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Overview of Inflammatory Eye Disease Week

Prevent Blindness is proud to announce the fifth annual Inflammatory Eye Disease (IED) Week, scheduled for October 20-26, 2025. This initiative aims to raise awareness of inflammatory eye diseases and provide valuable resources to both the public and healthcare professionals. During IED Week, Prevent Blindness will offer a wealth of free educational materials, including dedicated web pages, downloadable fact sheets in both English and Spanish, visually engaging social media graphics, and insightful videos featuring the experiences of patients and expertise of medical professionals.

The Importance of Education

Education plays a critical role in the early detection and treatment of inflammatory eye diseases, which, if left untreated, can lead to significant vision loss. The goal of IED Week is to inform individuals about these conditions, offering them the tools necessary to recognize signs and symptoms early. Symptoms often include eye redness, pain, sensitivity to light, blurry vision, floaters, and, in some cases, decreased vision. Awareness and prompt action are vital, as early intervention can save eyesight.

Understanding Inflammatory Eye Diseases

Inflammatory eye diseases encompass a spectrum of conditions that arise due to inflammation of the eye caused by an immune response to various triggers, including infections, injuries, or irritants. Some common types of IED include:
1. Conjunctivitis: Often known as pink eye, this condition involves inflammation of the conjunctiva.
2. Keratitis: An inflammation of the cornea that can lead to vision impairments if not treated correctly.
3. Thyroid Eye Disease: A condition related to thyroid dysfunction that affects the eyes, leading to inflammation.
4. Scleritis: Involves inflammation of the sclera, the white outer coating of the eyeball.
5. Uveitis: The most common type of IED, affecting the uvea, the middle layer of the eye. Different types of uveitis can occur, including anterior, intermediate, and posterior uveitis, as well as panuveitis, which affects all layers.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Individuals experiencing symptoms of uveitis may notice redness in the eye, discomfort or pain, increased sensitivity to light, blurred vision, and the presence of floaters. Due to the potential for chronic and recurrent inflammation, it is crucial for individuals showing these symptoms to seek medical attention promptly. Experts recommend routine eye exams and, if significant symptoms arise, immediate consultations with an ophthalmologist can lead to timely and effective treatment.

Expert Contributions to Awareness

To further elaborate on the importance of understanding inflammatory eye diseases, Prevent Blindness features episodes in its Focus on Eye Health Expert Series. Notable experts include:

• - Dr. Steven Yeh: A professor and ophthalmologist at the Truhlsen Eye Institute, who shares insights on uveitis and inflammatory eye diseases.
• - Dr. Ann-Marie Lobo-Chan: An associate professor known for her work on uveitis, highlighting both prevention and management strategies.
• - Dr. Prem Subramanian: A neuro-ophthalmologist discussing the interplay between thyroid eye disease and mental health.
• - Dr. Sara T. Wester: A professor at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, who discusses thyroid eye disease in depth.

Call to Action

Jeff Todd, the CEO of Prevent Blindness, emphasizes the necessity of prompt treatment for IEDs, stating, "Inflammatory eye disease encompasses a range of conditions. If left untreated, IEDs can result in significant vision loss." Prevent Blindness encourages anyone experiencing symptoms to schedule an appointment with an eye doctor immediately.

Resources for All

For comprehensive information about inflammatory eye diseases and resources available during IED Week, visit Prevent Blindness' dedicated webpage. For those seeking financial assistance for vision care, additional resources are also available in English and Spanish at Prevent Blindness Vision Care Financial Assistance.

A Legacy of Care

Founded in 1908, Prevent Blindness serves as a leading organization dedicated to fighting blindness and preserving sight. Through education, advocacy, certified vision screening, and a commitment to building community awareness and support, the organization strives to eliminate preventable blindness across America. Connect with Prevent Blindness on various social media platforms to stay updated on their initiatives and educational offerings.