Fuchs corneal dystrophy is a disease affecting the cells lining the inner layer of the cornea within the front of the eye. With progressive damage to these cells the cornea can become swollen and cloudy.
What are the symptoms of Fuchs corneal dystrophy?
Symptoms may include blurred vision, particularly in the morning, in addition to light sensitivity and eye pain or discomfort. Fuchs corneal dystrophy is more common in females and there may be a family history of the disease.
How is Fuchs corneal dystrophy managed?
Treatments usually aim to replace the diseased cells. This may be achieved with a delicate partial thickness corneal transplant. New treatment trials are underway which involve the injection of healthy corneal cells into the eye, potentially avoiding the need for a corneal transplant.
Surgery for Fuchs corneal dystrophy
Corneal transplant
Corneal transplant surgery for Fuchs corneal dystrophy aims to replace the inner lining of the cornea with a specially prepared partial thickness human donor cornea.
- Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) – the specially prepared tissue involves a single layer of cells and their attached membrane. A small incision is made in the side of the eye to insert the transplant tissue. This is then positioned with an air or gas bubble. After this surgery patients are required to position, usually laying on their back, for some time while the air or gas bubble dissolves.
- Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK) - the specially prepared tissue involves a single layer of cells in addition to other supportive tissue from the human donor cornea. The transplant tissue is inserted through a small incision on the side of the eye and positioned with an air or gas bubble. Similar to DMEK, patients are required to position after surgery, often laying on their back, for an instructed period of time.
Descemet stripping only (DSO)
In this procedure the central diseased inner layer of the cornea is partially removed and allowed to heal post-operatively.
Drops are applied post-operatively in an effort to speed up the healing and recovery process. This procedure is usually reserved for patients with early and symptomatic disease which is only impacting on the central cornea.
Want to know if corneal surgery is suitable for you? Make an appointment with Dr Northey today.
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