Fuchs’ Dystrophy Treatment
At Heart of Texas Eye Care, we have a primary objective of caring for patients with corneal disease. We are experienced in performing corneal surgery and training other ophthalmologists to perform these surgeries. Our experts treat Fuchs’ dystrophy with DSEK and DMEK procedures, which allow faster recovery and superior visual results.
Learn more about Fuchs’ Dystrophy Treatment
What Causes Fuchs’ Dystrophy?
Fuchs’ dystrophy is a condition that affects the cornea, the clear front of the eye. The cornea’s innermost layer is lined with endothelial cells, which are responsible for pumping fluid out of the cornea to keep it clear. In patients with Fuchs’ dystrophy, endothelial cells are fewer in number and less effective. Over time the number of endothelial cells diminishes, allowing the cornea to swell and make the vision cloudy.
Symptoms of Fuchs’ Dystrophy include:
- Blurred vision, typically worse in the morning
- Sensitivity to light
- Glare and halos around lights
- Eye pain
- Decreased contrast sensitivity – the ability to see the difference between similar objects of a similar shade, ex: difficulty seeing a golf ball in front of a pale sky
What is Fuchs’ Dystrophy Treatment and How Does it Work?
Fuchs’ dystrophy treatment relieves symptoms from Fuchs’ dystrophy and improves vision. At Heart of Texas Eye Care, we provide DSEK, DMEK, and penetrating keratoplasty procedures to treat Fuchs’ dystrophy. During DSEK, your practitioner will remove damaged endothelial cells and the membrane anchoring them to replace them with a partial-thickness graft from a donor. Donor stromal tissue is also utilized in DSEK. DMEK is similar to DSEK; however, donor stromal tissue is not used.
DSEK and DMEK are partial corneal transplants, unlike a penetrating keratoplasty (corneal transplant) which is a full corneal transplant. During a penetrating keratoplasty, your surgeon will remove the full thickness of your cornea and replace it with a donor cornea.
Over-the-counter medicated eye drops can often control the initial symptoms of Fuchs’ dystrophy. Patients also may find relief by blowing a hairdryer from arm’s length, set on low, in the direction of their eyes. Symptoms of Fuchs’ dystrophy are often worse in the morning and fade throughout the day. As Fuchs’ dystrophy progresses, the symptoms last longer and become more severe. We typically recommend surgical options when the vision deteriorates to a point where eye drops are no longer sufficient.
How Can I Benefit From Fuchs’ Dystrophy Treatment?
Both surgical and non-surgical treatments for Fuchs’ dystrophy can help manage symptoms. Medicated eye drops are a convenient option that can reduce fluid in the cornea, reducing swelling to alleviate symptoms. For more severe cases and for lasting relief, surgical treatments can provide long-term improvements in vision.
Benefits of Fuchs’ dystrophy treatment include:
- Improved vision
- Reduced symptoms, including blurry vision and eye pain
- Improved quality of life
What to Expect During Fuchs’ Dystrophy Treatment
At Heart of Texas Eye Care, we provide various treatment options for Fuchs’ dystrophy. Your provider will inform you of what procedures you are a candidate for and help you conclude what procedure is right for you.
DSEK (Descemets Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty)
On the day of your procedure, our team will prepare you for treatment and administer numbing drops to your eyes, along with medication to help you relax if needed. After our team makes all the necessary preparations, we will escort you to the operating suite.
During your procedure, your surgeon will create a small incision in the eye and remove the cornea’s innermost layer. They will replace this tissue with a donor graft and create an air bubble to hold it in place. DSEK is not painful, and we will utilize a special tool to gently keep your eye open while you simply relax.
DMEK (Descemets Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty)
Once our team has prepared you for treatment, your surgeon will make a tiny incision and remove the endothelial cell layer, replacing it with a donor graft. This graft does not include stromal tissue, which means it is thinner than grafts utilized in DSEK. Your surgeon will then use an air bubble to hold it in place.
Penetrating Keratoplasty (Full Thickness Corneal Transplant)
During a penetrating keratoplasty, your surgeon will create a small incision in the full thickness of the cornea and replace it with a donor graft. Once your surgeon places the graft, they use sutures to keep it in place. The entire procedure is painless, and your nurse or anesthesiologist can administer medication to help you feel calm.
Recovery Timeline for Fuchs’ Dystrophy Treatment
As with many procedures, patients should expect to take some time to rest and recover. You will need to use eyedrops to ensure optimal healing and prevent infection. An eyeshield should be worn at night for the first few weeks of recovery to protect your eye as you sleep. You will not be able to resume driving right away, so it is best to make arrangements to have some help with your transportation.
During recovery, you should avoid rubbing your eyes and getting any irritants in them, such as dirt, dust, and smoke. It is best to avoid contact sports and swimming and avoid getting water into your eyes. Patients are scheduled for a few follow-up exams after their procedure to monitor their healing. After patients have fully recovered, they should continue to come in for annual eye exams.
Who Can Have Fuchs’ Dystrophy Treatment?
Surgical procedures for Fuchs’ dystrophy are often suitable for patients who are experiencing vision complications that eye drops cannot treat. Patients who have had previous eye surgeries or have other eye conditions may not be candidates for DMEK. Patients with corneal scarring may not be candidates for DMEK and DSEK and may require a full-thickness corneal transplant.
Take the
Next Step
Would you like to learn more about Fuchs’ dystrophy and take the first step toward a clearer future? Then please fill out our online form below or call us at (512) 213-2220 to get started with an in-person consultation at Heart of Texas Eye Care. Our courteous staff and board-certified ophthalmologists are here to assist you through every step of your journey!
Clearer Vision
Starts Here
If you’re ready for lasting vision correction with LASIK, a consultation for cataracts, or maybe blepharoplasty to rejuvenate aging eyes, our team can help. Or maybe it’s time for your yearly eye exam or maintenance Botox® injections. Click the button below to explore financing options for all your eye care needs.
If you’re ready for lasting vision correction with LASIK, a consultation for cataracts, or maybe blepharoplasty to rejuvenate aging eyes, our team can help. Or maybe it’s time for your yearly eye exam or maintenance Botox® injections. Click the button below to explore financing options for all your eye care needs.