1. Eye Pain and Sensitivity That Gets Worse Over Time
The signature symptoms of Fuchs dystrophy are pain and blurry vision that is initially mild and increases in intensity. During the early stages of the disease, people may experience vision problems during the early morning or during other random times of the day. This is ultimately due to the fact that Fuchs dystrophy causes the anterior of the cornea to deteriorate and to accumulate fluid. When fluid backs up in the cornea, it distorts vision. Since one's corneas tend to be thickest during the early morning hours, it's unsurprising that Fuchs dystrophy patients suffer maximum vision loss right after they wake up.
2. An Array of Vision Problems, Including Seeing Halos and Blurry Vision
Fuchs dystrophy sufferers often report being blinded by the glare of headlights. While people with normal vision can complain about halos around stoplights, street lamps and other incandescent sources, people who have Fuchs dystrophy can barely tolerate these light sources. Some report feeling burning sensations after being out in the sun. Others report copiously watery eyes, particularly in the morning. Still others describe being unable to discriminate between objects of the same color. For instance, a person with Fuchs dystrophy may have difficulty walking up stairs because cement steps tend to be all gray in color. The buildup of fluid in the eye can also present as excessive tearing or watery discharge, particularly during the later stages of the disease.
3. Epithelial Blisters on the Cornea
These blisters can be incredibly painful, particularly when exacerbated by environmental factors, such as heat, wind, dry air, stress, cigarette smoke, dust and other environmental and biological stressors. The blisters can cause unusual vision problems, and they can also burst, releasing fluid and causing yet more pain and distress.
