Is it Fuch's Dystrophy?

[hazelynutz]

I woke up with a blurred vision in my right eye today. It's been past 1 hour and it has yet to return to normal. The vision is sensitive to light as well, with glare when I look out of the window. The vision i have now is similar to the symptoms I read for Fuch's Dystrophy except that I do not experience any pain or discomfort.


This is not the first time I have experienced this... I have experienced this occasionally since 6 years ago and the vision usually gets better as the day goes by. I am a 23yo female.

[JohnHaganMD]

It's not likely. You should of course see an ophthalmologist for a complete eye exam and express your concern about Fuchs and also about your awaking with blurred vision.  What you likely have is called "exposure keratitis"  This is especially likely if you sleep under a fan or have air moving across your face at night; if you have sleep apnea and wear a CPAP machine, if you've had eyelid surgery or ever been told when you sleep some part of the white of your eye shows. Basically when we sleep the eyelids often 'crack open" a little bit. Normally its not a problem but if air moves across the eye or the person has dry eyes the cornea gets "chapped and raw" (we call if exposure keratitis). The rough cornea is painful and blurs the vision. After you're awake and blinking the cornea rehydrates over 15-30 minutes and it clears. up. If its a big problem turn off the fan (if you have one) and use a lubricating gel in both eyes at bedtime (example Genteal Gel, Refresh Liquigel, Systane gel)   gels are thick and will last the night. Regular artificial tears won't last but about 4 hours.

[hazelynutz]

Thanks so much for your reply! You're right, I have been told that I sleep with my eyes opened slightly. I guess it all makes sense now. Thanks!

[hazelynutz]

However, my vision doesn't recover within 15-20 minutes though... it takes hours. Like it's been 3 hous now and it has yet to be back to normal.

[JohnHaganMD]

Well as I said you need to see an Eye MD ophthalmologist but its not likely Fuchs