THE ULTRASTRUCTURE OF DESCEMETS MEMBRANE .3. FUCHS DYSTROPHY

The ultrastructure of [human] Descemet''s membrane was studied by transmission electron microscopy in corneal buttons removed from 11 phakic eyes with Fuchs'' dystrophy. Abnormalities in Descemet''s membrane consistent with abnormal endothelial function early in life (prior to age 20 yr) were present in all corneas. Despite the relatively late clinical onset of Fuchs'' dystrophy, endothelial abnormalities are present quite early in life in this disease. An abnromal fibrillar layer was thicker in those corneas with greater stromal and epithelial edema, possibly indicating that this layer is formed mainly during periods of endothelial decompensation.