In Fuchs’ endothelial corneal dystrophy, a palliative nonsurgical approach to managing corneal epithelial edema is often used as an initial measure. When that approach does not achieve its goal, a different management pathway is indicated.
Prior therapy: palliative nonsurgical corneal dehydration — including the use of a hair dryer or topical hypertonic sodium chloride (eye drops or ointment).
Goal not reached: reduction of corneal epithelial edema. Failure to achieve this outcome is the indication for escalation to the next treatment line.
For several decades, penetrating keratoplasty has been the only definitive treatment option for FECD.
However, the development of minimally invasive lamellar endothelial keratoplasty (EK) procedures has provided key benefits such as better and faster visual recovery, a tectonically stronger globe, decreased risk of bleeding and infection, less astigmatism, less corneal denervation, and lower rejection rates.
View source ↗