Fuchs’ corneal dystrophy (sometimes called Fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy) is a progressive, inherited eye disease that affects the innermost layer of the cornea (the corneal endothelium).

Here’s a breakdown:

?? What happens in the eye

The endothelial cells in the cornea are responsible for pumping out excess fluid and keeping the cornea clear.

In Fuchs’ dystrophy, these cells gradually die off.

As they decline, the cornea swells (edema) and may develop tiny bumps (guttae) on its inner surface.

Over time, this swelling leads to clouding, glare, and vision loss.

??? Symptoms

Blurred or hazy vision (especially in the morning that improves during the day)

Glare and halos around lights

Difficulty seeing at night

Eye discomfort or pain (in later stages, from corneal swelling or blisters called bullae)

?? Who gets it

Most common in people over age 50 (though signs can start earlier).

More common in women than men.

Often runs in families (genetic component).

?? Causes & risk factors

Genetic mutations (often in the TCF4 gene) increase risk.

Age is the biggest factor.

Family history plays a role.

Smoking, diabetes, and possibly oxidative stress may contribute.

?? Treatment

Early stage:

Hypertonic saline (salt) eye drops or ointment to reduce swelling

Using a hair dryer at arm’s length to gently dry the cornea in the morning

Managing glare with special glasses or lenses

Advanced stage:

Corneal transplant surgery is the main treatment. Newer techniques replace only the diseased inner layers (e.g., DSAEK or DMEK) instead of the whole cornea.

? Outlook

It usually progresses slowly over decades.

With modern corneal transplant techniques, outcomes are excellent, and vision can often be restored.