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page: More   Histopathology of Fuchs Corneal Dystrophy  The Two
Types of Fuchs Two types of Fuchs corneal dystrophy have been
identified--Early Onset Type and Late Onset Type.   Researchers
at the Wilmer Eye Institute recently identified a collagen VIII
gene mutation for the Early Onset form of Fuchs Endothelial
Corneal Dystrophy (FECD).  Read the research paper here.  In the
Early Onset form, the disease starts very early in infancy and
develops to an advanced stage by the time the patient is in his
30s or 40s.  Fortunately this type of FECD is rare.   However,
the other form, Late Onset FECD, is much more common (Clinical
photos, Fig. 1 & 2).  It starts in middle age and develops to an
advanced stage later in life.  It is more common in females. 
Patients who progress to advanced stage FECD (of either type)
often require a corneal transplant due to corneal swelling and
cloudiness.   Both forms of FECD are characterized by a general
attenuation