Mechanisms of disease: Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy

Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy is a common disease that has been widely studied since its initial report in 1910 by Ernst Fuchs. Although its clinical course and pathologic characteristics are well described, the etiology and inheritance pattern are still ambiguous. Ongoing work is evaluating the role of mitochondrial DNA in the pathogenesis of FED. Significant advances in the surgical treatment of FED, in part utilizing some of the techniques of refractive surgery, are promising thus far. Larger case series are needed to fully assess the safety, efficacy and indications of these techniques. Indeed, the time is right to take "a fresh look at an aging disease" [9].