneal thickness, detecting fluid buildup in FED. • Visual Acuity Test • Evaluates vision clarity and tracks impairment progression.

7. Nexus Eye Care Treatment Options for Fuchs’ Endothelial Dystrophy • Descemet’s Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK) • During this procedure, the dysfunctional endothelial cell layer is removed, and a partial thickness donor cornea tissue is transplanted to restore function. • Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) • This is an advanced and precise form of corneal transplant that involves removing the dysfunctional endothelial cell layer and replacing it with a similar thin layer of tissue containing healthy donor endothelial cells.

8. Nexus Eye Care Living with Fuchs’ Endothelial Dystrophy • While FED can be a challenging corneal disease, many individuals can manage it effectively with appropriate treatment. Regular visits to an ophthalmologist are essential for monitoring the progression of the disease and adjusting treatment as necessary. • In cases where more advanced treatments are needed, corneal transplantation has a high success rate, with many patients achieving significant improvement in vision.

9. Nexus Eye Care` Thank You Contact Us Blacktown : 02 9672 3055 • Norwest : 02 9680 9100 https://nexuseyecare.com.au/