The cornea is the clear window at the front of the eye. This window must remain clear to allow for best vision. The inner lining of the cornea (the endothelium) helps to prevent the cornea from swelling. Fuchs corneal dystrophy is a genetic condition that causes loss and dysfunction of the corneal endothelium. As a result, the cornea becomes swollen and vision declines. Patients often notice that vision is worst upon waking in the morning and may take minutes or hours to clear.
When corneal swelling develops, treatment is recommended. In early stages, certain eye drops may help reduce swelling of the cornea. When more severe, the diseased inner lining may be replaced using a corneal transplant. If the remainder of the cornea is healthy, it is often possible to selectively replace the diseased endothelial cells while leaving the healthy portion of the cornea in place.
Our excellent team of providers is here to make sure your experience is a positive one. Whether it's our doctors or our professional staff, we promise to make every effort to give you the best possible care.
Dr. Vislisel is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in cornea, external disease, and refractive surgery. He received
his medical degree from the University of Iowa in 2007 and graduated with Research Distinction. He then completed his medical internship in Tucson, Arizona and returned to the highly-ranked University of Iowa for his ophthalmology residency and fellowship training in cornea and external eye disease where he received the Fellow Teaching Award and the P.J. Leinfelder award for excellence in research. He has special interest in cataract surgery, corneal transplantation, corneal crosslinking, anterior segment and ocular surface surgery, and laser refractive surgery such as LASIK.
Dr. Vislisel enjoys technology and the rapid technological advances that occur in the field of ophthalmology. He has authored many peer-reviewed publications and book chapters and previously served as an editorial board member and chief medical editor for EyeRounds.org, a leading resource for ophthalmology education. His outside interests include music, cycling, fishing, outdoor recreation, and spending time with his wife and three children at the family cabin.
