guttatta & thick cornea

My mom  (and grandmother)has fuchs dystrophy and glaucoma.. my opthamogist says my cornea has changed, is thick and I have guttatta. I am 40 year old female. They are going to watch me closely due to family history.. can I be in the beginning stages of Fuchs? Is it possible my eyes will not get worse? My vision is 20/25 although I do have some blurriness at times. The glare at night has always (for years) bothered me.. Should I see a specialist or continue with my regular opthamologist? Thank you.. Kris

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

We have discussed Fuchs' Dystrophy at length in recent discussions. Please use the search feature to review those which will answer most your questions.

You can be followed by a regular ophthalmologist. Periodically a corneal thickness (pachymetry) should be done or a endothelial cell count. Most Fuchs' do not require surgery.

There is a dramatic new surgery for Fuchs' dystrophy called DSAEK  (Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty). It is much safer and the healing much quicker. It requries special instruments and techniques. Not all corneal surgeons are trained in this technique.

Any patient facing need for a corneal transplant for Fuchs or other reason should seek out a corneal surgeon doing DSEAK.

JCH III MD

[kris598]

Thank you for your help. Does the fact that I have have guttatta and cornea thickness, as well as definate family history mean I also have Fuchs?..If I do, how long does the diasese take to progress from stage to stage?. Last year I had guttata only. This year , guttata & cornea thickness. Is there any way to stop the progression?  Thank you ..Kristin

[John C Hagan]

It's a matter of degree and no standard number of guttatta or thickness "makes" the diagnosis. The progression is variable and most Fuchs patients don't need DSAEK done.

There is no way to prevent the progression. If the cornea starts to get swollen (edema) hypertonic drops and ointments (such as Muro 128) are often used.

Certainly corneal thicknesses over 600 micron, endothelial cell counts less than 800 cell/mm-sq, 3-4 plus guttatta and endothelial or stromal edema all make the diagnosis.

JCH III MD

[kris598]

thank you for the info!

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

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