The most common cause of cornea swelling (edema) is due to Fuchs’ dystrophy, occurring most frequently in people ages 30 to 40. This disease rarely affects vision until people reach ages 50-60. The condition is 2-4 times more common and more severe in women.
Fuchs’ dystrophy is a slowly progressing disease that usually affects both eyes. The inner cell layer of the cornea deteriorates, inner layers thicken, and blisters form in other layers. When these tiny blisters or cysts burst, they are extremely painful.