Overview:
The world celebrates the International Keratoconus Day on 10th of November every year, to raise the public awareness on the disease. Cornea is the transparent front part of the eye and account greatly for the eyes optical power. Keratoconus (KC) occurs when the cornea thins out and bulges like a cone. Changing the shape of the cornea brings light rays out of focus, causing blurry vision and myopia (short sightedness).
Facts:
- Keratoconus is a degenerative condition of the eye in which the normally round, dome-shaped cornea becomes progressively thinner.
- Rubbing the eyes can damage the cornea.
- The disease can, however, present or progress at any age.
- The main symptom is accelerated myopia (short sightedness), which may develop into blindness.
- There is no definitive treatment, yet some tactics will help to slow the progression of the disease
- It cannot be prevented, but it can be handled.
- Keratoconus occurs in about 50 to 200 of every 100,000 people in the general population, and it is found in all parts of the world and all ethnic groups.
Objectives:
- Raising awareness of Keratoconus and its early diagnosis.
- Support for people with Keratoconus to live a normal life.
- Activating corneal examination programs.
- Raising awareness among community members, researchers, health professionals, and policy makers about the impact of Keratoconus on the lives of those affected, their families, and their friends.
Official Date:
- Globally: October 10th, 2021.
- Locally: Rabia Al-Akher 5th, 1443H.
Theme:
References:
Keratoconus Group
Saudi MOH – Health Awareness Platform