Speed,progression,Fuchs'

I am 66 with family history of Fuchs'.  I had a long-overdue eye exam and, familiar with my family history, asked the doctor if I had Fuchs'.  Surprised that I knew what it was, he told me that I do indeed have the inherited disease.  He took a picture of cell count and identified areas of glutta (?) when I asked to have it interpreted.  I also have cataracts.  Right now my vision is 20/20 with correction. He said down the road I will have cataract surgery which will worsen Fuchs'.  He said they are now having success with partial corneal transplant (90%).  I don't need the physiology explained but I would like some idea about the rapidity of progression of the disease. Is there a common progression or is it simply individual?  My doctor says that all is well now because my corrected vision is so good.  Can onset of symptoms appear rapidly?  As it is, he said yearly exams are adequate.    


This discussion is related to Fuch's Dystrophy?.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

1. Use the search feature and pull up the extended discussions we've had about Fuch's
2. Most patients with Fuch's do not need surgery.
3. It usually progresses slowly except in families where there is a strong history of individuals (usually female) needing corneal transplants in early and middle age.
4. the corneal transplant for Fuch's is being rapidly replaced by a new procesure called DSEAK in which only the inner layer is replaced. It is safer, much faster healing and give much better vision.
5. If you are examined by an Eye MD ophthalmologist yearly that is enough. your care should not be entrusted to a non physician non MD optometrist.

JCH III MD