What is Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy?
Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy is a progressive eye condition causing vision problems and pain in the eyes. Blurred vision, typically in the morning, is the first symptom of this condition. The condition progresses over time, leading to sensitivity to light, pain in the affected area, and loss of sight in extreme cases. Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy affects the cornea, located at the eye’s front surface, where deposits called guttae start to get accumulated in the middle of the cornea. Eventually, it spreads through the cornea, causing cell death and vision problems. These deposits sometimes form tiny blisters on the cornea. When these blisters burst, they can cause severe eye pain.
Most signs and symptoms of Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy start to develop in individuals in their forties or fifties, while some people may experience them in their twenties.
If you are looking for a safe and reliable treatment for Fuchs eye disease in the UK, we suggest scheduling an appointment with our specialists. Harley Vision is the best place to treat Fuchs dystrophy in the UK, known for its top-class surgical procedures, advanced technology, and in-patient care.
Causes of Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy
While the genetics of Fuchs endothelial dystrophy is unclear, researchers have identified various genes and regions within a few chromosomes that may play a significant role.
Fuchs endothelial dystrophy affects a thin layer of cells located at the back of the cornea called corneal endothelial cells. These cells help in regulating the fluid inside the cornea. A proper balance of fluid is required to receive a clear vision. In Fuchs endothelial dystrophy, the endothelial cells start to die, filling the cornea with excess fluid and making it swollen. These cells continue to break over time, worsening the vision and making it painful. It is noted that some genetic mutation causes the death of corneal cells.
For instance, the mutation in the COL8A2 gene is responsible for some cases of early-onset variants. This gene instructs the body to make a protein available in type VIII collagen. This collagen type is primarily found in the cornea surrounding the endothelial cells.
Type VIII collagen is usually found in the Descemet’s membrane (a thin structure supporting the corneal endothelial cells), a tissue located at the back of the cornea. The COL8A2 gene mutation is an early-onset variant of Fuchs endothelial dystrophy causing abnormal Descemet’s membrane and leading the corneal endothelial cells to die. Besides mutations, unidentified genes are also believed to be playing a role in Fuchs endothelial dystrophy.
Early-onset of Fuchs endothelial dystrophy can easily be controlled with medications and specific lifestyle changes, while later stages of the condition may require surgery. Get yourself tested and know your treatment options for Fuchs endothelial dystrophy in the UK at our clinic.
Harley Vision provides the best treatment plan for Fuchs dystrophy in the UK, including diagnosis, surgical procedures, and in-patient and postoperative care.
Types of Collagen Corneal Crosslinking
There are two types of collagen corneal crosslinking- Epithelium-off and epithelium-on corneal crosslinking. Epithelium-off cross linking involves removing the topmost layer of the cornea, the epithelium to allow better penetration of the riboflavin drops. On the other hand, Epithelium-on corneal crosslinking involves leaving the epithelial layer intact during the application of riboflavin. This treatment process is less invasive than epithelium-off and is also called transepithelial crosslinking. But there are other treatment methods like Accelerated corneal crosslinking using UV radiation at an increased rate or contact lens-assisted corneal crosslinking using an ultraviolet barrier-free contact lens soaked with riboflavin for the effects.
Risk factors
Fuchs endothelial dystrophy is usually inherited. Although, its genetic basis is complex as the patient’s family member may have this disease to varying degrees or not at all.
Regardless of the cases, it can be controlled with medications or surgery. Know your treatment options for Fuchs endothelial dystrophy in the UK at Harley Vision.
Factors that can increase your risks of developing Fuchs endothelial dystrophy:
Genetics: Having a family history of this disease.
Gender: It is more common in women than men.
Age: The disease starts around the 40s to 50s but can affect individuals in their 20s (in very rare cases). Early-onset of Fuchs endothelial dystrophy is typically asymptomatic. Therefore, most people only find out once the disease progresses to an advanced stage.
Get yourself tested for Fuchs dystrophy in the UK by scheduling a consultation with our professionals.
