In Fuchs dystrophy, which corneal layer is damaged?

In Fuchs dystrophy, which corneal layer is damaged?

• A. Corneal epithelium
• B. Descemet's membrane
• C. Endothelium
• D. Stroma

Answer: (B)

Fuchs dystrophy primarily involves the inner cornea where the endothelial cells sit on Descemet's membrane. The endothelial layer normally pumps fluid out of the stroma to keep the cornea clear; as endothelial cells decline, fluid builds up, causing edema and vision changes. A defining feature is thickening of Descemet's membrane with guttae (small protrusions) on that membrane. Because the disease centers on this membrane’s alteration together with endothelial dysfunction, Descemet's membrane is the layer most characteristically described as damaged. Epithelium and stroma can show secondary changes once edema develops, but they aren’t the primary targets of the disease.

Fuchs dystrophy primarily involves the inner cornea where the endothelial cells sit on Descemet's membrane. The endothelial layer normally pumps fluid out of the stroma to keep the cornea clear; as endothelial cells decline, fluid builds up, causing edema and vision changes. A defining feature is thickening of Descemet's membrane with guttae (small protrusions) on that membrane. Because the disease centers on this membrane’s alteration together with endothelial dysfunction, Descemet's membrane is the layer most characteristically described as damaged. Epithelium and stroma can show secondary changes once edema develops, but they aren’t the primary targets of the disease.