Fuchs’ corneal dystrophy is an inherited condition that affects the inner layer (endothelium) of the cornea. The function of the endothelium is to pump fluid out of the cornea keeping it clear. As we age, all individuals gradually lose endothelial cells. Usually, this loss is gradual enough to maintain a clear cornea through their lifetime.
In Fuchs’ corneal dystrophy, the endothelial cells degenerate more rapidly. Once lost, the endothelial cells do not grow back. When there is enough loss of cells, the pump mechanism of the endothelial cells fails and the cornea can become swollen.
Fuchs’ is slightly more common among women and can affect both eyes. It is usually diagnosed over the age of 50. The progression is typically slow.
Fuchs’ corneal dystrophy is diagnosed with the slit lamp microscope. Also, a specular microscope can visualize and count the endothelial cells. This helps in making the diagnosis. Our doctors at Denver Eye Surgeons have all the advanced diagnostic equipment that is necessary to make the diagnosis.
Treatment for Fuchs’ corneal dystrophy involves trying to reduce the amount of corneal swelling from diseased endothelial cells. Hypertonic saline salt solutions help take some of the swelling out of the cornea temporarily. Sometimes when the pain from the swelling is significant, a bandage contact lens can be used to stabilize the surface.
When these measures are not sufficient to reduce visual blurriness and pain, surgical options of corneal transplantation, including DSEK (Descemet’s Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty) or PKP (Penetrating Keratoplasty), becomes necessary to restore good visual and reduce pain.
Our doctors at Denver Eye Surgeons have the expertise, knowledge, and experience to help guide you through your best options for treatment. We have a fellowship-trained cornea specialist who can help you with the diagnosis and treatment of Fuchs’ corneal dystrophy.
Denver Eye Surgeons has been treating cornea related issues successfully for over 40 years!
What a wonderful place, staff, and location. Dr Crosby was very knowledgeable and professional, truly, top notch. The rest of the staff was just as incredible. I was very pleased with my whole experience. That's coming from a skeptic. I would go back for Dr. Crosby alone, but the rest of the staff were also very helpful. They even tightened my glasses because my 13-month-old decided to bend them a little bit too much 😂. It's that little attention to detail, and the knowledgeable staff like Dr Crosby that made me want to give this place a five star! From the friendly faces at the check-in desk to the delicious coffee machine to the knowledgeable medical staff, and the amazing doctor. All five stars!
Dr. Purser was extremely knowledgeable about patient needs. She was also willing to go above and beyond what I’ve seen most doctors do by helping find a way to reduce drug cost.
Dr Tetrault and his techs were very thorough and although I didn’t get the best news that I was hoping for, my eyes didn’t get any worse. Also, Penny in the optical department was very helpful in getting my glasses!
Kassidy was very thorough, knowledgeable and patient. Certainly an asset to this organization
Always a great experience. We have been clients of DES since we moved to Denver in 1993. Everyone from reception to checkout is 1st rate.
Dr Crosby did a good job in explaining to me how to treat my dry eye condition. The Dr also suggested I see a cataract specialist to have my right eye corrected.
I hit 2 as far as satisfaction when I meant to type 1- sorry- service was wonderful, the doctor & staff were winderful. Professional & efficient. No complaints at all!
Dr Tetrault has managed my glaucoma for many years and he and the staff there have provided excellent care at every appointment. I feel confident I am receiving the best care possible and highly recommended him and Denver Eye Surgeons. We have my step daughter going there now to deal with macular degeneration.
The female surgeon I saw was very professional and gave me information about my eye that should have been given at my last visit about a spot on back of my eye. She was informative and thorough.
The staff and the doctor I saw for my upcoming cataract surgery was fantastic they were polite courteous and answered every question that I had I'm getting my first cataract surgery done next month
I recently saw Claire Purser, OD and Kassidy Campton, contac lens technician at Denver Eye Surgeons. They were both professional, knowledgeable and personable. Took time to answer all questions. The entire staff at the office deserve 5 star ratings.
I want to commend Kayla M. for her care and understanding with patients during check in. She is always cheerful and calm, never rushing anyone. A true professional!
They have taken excellent care of our eyes for years! I am confident they know what they are doing. The appointments are easy to schedule and there are plenty of comfortable chairs to wait for your appointment. The waiting time is brief. We are always satisfied!
Incredible customer service!!! Everyone was engaging, kind, supportive and professional ~all the way from the front desk, visit, exit. Dr Noguchi was excellent- bedside manner, medical intervention, demeanor. He is a world class physician and a classy gentleman. Thank you all for treating me like family
Tania was very nice and personable. She answered all my questions. Very very friendly! Dr. Costin was also very personable and good.
Tania came in to the exam room to perform the pre appointment examination before meeting with Dr. Purser. Tania was very thorough, professional and personable. A very good experience.
I was so impressed by your staff. One person really went out of her way, Tonia. Very helpful and kind. She has great patient care ethics. Great job team.
Everyone was wonderful and explained everything very thoroughly, including billing. Both office staff and doctors were great! I had a past retinal detachment and they treated it very seriously.
Kassidy did a fantastic job fitting me for my contacts. She was very patient and friendly and I am seeing great in my new monovision set up. Thanks Kassidy!
Great experience with Kassidy after cataract surgery for contact lens fitting. She explains everything in layman’s terms that make it easy to understand what I am experiencing very easy to understand. Thank you Kassidy.
Dr Costin was amazing. She is highly professional, very honest, and would recommend her to anyone. In fact, the entire staff was amazing.
