Fuchs' Endothelial Dystrophy

Research

Mayo Clinic has a long history of cornea transplant research related to Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy. William Bourne, M.D., a Mayo clinician and researcher, helped develop the clinical specular microscopy technique, a way to measure the corneal endothelial cells in the diseased cornea and transplanted cornea. It is a crucial resource today for understanding cornea function and cornea transplant function.

Vision researchers are currently assessing outcomes of new transplant techniques. Laboratory research is also aimed at developing additional techniques. The advantages and disadvantages of one new technique, partial thickness cornea transplants, are being studied in patients with corneal swelling from diseases like Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy or bullous keratopathy. Read more about cornea research at Mayo.

Mayo is participating in a National Institutes of Health-supported study aimed at identifying the gene or genes that cause Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy. Identifying the genetic cause could lead to early identification, genetic counseling for affected families and better treatment options.

Publications

See a list of publications by Mayo doctors on Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy on PubMed, a service of the National Library of Medicine.