An Exclusively Whole-Plant-Food Diet in the Improvement of Fuchs’ Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy

Abstract

Fuchs’ endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) is a progressive disorder of the corneal endothelium characterized by endothelial cell functional abnormalities and loss of visual acuity. Chronic oxidative stress plays a key role in disease progression. We present the case of a 69-year-old woman with an 18-year history of FECD that improved after dietary intervention with an exclusively whole-plant-food diet free of added salt, oil, and sugar. An eye exam 1 month prior to dietary intervention indicated that her uncorrected visual acuity was 20/50 -1 OD and 20/100 OS. The exam also showed 3+ guttae OD and 4+ guttae OS and intraocular pressures of 23 OD and 16 OS by applanation. After approximately 30 days on an exclusively whole-plant-food diet, the patient reported improved vision. An eye exam indicated that her visual acuity was 20/40 without correction with only trace stromal thickening and no edema in both eyes. Intraocular pressures were 17 OD and 15 OS by applanation. This case suggests an exclusively whole-plant-food diet may be beneficial in the treatment of FECD.