Guttata Cornea, also known as Fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy, is a degenerative condition that affects the innermost layer of the cornea, the endothelium. The endothelium is responsible for maintaining the transparency of the cornea by continuously pumping fluid out of it. When this layer becomes altered, irregularities develop, which can lead to vision loss.

Symptomatology:

In its early stages, it may not present symptoms or may only cause slight sensitivity to light or blurred vision upon waking. As the disease progresses, symptoms may worsen and include:

  • Blurred or hazy vision throughout the day
  • Difficulty seeing at night
  • Halos around lights
  • Glare
  • Eye pain
  • Sandy sensation in the eyes
  • Intolerance to contact lenses

 

Causes of Guttata Cornea:

The exact cause is unknown, but several factors may increase the risk of developing it, such as:

  • Age: The disease is more common in people over 50 years old.
  • Gender: Men are at higher risk than women for developing guttata cornea.
  • Previous eye surgery: People who have had cataract surgery or other eye surgeries have a higher risk of developing the disease.
  • Eye disorders: Certain eye disorders, such as glaucoma or uveitis, may also increase the risk of guttata cornea.
  • Family history: If you have relatives with guttata cornea, your risk of being affected is also higher.

Treatments:

Treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms. In the early stages, treatment may consist of using eye drops to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms. In more advanced cases, a corneal transplant, known as endothelial keratoplasty, may be necessary. There are two main types of endothelial keratoplasty:

  • Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK): In this technique, the diseased inner layer of the cornea (endothelium) and the Descemet membrane are transplanted, leaving the patient’s own cornea intact.
  • Stricker Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK): Similar to DMEK, but in this technique, an automated device is used to perform the procedure, which can result in faster recovery and fewer complications.