World Keratoconus Day 2023: Annually, World Keratoconus Day is observed on November 10. It is an initiative supported by the National Keratoconus Foundation and administered by the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute at UC Irvine. Keratoconus, abbreviated ‘K.C.,’ is an eye disorder characterized by non-inflammatory injury to the cornea. A person with KC develops a corneal alteration in which the cornea eventually diminishes and thins, replacing its original round dome shape. The expansion of the cornea into a cone-like morphology leads to significant visual impairment. This day is devoted to promoting knowledge and disseminating resources regarding keratoconus.
The History of World Keratoconus Day
In 1748, German oculist Burchard Mauchart described keratoconus disease in his doctoral dissertation, where he initially cited a case of the condition. The disease was designated as “staphyloma diaphanum” in his thesis.
John Nottingham, a British physician, provided a precise description of the disease in 1854 by distinguishing it from other corneal diseases. Nottingham identified a multitude of symptoms that bore a resemblance to the “conical cornea” instances that he had previously documented. The symptoms manifested by the patient comprised corneal thinning and an incapacity to provide appropriate corrective lenses for their vision.
In 1859, British surgeon William Bowman achieved the historic milestone of being the first individual to diagnose keratoconus using an ophthalmoscope. Additionally, Bowman provided the correct angle on the mirror in order to observe the cone-shaped protuberance of the patient’s cornea. Bowman further endeavored to restore the patient’s vision by employing a fine hook to draw on the iris and stretch the pupil into a vertical slit resembling the eye of a cat. He asserted that the method had yielded some results, restoring the vision of an eighteen-year-old woman who previously had difficulty counting her digits at a distance of eight inches.
Johann Horner, a Swiss ophthalmologist, established the term “keratoconus” in the medical community with his 1869 dissertation entitled “On the treatment of keratoconus.” At that time, the treatment for the disease involved physically reshaping the conical shape of the cornea with chemicals. In 1936, following an extensive series of trials, Ramón Castroviejo successfully executed the initial treatment for the ailment by means of corneal transplantation.
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FAQs for World Keratoconus Day
What proportion of the populace is afflicted with keratoconus?
Keratoconus is estimated to affect around one in every 2,000 people. Although remote, contracting the disease is not entirely improbable.
Legally, blindness may result from keratoconus.
Keratoconus has the potential to result in visual impairment, with both eyes exhibiting acuity of 20/200 or lower. A person with keratoconus in the United States is considered legally blind and may be eligible for disability benefits if it falls below this threshold.
Which nutrients are beneficial for the cornea?
Good eye health and improved acuity can be achieved through dietary modifications. Various types of fresh fruits and nuts, including blueberries, kiwis, grapes, avocados, citrus juice, fish, and others, are all beneficial for the eyes.
World Keratoconus Day 2023 Activities
Discuss on the web
Internet users who are knowledgeable about the disease should do so in order to increase awareness. Some individuals might find it extremely useful.
Consult an eye doctor.
When was the last time that you underwent an eye examination? Make the most of this occasion by scheduling an appointment with your eye specialist to undergo an examination.
Adopt a nutritious diet
An extensive array of nutrients provide eye health benefits. For optimal eye health, strive to consume a well-balanced and nutritious meal on a daily basis.
Five crucial keratoconus facts you should be aware of
It begins during adolescence.
It has been reported that biological alterations such as pregnancy or puberty can accelerate the onset of keratoconus.
It typically impacts both eyes.
Keratoconus is a disease that primarily impacts both eyes bilaterally.
Variations in vision
Due to vision changes, a patient with K.C. will require a new pair of spectacles or lenses every few months.
Contact lenses manufactured specifically for K.C.
Rigid gas permeable lenses (RGPs), which are customized rigid contact lenses, are utilized in response to the irregular surface of the cornea.
It may induce intolerance to contact lenses.
Contact lenses have a tendency to make contact with the cornea’s irregular surface when the patient blinks, causing discomfort over time.
WORLD KERATOCONUS DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | November 10 | Friday |
| 2024 | November 10 | Sunday |
| 2025 | November 10 | Monday |
| 2026 | November 10 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | November 10 | Wednesday |
