Fuchs Corneal dystrophy David Kinshuck |
What is Fuchs corneal dystrophy? |
The condition is described well here at St Lukes. I have given a very brief description below. A research article is here. |
Anatomy |
The cornea is the front 'window' of the eye. It is clear, just like glass. On the back surface of the cornea there is a single layer of cells, the 'endothelium'. This endothelium contains a layer of cells that 'pump' fluid out of the cornea. (The fluid enters naturally.) If you have this condition, this layer of cells becomes damages as you get older. The 'pump' system stops working, and then cornea becomes thick and waterlogged with fluid. This makes the cornea cloudy, like frosted glass, and you will have difficulty seeing. See the St Lukes. page for more details. |
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Surgery ... corneal graft / corneal transplant |
If cornea is very cloudy , you may need a corneal transplant if you want to see clearly again. The patient cornea is replaced in an operation with a donor cornea. There are newer operations, where only one layer of the corneal needs transplanting. These new operations are being carefully researched. |
Patient group for people with Fuchs corneal dystrophy |
There is now a 'patient group' for people in the UK with this condition.
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Genes
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