OSWI Celebrates World Keratoconus Day
PRESS RELEASE
OSWI Celebrates World Keratoconus Day
OSWI is pleased to join the rest of the world in celebrating World Keratoconus Day on November 10, 2017.
What is keratoconus?
The cornea is the clear window of the eye. It is responsible for refracting most of the light coming into the eye. Keratoconus blurs vision by thinning the cornea, the transparent front part of the eye. As the cornea thins, it begins to distort and bulge, and becomes cone-shaped rather than the usual round shape. Therefore, abnormalities of the cornea severely affect the way we see the world making simple tasks, like driving, watching TV or reading a book difficult. Significant loss of vision can result as the cornea is primarily responsible for the eye’s focusing power. Keratoconus is the most common corneal dystrophy in the US, affecting approximately one in every 2,000 Americans1 or approximately 170,000 people in the US. The Caribbean is no different as there are many people who have the disease and may not even be aware of it. The precise cause of keratoconus is unknown. It is thought that genetic factors may contribute, and that eye rubbing can lead to eye trauma, as well as trigger the release of enzymes which weaken the cornea. Eye rubbing can result from underlying diseases such as atopic or allergic conjunctivitis atopic or allergic conjunctivitis (swelling and inflammation of the whites of the eye, also known as pink eye).
Treatment Available in the Caribbean
Eyeglasses or soft contact lenses may be used to correct the mild nearsightedness and astigmatism caused in the early stages of keratoconus. As the disorder progresses and the cornea continues to thin and change shape, rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses are generally prescribed to correct vision more adequately. The contact lenses must be carefully fitted, and frequent checkups and lens changes may be needed to achieve and maintain good vision. Intacs, intracorneal rings, are sometimes used to improve contact lens fit. Corneal crosslinking is also a new treatment option under investigation to halt the progression of keratoconus. In severe cases, a corneal transplant may be needed due to scarring, extreme thinning or contact lens intolerance. This is a surgical procedure that replaces the keratoconus cornea with healthy donor tissue. There are many treatments available right here in the Caribbean including crosslinking corneal surgery and intacs transplant
The Ophthalmological Society of the West Indies takes this opportunity on World Keratoconus Day to remind persons the importance of checking their eyes. If you are having problems with your eyes, you should visit your Ophthalmologist to get the necessary care and treatment.