The endothelium layer of the cornea is affected by the non-inflammatory, sporadic or autosomal dominant Fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy. The cornea thickens and accumulates guttae over many years, resulting in glare, haloes, and decreased visual acuity. In Fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy, the cornea can sustain damage so severe that it may result in corneal blindness.
Smoking and body mass index are environmental risk factors for developing Fuch’s dystrophy. Studies have shown that people who had smoked 20 packs per year had a risk of cornea guttata that was more than twice as high as someone who doesn’t smoke. Lower risk of cornea guttata was correlated with higher weight and body mass index.
Fuchs’ dystrophy is uncommon in adults under the age of 30 to 40, although it appears to manifest significantly earlier in women.
Reduced contrast sensitivity and a slight decline in visual acuity are some of the initial signs of Fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy. Patients frequently experience glare around a point source of light or have trouble driving at night. Due to the dystrophy’s frequently gradual onset, individuals may not even be aware that their vision has been affected. Patients will start to experience fluctuating vision as fluid starts to build up in the stroma (the central layer of the cornea); this is usually worse in the morning and better in the afternoon. On humid or rainy days, vision may be worse on dry days, it may be better. The vision eventually stops varying and becomes consistently fuzzy.Slowly, the vision will continue to deteriorate, and if bullae form and rupture, leaving corneal epithelial abnormalities, you may experience intermittent pain.
It is imperative that if you are experiencing such symptoms or have been diagnosed with Fuch’s endothelial dystrophy then regular eye checkups should be scheduled. Moreover, symptoms can be managed in a timely manner and if need be surgical intervention can be taken at an appropriate time.
At The Eye Center- Dr. Mahnaz Naveed Shah & Associates our team of eight ophthalmology subspecialists/ eye specialists, eye surgeons who are considered amongst the very best eye specialists in Karachi and in Pakistan, have the diagnostic and treatment capabilities to treat from the simplest to the most complex patients. We work hard to provide our patients with the best possible medical and surgical eye care, in a state of the art purpose built eye care facility. We offer the entire array of medical, laser and surgical treatments to help provide patients the best possible care in the most efficient, safe and ethical manner.
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