Symptoms of Fuchs Dystrophy
Fuchs’ dystrophy symptoms are blurred or cloud vision, vision fluctuation, vision decrease in dim and bright lights, seeing halos around lights, and feeling or pain/grittiness in the eyes.
The symptoms of Fuchs’ dystrophy vary as per the severity of the disease. The course of the disease is generally divided into four stages that may span over 10-20 years.
Stage 1
People with Fuchs' dystrophy in this stage are less likely to experience any symptoms. However, tests can detect the disease at its early stage. It is the stage when the pigment dusting starts to appear on the posterior surface of the cornea, caused by thickened Descemet's membrane and central corneal guttae appearing as tiny droplets
Step 02
The patient starts to experience decreased vision when awakening, such as blurred vision in the morning and glare. At this point, epithelial edema can be noticed in the form of fine micro cysts on the corneal surface. Under slit lamp examination, experts can see stromal edema known as corneal thickening.
Step 03
By this point, patients start to have painful episodes in their eyes and decreased vision. The formation of bullae is noticed in epithelial and subepithelial layers. This is a stage where you must take your treatment seriously. Consult our board-certified cornea specialists for treating Fuchs endothelial dystrophy in the UK.
Step 04
While patients may not experience any painful episodes, vision loss may have advanced to a severe form. The non-vascular subepithelial connective tissues are most likely to be diffused at this point.
If you experience these symptoms, it’s crucial to get yourself treated earliest. Harley Vision offers the best treatment for Fuchs endothelial dystrophy in the UK.
We are dedicated to offering the highest standard of Fuchs corneal dystrophy treatment in the UK. Book your consultation for a thorough diagnosis.
Diagnosis of Fuchs Dystrophy :For a reliable diagnosis of Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy, your doctor needs to undergo the following tests besides a standard “vision test.”
Cornea examination and grading: The doctor will use an optical microscope or slit lamp to diagnose Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy to identify any irregular bumps (guttae) on the cornea. They will also assess any noticeable swelling in your cornea to determine the disease’s stage.
Corneal Thickness: A corneal pachymetry test will be performed to measure your cornea’s thickness. Corneal cell count: your doctor counts the number, shape, and size of the cells in your corneas. However, this test is not always required.
Corneal topography :includes taking pictures of your cornea to determine any early signs of corneal swelling. Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy, when caught early, can be controlled and even treated with surgery. Know your treatment options for Fuchs endothelial dystrophy in the UK at your clinic.
Treatment Options for Fuchs Dystrophy in the UK
The early stages of Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy, such as pain and swelling, can be treated with prescription eye drops or ointments. Your doctor may even suggest you use soft contact lenses if needed. You can also try some in-home remedies, such as using hypertonic saline to dehydrate your cornea to improve your vision. You may also use a hairdryer to dry out excess moisture from your cornea. With proper treatment, the progression of Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy can be controlled. However, it can progress into severe cases in rare cases where surgical treatment is necessary.
Most surgeries for Fuchs endothelial dystrophy in the UK come with two options: a full corneal transplant or an endothelial keratoplasty (EK). Your doctor removes the cornea and replaces it with the donors in complete corneal surgery. Our surgeon for Fuchs endothelial dystrophy in the UK replaces the damaged endothelial cells with healthier ones in EK.
The best surgical treatment for advanced Fuchs endothelial dystrophy in the UK and other developed countries worldwide remains the DMEK, short for Descemet’s Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty. The damaged endothelial layer is replaced with a donor in this surgery, leaving the remaining layers untouched.
DMEK surgery is often preferred over DSAEK and traditional full corneal transplants. It has less chance of graft rejection while offering faster visual recovery and reduced usage of postoperative topical steroids. However, a traditional full-thickness corneal transplant may be needed for patients with significant corneal scarring. It has a high success rate, with 85 percent of remaining clears over the next two years. Harley Vision is a renowned name for treating Fuchs endothelial dystrophy in the UK
How does Fuchs eye disease affect your vision?
