Bullous keratopathy (Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy) treated systemically with 4-trans-amino-cyclohexano-carboxylic...

Twenty patients with bullous keratopathy (Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy) were treated systemically with the antifibrinolytic drug tranexamic acid. The effect was evaluated by slit-lamp biomicroscopy, measurement of central corneal thickness and determination of visual acuity. The patients subjective complaints were also registered. The duration of the treatment varied from 3 to 16 months. In most cases the treatment was given over several periods with intervening free intervals. In all cases the central corneal thickness decreased and slit-lamp biomicroscopy revealed an improvement. The visual acuity improved and all patients became free of pain. A possible mechanism involving the complement system is discussed and preliminary studies on the composition of the aqueous humour in cases of bullous keratopathy are mentioned.