Preparing for an appointment

If you suspect that you have Fuchs' dystrophy, make an appointment to see an eye care provider (optometrist or ophthalmologist). In some cases, you might be referred to an ophthalmologist who specializes in corneal disease.

Here's information to help you get ready for your appointment.

What you can do

Make a list of:

• Your symptoms, and when they began
• Key personal information, including family history of eye conditions
• All medications, vitamins or other supplements you take and dose
• Questions to ask your doctor

Take a family member or a friend along, if possible. You might not want to drive yourself home if your pupils have been dilated for the exam, and your companion can help you remember information you get during your appointment.

For Fuchs' dystrophy, questions to ask your doctor include:

• What else could cause my symptoms?
• How will my vision be affected?
• How rapidly will my condition progress?
• What tests do I need?
• What treatments are available, and what do you recommend?
• I have these other health conditions. How can I manage them together?
• Do I need to restrict my activities?
• Are there brochures or other printed material I can have? What websites do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask other questions.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you questions, such as:

• Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?
• How severe are your symptoms?
• What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
• What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
• Do your symptoms change throughout the day?
• Have you noticed changes in your vision?
• Does your vision seem worse in the morning and improve during the day?