Fuchs eye disease is a progressive disease that can start from mild cases of blurry vision to a significant scale of vision loss. Patients only notice some blurred or distorted visions in the early stages when they wake up. They may also experience ocular pain and some grittiness. The vision loss could be more severe when the disease progresses, including extreme pain in the corneal region. Get the best care and treatment for Fuchs dystrophy in the UK to control the disease at its earliest. Schedule a consultation for Fuchs eye disease in the UK at Harley Vision.
Risk Factors of Endothelial Dystrophy Surgery
While the surgery is considered safe for most patients with cornea damage, some risks include infection, transplant rejection, redness, bleeding, sensitivity to light, pain, and blurred vision.
If these symptoms persist after the surgery, patients must contact their doctor immediately.
There are different types of surgical procedures available to treat various stages of Fuchs eye disease; contact your doctor at Harley Vision for the best Fuchs corneal dystrophy treatment in the UK.
Costs for Fuchs corneal dystrophy treatment in the UK
For instance, a complete corneal transplant surgery will cost more than a DMEK treatment for Fuchs eye disease in the UK, as the process is more critical and time-consuming.
The price also differs based on the surgeon’s fees, in-patient care costs, post-surgery care, and medications. At Harley Vision, we have created a simple price list for treatment for Fuchs eye disease in the UK. We charge a fixed price for each type of surgery, with no hidden fees and no marketing push. Our team will help you with help you through the assessment, and our lead surgeon will plan the best treatment options.
You can consult our top surgeon to find out the UK’s best Fuchs corneal dystrophy treatment. Book an appointment today.
Frequent asked questions (FAQs):
Without treatment, the Fuchs disease can progress to a stage where one may experience severe pain, significantly reduced vision, and, in rare cases, blindness.
Fuch’s dystrophy is a progressive condition that increasingly gets worse with time. There is no medicinal cure for it, but it can be controlled through topical eye drops and ointments. In some cases, you may have to go for surgery. The surgery for Fuchs endothelial dystrophy in the UK at AI vision Clinic is relatively simple and helps restore sight and eliminate physical discomfort.
At Harley Vision, we conduct three types of Fuchs dystrophy surgery based on the severity of the condition. Know which plans suit you the best. Contact our surgeon for the best treatment plan for Fuchs dystrophy in the UK
There is a fifty percent chance of an individual developing Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy if their parents have the disease. However, it can also occur in people without any known family history. Also, this disease is more prominent among women than men.
If you notice any symptoms of Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy, there is still a chance to control it and restore your vision. Contact our doctors for Fuchs dystrophy in the UK at Harley Vision.
Fuchs Dystrophy usually starts among people in their 30s and 40s. However, in most cases, the symptoms often go unnoticeable. The symptoms often start developing when a person reaches their 50s or 60s. Are you looking for a safe treatment for Fuchs eye disease in the UK? Consult our lead surgeon today. Get yourself diagnosed today and rule out any chances of Fuchs dystrophy. Harley Vision is a popular medical establishment for treating Fuchs dystrophy in the UK, offering reliable care and state-of-the-art treatment from experienced surgeons.
Fuchs Dystrophy can easily be controlled when caught and treated at its earlier stages. However, patients may have to go for surgical options in some cases. The surgeries for Fuchs dystrophy in the UK at Harley Vision are performed by Mr. Mukhtar Bizrah, a certified surgeon and an expert in advanced corneal diseases and cataracts.
Fuchs Dystrophy, at its earliest stage, is not severe. You may experience some blurring vision, but it can be controlled with medications. However, if the disease progresses, it can lead to severe vision loss and pain that can only be treated with surgery. Harley Vision offers the best treatment for Fuchs dystrophy in the UK by Dr. Mukhtar Bizrah, a board-certified ophthalmologist in the UK, Canada, and Europe.
DSAEK or DMEK is a treatment for Fuchs eye disease in the UK that involves replacing the back layer of the cornea. In these treatments, air is used in the eye to keep the transplant in place and allow it to attach on its own, rather than using stitches.
Harley Vision is a renowned medical establishment offering corneal transplantation for Fuchs eye disease in the UK. Dr. Mukhtar Bizrah carries out all surgeries, a board-certified corneal surgeon specializing in Fuchs corneal dystrophy treatment in the UK.
