For patients with
Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy (FECD) it is important to have some knowledge of
the risk factors that can lead to or predict an increased severity of the
disease process.
What is Fuchs Dystrophy?
Fuchs’ Dystrophy
is a type of corneal disease that affects the inner most layer of the
cornea-the endothelium. In general, it is slowly progressive and can be found
in both eyes and is slightly more common in women than men. While it is
possible to observe Fuchs’ Dystrophy in people in their 30’s and 40’s, it
usually does not compromise vision until people are in their 50’s or 60’s.
How Does Fuchs Dystrophy Affect the Cornea?
The corneal
endothelial cells are responsible for pumping water out of the cornea and
helping to maintain the corneal transparency. While the reason is poorly
understood, in Fuchs’ Dystrophy, the endothelial cells die, which make the
endothelium less efficient in its pumping activity. This results in the cornea
swelling and distorting vision.
Risk Factors Affect Severity of Fuchs
Dystrophy
Researchers
reporting in the journal Investigative
Ophthalmology and Visual Science studied the effects of smoking, and other
risk factors, on the development of advanced Fuchs' endothelial corneal
dystrophy (FECD) and on central corneal thickness (CCT). As predicted, being
female increased the odds of developing advanced Fuchs' endothelial corneal
dystrophy (FECD) by 34% and smoking increased the odds by 30%. Besides
reporting that smoking was associated with an increased risk of developing
advanced FECD, diabetes was also associated with increased in corneal
thickness-reflecting greater risk of corneal swelling.
If you
or someone you know has questions about Fuchs Dystrophy the risk factors that
affect severity of the disease, please
feel free to call Seeta Eye Centers and
schedule an eye examination by calling 845-454-1025, visiting Seeta Eye Centers or
facebook.com/seetaeyecenters.
Seeta Eye Centers is conveniently located at 23 Davis Avenue,
Poughkeepsie, New York 12603, Cecilwood Health Center, 969 Main
Street, Fishkill, New York 12524 and 664 Stoneleigh Avenue, Suite 100, Carmel,
New York 10512 for patients from
Westchester County, Rockland County and throughout the Hudson Valley,
Dutchess County and Orange County.
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