Fuchs’ Corneal Dystrophy & Low A Vision Doctor

IALVS eye doctors specialize in maximizing your sight and your quality of life!

Fuchs’ dystrophy is a disease that affects the cornea, and it causes vision loss. It happens when cells in the endothelium, a layer of the cornea, slowly die off. Normally, in a healthy eye, these cells are responsible for pumping fluid out of the cornea to preserve your clear vision. When they die, the fluid stays there – and the cornea swells up, thereby clouding your vision. Glare becomes a very problematic issue, and it can interfere with your daily functioning.

If you are diagnosed with Fuchs’ Corneal Dystrophy, our IALVS eye doctors can help to enhance your vision. We can fit you with specialized optics to improve your visual comfort and contrast.

What types of low vision rehabilitation can help with Fuchs’ dystrophy?

The type of low vision aids that are helpful for patients with Fuchs’ dystrophy must be matched to the nature of the vision loss. For example, if you have photophobia (increased sensitivity to light), your IALVS eye doctor may fit you with glasses with photochromic lenses that give clear and comfortable outdoor vision. Specialized glasses lenses, such as anti-reflective coatings and customized tints and filters may also help.

If you struggle to read text or use a computer, our low vision doctors are knowledgeable about the best solutions to sharpen your near vision, such as magnifying optics. Want to get behind the wheel of a car again? Bioptic telescopic systems may be able to help you drive independently again.

To find the most effective low vision aids for vision loss caused by Fuchs’ dystrophy, you need a personalized evaluation by a qualified professional. Book an eye exam with an IALVS doctor near you!

What are the symptoms of Fuchs’ Corneal Dystrophy?

In the early stages of this condition, you may not notice any symptoms. As the disease progresses, you may be bothered by blurry vision all day long. You may sense a sandy or gritty feeling in your eyes and experience an extra sensitivity to light. Also, small blisters may form in the cornea and eventually get bigger before they break open, leading to ocular pain.

People in their 30s and 40s may already have Fuchs’ dystrophy yet be unaware of it because they don’t notice any vision problems until they are older.

Who is at risk of getting Fuchs’ dystrophy?

In general, women are more prone to this disease than men, and a family history of the condition also puts you at a higher risk. Smoking and diabetes may also increase your risk.

What is the treatment for Fuchs’ dystrophy?

At present, this disease cannot be cured. However, the vision problems from corneal swelling can generally be controlled – depending on the severity of your condition.

Early treatments include eye drops or ointment to reduce inflammation of corneal cells. It may also help to hold a hair dryer at arm’s length and blow warm air on your face to dry the corneal surface. Wearing soft contact lenses may also help to relieve your painful symptoms.

If Fuchs’ dystrophy progresses and you have extremely poor vision, your eye doctor may recommend a corneal transplant. There are two types of transplant surgeries:

• Endothelial keratoplasty (EK), in which healthy endothelial cells are transplanted into your cornea
• Full corneal transplant, in which a healthy donor cornea is used to replace the center of your cornea

Your IALVS eye doctor is here to help!

As optometrists who specialize in low vision, our IALVS eye doctors can fit you with filters and customized sunglasses to reduce the level of light that enters your eyes. This will sharpen your vision, enhance contrast, and restore comfort to your eyes. We can also match you with tinted eyeglasses lenses, such as oranges and purples, to clarify images and contrast.

A variety of low vision aids are available, and we keep up with the latest technologies and rehabilitation strategies. By maximizing your remaining eyesight, your IALVS eye doctor will help to maximize your quality of life!