A private Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy consultation gives you a consultant corneal specialist's assessment, corneal imaging and a personalised plan — from £200, with same-week appointments in London and across South England and no GP referral needed. Fuchs' dystrophy is a slowly progressive condition of the cornea's inner cell layer; many people simply need monitoring and drops, while those with advancing disease can be offered modern partial-thickness corneal transplants that preserve most of the natural cornea.
What is Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy?
The innermost layer of the cornea — the endothelium — is a single layer of cells that acts as a pump, keeping the cornea clear by removing excess fluid. In Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy these cells gradually decline in number and function. As the pump weakens, fluid builds up and the cornea becomes swollen and hazy.
The hallmark symptom is blurred vision that is worst first thing in the morning and improves through the day as the surface dries. As it advances, the blur can persist all day, glare increases, and in later stages painful blisters (bullae) can form on the surface. Fuchs' is often inherited, more common in women, and usually becomes symptomatic from middle age onwards. It frequently coexists with cataract, and the two are often planned together.
Treatment options your consultant may discuss
Treatment is matched to the stage of the disease. Early Fuchs' often needs nothing more than monitoring and simple measures; advanced disease is treated by replacing only the failed inner layer:
Modern endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK and DSAEK) replaces only the failed inner layer — a few microns of tissue — rather than the whole cornea, which means faster visual recovery and a much lower rejection risk than traditional full-thickness transplants. Where Fuchs' and cataract occur together, they are often corrected in a single combined operation. Your consultant will explain which option suits your corneal cell count and lifestyle.
Morning misty vision or a Fuchs' diagnosis from your optician? A consultant assessment gives you a precise picture and a clear plan.
Book a corneal consultationWhat happens at your consultation
- The consultant takes a full history of your symptoms, family history and how your vision affects daily life.
- A slit-lamp examination assesses the corneal endothelium for the characteristic guttae (tiny bumps) and any swelling.
- Corneal imaging and pachymetry measure corneal thickness and, where available, count the endothelial cells to stage the disease.
- You receive a clear diagnosis, an explanation of your stage, and a personalised plan — whether that is monitoring, drops, or planning surgery.
What happens next
If early
You're placed on a monitoring plan with simple measures such as hypertonic saline drops, and reviewed periodically to track any change.
If progressing
Your consultant discusses the right endothelial transplant (DMEK, DSAEK or DSO) and the timing, including combining it with cataract surgery if appropriate.
Ongoing care
You keep the same named consultant throughout, so your care is consistent from diagnosis through any treatment and follow-up.
Consultation cost
- Consultant corneal consultation: from £200, including examination and a clear diagnosis and plan.
- Additional imaging: corneal scans or cell counts may be advised and are quoted transparently.
- Insurance: a consultation for symptoms or a known diagnosis is usually claimable — we can advise on authorisation.
If surgery is recommended, your consultant will give you all-inclusive treatment pricing so you can plan with confidence — for example the DMEK corneal transplant cost.