Fuchs Dystrophy

In Fuchs Dystrophy the innermost layer of the cornea (endothelium) degenerates, loosing its function to pump the fluid of the cornea back into the eye. The consequences are swelling of the cornea and decrease in vision. Because the endothelial cells work oxygen-dependent, function diminishes during night, when eyelids are closed. This is why one of the typical symptoms is blurry vision in the morning, that can get better during the day. If fluid stays in the cornea for a long time, blisters (bullae) can build and break, causing pain and infection and corneal scars can develop. If Fuchs Dystrophy is present before Cataract surgery, endothelial function can get worse after Cataract surgery due to damage of ultrasound energy.