Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy: Update on Pathogenesis and Future Directions

Abstract

Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) is the most common indication for corneal transplantation in the United States, accounting 36% of the almost 47,000 transplants performed in 2016. Although the surgical management of FECD has undergone a revolution over the past 20 years, its pathogenesis remains elusive, with multiple putative disease pathways and an ever increasing number of candidate genes thought to play a role. This review will summarize the recent advancements in our understanding of the biology of FECD, including potential parallels with neurodegenerative disease like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and will highlight prospects for future treatment advances.