Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy and corneal endothelial diseases: East meets West

Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) is amongst one of the most common indications for endothelial keratoplasty worldwide. Despite being originally described among Caucasians, it is now known to be prevalent among a large number of populations, including Asians. While the FECD phenotype is classically described as that of central guttate and pigment deposits associated with corneal endothelial dysfunction, there are subtle yet important differences in how FECD and its phenocopies may present in Caucasians vs Asians. Such differences are paralled by genotypic variations and disease management preferences which appear to be geographically and ethnically delineated. This article provides a succinct review of such differences, with a focus on diagnostic and management issues which may be encountered by ophthalmologists practicing in the different geographic regions, when evaluating a patient with FECD.