Management of Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD): a case series

Abstract

Background: Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) is the most common corneal dystrophy and often results in visual loss. This study aims to discuss the etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of FECD. Case presentations: We reported three cases of FECD. The first patient was 60 years old female diagnosed with corneal scar post-penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and pseudophakia in the right eye (RE) and FECD grade II in the left eye (LE). The right and left eye (RLE) visual acuity was 6/18 and 6/12, respectively. The patient was managed thrice a day with lubricant eye drops in the RE and Phacoemulsification and Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) in the LE. The second patient was 80 years old female with RLE FECD grade II, LE Pseudophakia, and RE Immature Cataract. Visual acuity was light perception in the right eye and 1/60 in the LE. She was managed with Siloxane eye drop 2x1, Oculenta gel 1x1 in RLE, and DMEK in LE. The third patient was 73 years old male with pseudophakia, FECD grade III, and corneal neovascularization in the RE. Visual acuity in RE was hand movement, and LE was 6/6. He was planned for PK on RE, Diquafosol sodium (Diquas®) eye drop twice a day, and eye fresh plus eye drops 4x1 in RLE. Conclusion: FECD is the most common endothelial dystrophy and the main indication for corneal transplantation in the presence of visual disturbances. Medical therapy in the form of topical hyperosmotic agents can be given in the early phase and is useful for reducing corneal edema. The preferred management of FECD is currently Endothelial Keratoplasty (EK), such as DMEK, which has demonstrated excellent corneal clearance. Although the graft rejection rate in DMEK is low, there is a risk of rejection with the discontinuation of topical corticosteroids.