Question:
I have Fuch's Dystrophy and would love to hear from anyone that has had corneal transplant surgery. Any information would be great.
Out come of surgery, negative and positives please, infact any information at all.
I am thinking about having the surgery, if I am lucky enough to have the opportunity.
Look forward to your help.
Answer:
Fuchs' Dystrophy is a progressive corneal disorder characterized by gradual deterioration of the corneal endothelium. The endothelium is responsible for controlling fluid and solute transport into and out of the cornea in order to maintain the clean and slightly dehydrated state necessary for clear vision. In patients suffering from Fuchs' Dystrophy, the endothelium gradually loses its ability to regulate fluid and solute transport. As impurities build up in the cornea and hydration levels fluctuate, the cornea swells and vision becomes blurry. Occasionally blisters form on the endothelium, which can be very painful. With time, Fuchs' Dystrophy patients can become functionally blind. At this point, a corneal transplant is generally recommended.
Fuchs' Dystrophy affects women slightly more often than men. Early onset symptoms generally manifest between the ages of 30 and 40, but vision isn’t usually impaired until age 50 or 60. Individuals suffering from Fuchs' Dystrophy come from all over the country to see Dr. Koenig in Milwaukee, Wisconsin because he is a widely recognized authority on the condition and the latest treatment options.
