Which treatment helps manage corneal edema in Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy?

Which treatment helps manage corneal edema in Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy?

• A. Sodium chloride 5% qid plus lubricating ointment qhs
• B. Prednisolone acetate
• C. Moxifloxacin drops
• D. Timolol eye drops

Answer: (A)

Reducing corneal edema from Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy relies on drawing fluid out of the cornea by creating an osmotic gradient. Hypertonic saline achieves this by pulling water from the cornea into the tear film, which lessens swelling, clears haze, and often improves vision. Using a 5% sodium chloride solution multiple times a day plus lubricating ointment at night provides both effective edema control and surface comfort—the ointment helps maintain lubrication when the tear film is reduced during sleep. Other treatments don’t target the edema mechanism directly. A steroid like prednisolone acetate is anti-inflammatory but not a solution for endothelial edema and can raise intraocular pressure with long-term use. An antibiotic such as moxifloxacin treats infection, not fluid buildup. Timolol lowers aqueous humor production to reduce intraocular pressure, but it doesn’t reduce corneal edema from endothelial pump failure.

Reducing corneal edema from Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy relies on drawing fluid out of the cornea by creating an osmotic gradient. Hypertonic saline achieves this by pulling water from the cornea into the tear film, which lessens swelling, clears haze, and often improves vision. Using a 5% sodium chloride solution multiple times a day plus lubricating ointment at night provides both effective edema control and surface comfort—the ointment helps maintain lubrication when the tear film is reduced during sleep.

Other treatments don’t target the edema mechanism directly. A steroid like prednisolone acetate is anti-inflammatory but not a solution for endothelial edema and can raise intraocular pressure with long-term use. An antibiotic such as moxifloxacin treats infection, not fluid buildup. Timolol lowers aqueous humor production to reduce intraocular pressure, but it doesn’t reduce corneal edema from endothelial pump failure.