FUCH'S DYSTROPHY FUCH'S DYSTROPHY IS PRIMARILY AN INHERITED CONDITION AFFECTING THE cornea. The condition can range from mild to severe with visual acuity disturbance varying. It is a major cause for corneal transplantation. The cornea, the 'clear window' that brings reflected light waves into the eye is composed of three layers. The outer layer known as the epithelium protects the eye from irritants and fights off infection from entering the tough inner layer known as the stroma, made up of collagens and proteins. The delicate inner layer called the corneal endothelium acts a barrier preventing water, contained within the inside of the eye, from moving into and being absorbed by the cornea. With the condition of Fuch's dystrophy, the endothelium does not function normally and allows water to enter the cornea creating corneal clouding that blurs vision. As the cornea swelling or edema becomes more severe the blurring causes greater visual distortion. Corneal edema can develop a condition known as bullous keratopathy where the outer surface layer, the epithelium forms blisters that can rupture causing sharp pain. The number of endothelium cells present significantly impacts the health of the cornea. As we age, it is normal to gradually lose a portion of endothelium cells as these cells die off and are not replaced. Corneal swelling is still prevented through a reserve number of endothelium cells that the body maintains. With Fuch's dystrophy, fewer corneal endothelium cells are present and these cells die off faster, leaving an inadequate reserve of cells to prevent corneal swelling. Damage caused to endothelium layer from uveitis (an inflammation inside the eye), acute glaucoma (extreme high-pressure inside the eye) or trauma from intraocular surgery can increase degeneration of the endothelium cells. For patients with Fuch's dystrophy, combining cataract surgery with corneal transplantation may be necessary. Our Practice l Services l Publications l Map & Directions l Contact Us l Privacy Policy Cataracts l Cornea and External Diseases l Corneal Transplants l Refractive Errors Refractive Surgery l Optics All contents © copyright 2002-2004 Corneal Consultants of Colorado, P.C. All rights reserved. Development by Mindshare HDV. Edema of the stroma layer of the cornea causes blurring that impacts visual acuity as demonstrated above by the chart viewed with normal vision and distortion.