Our window on the world, eyes are critical to navigating everyday life. Keeping them healthy is key to preserving vision. This week marks Eye Health Week. Read on.
This week is Eye Health Week across the UK, an opportunity to reflect on the importance of protecting vision and maintaining our eye health. Eye problems like severe short-sightedness (myopia) and/or ectopia lentis (dislocation of the eye lens) are common features of Marfan syndrome. Ectopia Lentis is sometimes the first sign of a connective tissue disorder picked up during a routine eye examination.
All people diagnosed with Marfan syndrome (or being investigated for a possible diagnosis) should be examined by an Ophthalmologist. The condition of your eyes will determine how often you need to be seen and whether you can be cared for by your local optician or if you need continued specialist input.
Eye Emergencies
People with Marfan syndrome are more likely to experience eye emergencies including retinal detachment or glaucoma. Contact sports should be avoided and protective eyewear should be used where necessary to try and reduce that risk.
Eye emergencies need prompt attention to prevent vision loss. The Vision Matters website gives the following useful advice:
Anybody suddenly experiencing the following symptoms should contact their local optician or call the NHS 111 service without delay:
• A curtain, veil or shadow in your vision
• Sudden sight loss or double vision
• Acute redness in one or both eyes
• Photophobia (extreme sensitivity to light)
• Severe eye pain
• Suddenly seeing lots of flashes or floaters (little dots or squiggles).
It is very important to mention that you have Marfan syndrome when discussing the symptoms you are experiencing.
To discover more about the Eye & Marfan syndrome, why not attend our Information Day on 12 October when Consultant Ophthalmologist Mr Aman Chandra will give a presentation. Mr Chandra is one of only a few Marfan eye specialists in the country.
We are also shortly to publish our new Guide to the Eye in Marfan Syndrome. Watch this space!
