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Fuchs' dystrophy is primarily characterized by the presence of wart-like deposits known as guttae on Descemet's membrane. These guttae result from the abnormal proliferation of the endothelial cells in the cornea and lead to a gradual deterioration of the endothelial layer's function. As the disease progresses, this can result in corneal swelling, which may cause the cloudiness of the cornea. However, the specific feature that distinctly identifies Fuchs' dystrophy is indeed the appearance of these guttae.

The other features mentioned, while associated with various corneal conditions, do not specifically define Fuchs' dystrophy. For instance, a cloudy cornea can occur in many forms of corneal edema and is not unique to Fuchs' dystrophy alone. Abnormal iris pigmentation is associated with different conditions and not primarily with corneal dystrophies. Lastly, corneal scarring is a result of previous injury or inflammation of the cornea, which is also not characteristic of Fuchs' dystrophy by itself. Thus, the presence of wart-like deposits on Descemet's membrane is the key distinguishing feature of this condition.