Fuchs Dystrophy โ Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Fuchs dystrophy affects the cornea, the clear front tissue of the eye, causing fluid buildup. This condition makes the cornea swell and thicken, which leads to vision problems and discomfort.
Most people with Fuchs dystrophy have it in both eyes. As time passes, vision may gradually worsen. The condition develops slowly, giving patients time to explore treatment options with their eye doctor before severe vision loss occurs.
Signs and Problems
People with Fuchs dystrophy typically experience symptoms in both eyes as the condition progresses. Vision becomes blurry or cloudy, making it difficult to see clearly.
Many patients notice their vision changes throughout the day.
Problems are usually worst after waking up and gradually improve during daytime hours. In advanced cases, blurriness may last longer or remain constant.
Other common symptoms include:
- Sensitivity to glare in both bright and dim lighting
- Seeing rings or halos around lights
- Discomfort or gritty feeling caused by small blisters on the cornea surface
When Medical Help Is Needed
Contact an eye specialist if you experience these symptoms, particularly if they worsen over time. Your eye doctor might refer you to someone who specializes in corneal disorders.
If symptoms appear suddenly, request an urgent appointment. Remember that other eye conditions can cause similar symptoms and may also require prompt treatment to prevent vision loss.
Causes
Fuchs dystrophy develops when endothelial cells on the corneaโs inner surface gradually die off or malfunction. These cells normally maintain proper fluid balance in the cornea.
When they donโt work correctly, fluid builds up in the cornea (edema), causing it to thicken and vision to blur.
The condition has a strong genetic component and often runs in families. The inheritance pattern is complex, which explains why:
- Family members may have different levels of severity
- Some relatives may show no symptoms at all
- Others might develop significant vision problems
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase your chances of developing Fuchs dystrophy:
- Gender differences: Women face a higher risk of Fuchs dystrophy than men.
- Family history: Having relatives with this condition raises your risk level. Genetics play an important role in who develops this eye condition.
- Age Considerations: Most people start showing signs of Fuchs dystrophy in their 30s or 40s. However, many donโt experience symptoms until they reach their 50s or 60s. There is also a rare form that begins in childhood.
Research has identified a specific genetic pattern involving a trinucleotide repeat expansion in a particular gene (transcription factor 4) that may predict who will develop this corneal condition.
