Fuch's dystrophy & cataract surgery

Fuch's dystrophy is a rare complaint from which I also suffer. I was advised not to have any cataract surgery until it was absolutely imperative - ie almost blind from the cataracts because the surgery could possibly cause the Fuch's to progress even further. I have also been told that it is possible that cataract surgery could result in my needing a corneal transplant.
 
Oh WOW, grannyjo, I was so shocked to see a thread on this!! I have Fuch's Dystrophy. Have had DSEK surgery on my left eye. Had cataract surgery done two years ago on both eyes.
I wouldn't say the cataract surgery 'causes' the need for a corneal transplant...but, in my case, in uncovered the problem of Fuch's Dystrophy...
I was not satisfied with how the surgery turned out (DSEK)...but maybe its because I am older (I am 77) ...I had this done the past Sept 19th, so it will be almost a year...my vision has improved some but STILL not clear as I want it to be....however, I can't afford to keep up hope that eventually it will clear up completely.
I have been really sick for the last couple of months (due to a no grain diet I went on which resulted in my sodium and chloride levels getting dangerously low)...am now doing better... BUT my vision is BOTH eyes seems to have gotten more dim during this time. Sometimes it can be pretty challenging to keep up your faith that you will see clearly again. I am hoping and praying I will NOT have to have the DSEK surgery in my R eye...
If you ever have any kind of questions about Fuch's or the cataract surgery, please private msg me if you want to...I can even give you my email address.
Anyway the cataract surgery should help to improve your vision...
Wishing you well!
Bettyann
 

Hi Bettyann, I was diagnosed with Fuch's Dystrophy when I was 48. So far, I've managed to cope with it. I'm now 72. I have a good team of optometrists/doctors/ eye specialists caring for me. I have reached the stage now where I wake up each morning with the tears streaming down from my eyes, and I think it may not be too much longer before I need some sort of operation. The bit of a bugger is that I also have some cataracts growing. I have been told that could provide some problems.

I've been trying to delay as far as possible any sort of operation on my eyes. I refuse to drive during dusk and dark and morning - the halo's around the oncoming traffic is too hard for me.

I still manage to read OK, with the help of glasses.

It is quite disturbing when your vision starts to fade. I've adjusted as well as I can, but it can be difficult.

I've tried as far as possible to keep up with the advances in the surgeries offered. It does seem to be pretty well hit or miss at the moment.
 

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