WORLD KERATOCONUS DAY

Every year on November 10th, the world observes World Keratoconus Day as a way to raise awareness about Keratoconus (KC) and to support and advocate for people who have the condition.

Keratoconus is a disorder that affects the cornea, the transparent part of the eye. When the cornea gradually changes form, keratoconus develops. The cornea thins and takes on the shape of a cone when it has keratoconus, whereas it usually has a dome shape. This can cause vision distortion by altering how the eyes concentrate light.

In 1748, German oculist Burchard Mauchart reported the first case of keratoconus illness, calling it "staphyloma diaphanum" in his thesis. The National Keratoconus Foundation (NKCF), an educational program provided by the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute at UC Irvine, launched World KC Day, also known as National Keratoconus Day, in 2016.

The importance of World Keratoconus Day lies in its ability to increase public awareness of keratoconus, a degenerative eye disease that results in corneal thinning. This commemoration promotes comprehension, prompt identification, and assistance for individuals impacted. It highlights the value of routine eye exams for overall ocular health, supports education, and fosters research.

Although there isn't a proven cure for keratoconus, there are steps one can take to lessen the likelihood of developing the condition or to delay its progression: Avoiding eye rubbing, Protecting eyes from UV radiation, Wearing proper fitted contact lenses, Managing allergies, Having Regular eye check-ups