Fuchs dystrophy is caused by the malfunction or death of endothelial cells in the cornea.
Understanding Fuchs Dystrophy
Fuchs dystrophy is an eye condition that affects the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. The reference explains that the cornea's inner lining contains cells called endothelial cells. These cells play a vital role in maintaining the fluid balance within the cornea, preventing it from swelling.
The Role of Endothelial Cells
- Endothelial cells help keep the cornea clear by actively pumping fluid out.
- When these cells are healthy, the cornea remains thin and transparent, enabling clear vision.
How Fuchs Dystrophy Develops
In Fuchs dystrophy, the endothelial cells either die or stop functioning correctly. As a result:
- Fluid builds up within the cornea.
- This fluid build-up causes the cornea to swell (corneal edema).
- Swelling in the cornea leads to blurry vision, glare, and discomfort.
Summary
| Condition | Cause | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Fuchs Dystrophy | Endothelial cells die or malfunction, failing to maintain fluid balance in the cornea. | Fluid build-up and swelling of the cornea, leading to vision problems. |
Essentially, the dysfunctional endothelial cells are the root cause of the corneal swelling and vision issues characteristic of Fuchs dystrophy.
