What is Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy?

Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy (FECD) is an eye condition that affects the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. It's a bit like waking up to a foggy window every morning. This happens because of changes in the cells that help keep the cornea clear. Over time, these changes can cause the cornea to swell and blur your vision. It's important to remember that you're not alone in this, and we're here to guide you through every step of understanding FECD.

What are the symptoms of Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy?

FECD usually starts causing symptoms in people when they're in their 50s or 60s. It can start with blurry vision in the morning that gets clearer as the day goes on. As the condition worsens, you might notice that your vision stays blurry all day. Other symptoms can include sensitivity to light and seeing halos around lights. Remember, it's always a good idea to get an eye check-up if you notice changes in your vision.

What causes Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy?

FECD is often passed down through families, meaning it has a genetic cause. However, it can sometimes occur without any known family history. The condition happens when the endothelial cells, which pump fluid out of the cornea to keep it clear, start to decline. Without enough healthy cells, fluid builds up and the cornea swells and thickens, leading to vision problems.

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How is Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy diagnosed?

FECD is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam. Your eye doctor will check for signs of corneal swelling and may use a special microscope to look at the endothelial cells. Additional tests like corneal pachymetry, which measures corneal thickness, or corneal topography, which maps the cornea's surface, may also be performed.

How is Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy treated?

The treatment for FECD depends on how severe the symptoms are. In early stages, eye drops or ointments can help reduce the swelling in the cornea. In more advanced cases, a surgery called endothelial keratoplasty, where the inner layer of the cornea is replaced, may be needed. Remember, every person is unique and so is their treatment plan. It's all about finding what works best for you.

Conclusion

Living with Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy can be challenging, but with the right knowledge and treatment, it's manageable. The more we learn about FECD, the better equipped we are to tackle it. If this information has been useful to you, consider supporting our research. With your help, we can keep funding research to beat sight loss faster.