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Miami Eye Institute — Surgery and Diseases of the Eye
Call: 954-251-1802

Fuchs’ Corneal Dystrophy Care

Specialized diagnosis, monitoring, and surgical care for cloudy, swollen corneas caused by Fuchs’ dystrophy.

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TRUSTED CREDENTIALS

  • Board-Certified Ophthalmologist
  • Advanced Corneal Imaging
  • DSEK & DMEK Referrals
  • Personalized Long-Term Care
Patient resting her chin on an automated eye-testing instrument

A specialized approach to a complex corneal disease.

Miami Eye Institute, under the care of Dr. Inna Ozerov, provides expert diagnosis and management of Fuchs’ corneal dystrophy — a slowly progressive disease that causes the cornea to swell, cloud, and lose clarity over time.

Fuchs’ dystrophy affects the innermost layer of the cornea, called the endothelium. These cells normally pump fluid out of the cornea to keep it crystal clear. When they gradually die off, fluid builds up and vision becomes blurry, especially in the morning. Glare, halos, and eye discomfort often follow.

Our team uses advanced corneal imaging to detect Fuchs’ dystrophy at any stage, monitor its progression, and coordinate modern partial-thickness corneal transplant procedures such as DSEK and DMEK when surgery becomes necessary. Miami Eye Institute proudly serves patients in Hollywood, Florida, Miami, Florida, Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, Hallandale Beach, Aventura, Davie, Miramar, Cooper City, Weston, Plantation, and surrounding South Florida communities.

Of Americans over 40 show signs of Fuchs’ dystrophy.
4%+
More common in women than in men.
3:1
The condition often runs in families.
Genetic
Success rate for modern DMEK corneal transplant surgery.
95%+

OUR APPROACH

How we diagnose and manage Fuchs’ dystrophy.

Fuchs’ dystrophy is a lifelong condition that requires careful monitoring and the right treatment at the right time. Our process is built around early detection and personalized planning.

Dr. Inna Ozerov examining a patient at a slit lamp

  1. Detailed Corneal Exam

    Using slit-lamp microscopy, we look for guttata — small bumps on the back of the cornea that are the hallmark of Fuchs’ dystrophy.

  2. Advanced Corneal Imaging

    Specular microscopy and pachymetry measure your endothelial cell count and corneal thickness — the two key indicators of disease progression.

  3. Personalized Treatment Plan

    Early stages are managed with hypertonic saline drops or ointments to draw fluid out of the cornea. More advanced cases may benefit from modern partial corneal transplants (DSEK or DMEK).

  4. Long-Term Monitoring

    Because Fuchs’ dystrophy is progressive, we follow up regularly with imaging to track changes and intervene at the optimal time.

Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Inna Ozerov

Dr. Inna Ozerov is a board-certified ophthalmologist serving patients across Hollywood, Florida, Miami, Florida, and surrounding communities including Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, Hallandale Beach, Aventura, Davie, and Miramar. She specializes in Fuchs’ corneal dystrophy, corneal endothelial disease, and the medical and surgical management of corneal disorders, providing personalized, evidence-based care for every patient.

Contact Inna Ozerov
Get directions to 7700 Davie Road Ext

SCHEDULE YOUR VISIT

Find out how far your Fuchs’ dystrophy has progressed.

If your vision is blurry in the morning and clears as the day goes on, or you notice glare and halos around lights, ask about a corneal evaluation. Advanced imaging shows the stage of the disease and guides when treatment is needed.

  • Advanced corneal imaging with Dr. Ozerov
  • A clear understanding of your disease stage
  • A personalized monitoring and treatment plan

Schedule a Consultation

For more information or to schedule an appointment, fill out this form.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Common questions about Fuchs’ corneal dystrophy.

Fuchs’ dystrophy progresses slowly, and patients often have questions for years before they need surgery. Here are the answers we give most often.

What is Fuchs’ corneal dystrophy?
Fuchs’ dystrophy is a progressive disease that affects the endothelium — the innermost layer of cells in the cornea. These cells normally keep the cornea clear by pumping fluid out of it. When they slowly die off, the cornea swells and vision becomes cloudy.
What causes Fuchs’ dystrophy?
The condition is largely genetic and often runs in families. It typically begins in the 30s or 40s but symptoms usually appear later, in the 50s or 60s. Women are affected more often than men.
What are the symptoms?
Early symptoms include blurry vision in the morning that clears throughout the day, glare and halos around lights, and increased light sensitivity. As the disease progresses, blurriness becomes constant and eye discomfort can develop.
How is Fuchs’ dystrophy diagnosed?
Diagnosis is made through a careful slit-lamp examination, which reveals guttata on the back of the cornea. Specular microscopy counts the endothelial cells and pachymetry measures corneal thickness — both important for tracking progression.
Can Fuchs’ dystrophy be treated without surgery?
In early stages, hypertonic saline drops or ointments can reduce corneal swelling and improve vision. These treatments don’t stop the disease but can manage symptoms for years before any surgical intervention is needed.
When is surgery needed?
When vision significantly affects daily life, modern partial-thickness corneal transplants — DSEK (Descemet’s Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty) or DMEK (Descemet’s Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty) — replace only the diseased layer of cells with excellent visual outcomes and fast recovery.
Will I need cataract surgery too?
Many patients with Fuchs’ dystrophy also develop cataracts. In some cases, cataract surgery and corneal transplantation are combined or carefully sequenced. Dr. Ozerov serves patients across Hollywood, Florida, Miami, Florida, and surrounding communities with coordinated care plans for both conditions.

Still have questions?

Dr. Inna Ozerov will personally evaluate your eyes and help you understand the best path forward for Fuchs’ corneal dystrophy and overall corneal health. Serving patients throughout Hollywood, Florida, Miami, Florida, and surrounding South Florida communities.

Contact Inna Ozerov