Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy is a is a slowly progressing corneal disease that usually affects both eyes. A relatively common, progressive eye condition, Fuch’s dystrophy affects the innermost layer of cells in the cornea, known as endothelial cells.
Endothelial cells are responsible for maintaining corneal clarity by pumping out excess fluid, but in Fuch’s dystrophy, these cells gradually deteriorate. This leads to a buildup of fluid, corneal swelling, and blurred vision. Fuchs is a hereditary condition, meaning it’s passed down in families and if a parent has the condition, you are more likely to have it.
Fuchs Dystrophy typically affects people over the age of 50, although it can occasionally present earlier. Although doctors can often see early signs of the condition in people in their 30s and 40s, the disease rarely affects vision until people reach their 50s and 60s. The condition is slightly more common in women than in men.
