Living with Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy
An eye condition affecting the cornea that causes blurry vision, often worse in the morning, starting in adulthood.
Understanding Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy
The first symptom is usually blurry vision in the morning that clears during the day. Over time people lose sharpness of vision and become sensitive to bright light. Deposits called guttae form on the cornea, and tiny blisters can burst and cause eye pain. It usually begins in a person's forties or fifties, and a rare early form starts in the twenties.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Blurry vision, often worse in the morning
- Loss of sharp vision
- Sensitivity to bright light
- Clouding of the cornea
- Eye pain
- Night vision problems
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include eye disease specialists and genetic specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Eye disease specialists (ophthalmologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Corneal Dystrophy Foundation and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
Changes in genes cause it. It is autosomal dominant, which means one changed copy of a gene is enough. GARD doesn't name the gene.
Also known as: corneal dystrophy, fuchs endothelial; endoepithelial corneal dystrophy; fced; fecd; fuch's endothelial corneal dystrophy; fuchs corneal dystrophy
Patient organizations
- Corneal Dystrophy FoundationFuchs' endothelial dystrophy · United States
- Prevent Blindness AmericaFuchs' endothelial dystrophy · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy.
Explore research for Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy
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