Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness in the United States. Glaucoma has no noticeable symptoms in its early stages, and vision loss progresses at such a gradual rate that people affected by the condition are often unaware of it until their sight has already been compromised. During Glaucoma Awareness Month in January, the American Academy of Ophthalmology advises the public that the best defense against developing glaucoma-related blindness is by having routine, comprehensive eye exams.
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World KC Day: Raising Awareness and Supporting Those with Keratoconus
Keratoconus (KC) is a progressive eye condition that causes the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, to thin and bulge. This can lead to blurred vision, double vision, and other visual distortions. KC is typically diagnosed in the teenage years or early adulthood and can progress over time.
World KC Day, celebrated on November 10th, is a national awareness day sponsored by the National Keratoconus Foundation (NKCF). The day is dedicated to raising awareness about KC, as well as educating and advocating for those living with the condition.
What is Keratoconus?
Keratoconus is a non-inflammatory eye condition that affects the cornea. The cornea is the clear front part of the eye that helps to focus light. In people with KC, the cornea thins and bulges out, which can cause blurred vision, double vision, and other visual distortions.
KC is a progressive condition, meaning that it gets worse over time. However, the rate of progression varies from person to person. Some people may experience rapid progression, while others may have only mild changes over many years.
Symptoms of Keratoconus
The most common symptoms of keratoconus are:
- Blurred vision
- Double vision
- Streaking vision
- Ghosting
- Difficulty seeing at night or in low light
- Sensitivity to light
- Frequent headaches
- Eye strain
Diagnosis and Treatment of Keratoconus
Keratoconus is typically diagnosed during a routine eye exam. Your eye doctor will use a variety of tests to measure the thickness and shape of your cornea.
There is no cure for keratoconus, but there are a number of treatments that can help to improve vision and slow the progression of the disease. Treatment options include:
- Contact lenses: Contact lenses can help to correct the irregular shape of the cornea and improve vision.
- Corneal collagen cross-linking: This procedure stiffens the cornea and can help to slow the progression of KC.
- Intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS): ICRs are small plastic rings that are implanted into the cornea to help improve vision and slow the progression of KC.
- Corneal transplant: In severe cases of KC, a corneal transplant may be necessary.
World KC Day
World KC Day is an important opportunity to raise awareness about keratoconus and support those living with the condition. Here are a few ways to get involved:
- Learn more about KC. Visit the NKCF website or other credible sources to learn more about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of KC.
- Share your story. If you have KC, share your story on social media using the hashtags #WorldKCDay, #KCConfidence, and #LivingWithKC.
- Support the NKCF. The NKCF is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to supporting research and education about KC. You can donate to the NKCF or volunteer your time to help raise awareness about the condition.
Conclusion
Keratoconus is a challenging eye condition, but there is hope. Thanks to research and advances in treatment, people with KC can now live full and productive lives. World KC Day is an important opportunity to raise awareness about the condition and support those living with KC.
Bright Eyes, Bright Future: Celebrating Children’s Eye Health Month
August Is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month: Caring for Young Vision
August is essential to raising awareness about children’s eye health and safety. As parents and caregivers, it is crucial to prioritize the well-being of our children’s eyes. Good vision is fundamental to a child’s overall development and learning. In this article, we will explore the significance of children’s eye health, common eye conditions in kids, safety tips, and the importance of regular eye exams.
Importance of Children’s Eye Health
Healthy eyes are vital for a child’s growth and learning. Clear vision allows children to explore the world, engage in activities, and develop essential skills. Undetected vision problems can lead to learning difficulties, delayed development, and permanent vision loss. Early detection and treatment of eye conditions are key to promoting a child’s overall well-being and success in school and life.
Common Eye Conditions in Children
Refractive Errors: Refractive errors, such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism, are common in children. These conditions can affect a child’s ability to see clearly at different distances and may require corrective glasses or contact lenses.
Lazy Eye (Amblyopia): Lazy eye occurs when one eye has weaker vision than the other due to a lack of visual stimulation during early childhood. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss in the affected eye.
Strabismus (Crossed Eyes): Strabismus is a misalignment of the eyes, causing one or both eyes to turn inward, outward, upward, or downward. It can lead to double vision and should be addressed promptly to prevent vision problems.
Color Blindness: Color blindness is a genetic condition in which individuals have difficulty distinguishing certain colours. Although it is more common in males, it can affect both boys and girls.
Eye Safety Tips for Children
Protective Eyewear: Encourage your child to wear appropriate protective eyewear, such as safety goggles, when engaging in sports, recreational activities, or any activity that poses a risk of eye injury.
Limit Screen Time: Excessive screen time can strain children’s eyes and contribute to digital eye strain. Encourage regular breaks from screens and maintain an appropriate distance from electronic devices.
UV Protection: Shield your child’s eyes from harmful UV rays by providing sunglasses with 100% UV protection whenever they are outdoors.
Proper Lighting: Ensure adequate lighting when your child reads, writes, or engages in any visually demanding task to reduce eye strain.
Importance of Regular Eye Exams
Routine eye exams are crucial for maintaining children’s eye health and detecting early vision problems. The American Optometric Association recommends that children have their first comprehensive eye exam at six months, followed by another exam at three years old and before starting school. After that, regular exams are essential to monitor eye health and promptly address emerging issues.
As we celebrate Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month in August, remember the significance of maintaining our children’s eye health. By staying vigilant about eye safety, being aware of common eye conditions, and scheduling regular eye exams, we can promote a healthy vision for our children and set them on a bright and successful future. Let’s prioritize their visual well-being and empower them to explore the world with clear and focused eyes.
July- UV Saftey Month
Studies show that long-term exposure to bright sunlight may increase the risk of cataracts and growths on the eye, including cancer. UV rays reflected off sand and water can cause eyes to sunburn, potentially resulting in temporary blindness in just a few hours. In support of UV Safety Month this July, the American Academy of Ophthalmology reminds the public of the importance of shielding eyes from the sun’s harmful rays with 100% UV-blocking sunglasses and broad-brimmed hats.
March- Workplace Eye Wellness Month
Each year, nearly 25,000 Americans visit the emergency room due to a workplace eye injury. During Workplace Eye Wellness Month this March, the American Academy of Ophthalmology reminds employers and workers about the importance of wearing certified and approved eye protection.