Newswise — The Cornea Research Foundation, an Indianapolis-based non-profit organization with the mission to give people back the use of their eyes, and the National Keratoconous Foundation will present an educational seminar on Saturday, August 29.
"Keratoconus is frightening because it strikes at a young age and can progress quickly," says Marianne Price, executive director of the Cornea Research Foundation of America. "We have partnered with the National Keratoconus Foundation co-sponsoring this seminar to educate patients and family members about the latest research studies and findings on keratoconus. This will serve to empower people affected to seek the best care for themselves and enhance their quality of life. We also are encouraging participants to establish a patient support group so they can connect regularly."
When: Saturday, August 29, 2009 from 8 a.m. to noon
Where: Ritz Charles Event Center
12156 North Meridian Street
Carmel, IN 46032
What: Updates on Keratoconus, including speakers and patient panel
Cost: Free. Registration is required.
Register: Contact the Cornea Research Foundation of America (317) 814-2993 or
e-mail [email protected]
About Keratoconous
Keratoconus is a non-inflammatory eye condition in which the normally round dome-shaped cornea progressively thins causing a cone-like bulge to develop. The result in the early stages is significant visual impairment with nearsightedness and astigmatism. The condition is estimated to occur in one of every 2,000 people. It is usually diagnosed in young people at puberty or in their late teens. While researchers do not yet know what causes keratoconus, eye rubbing causes it to progress.
Presently keratoconus is treated through eyeglasses, hard contact lenses, and a newer treatment, INTACS plastic rings inserted into the mid layer of the cornea to flatten it, changing the shape and location of the cone. In 15 to 20 percent of the cases, cornea transplant surgery is necessary.
The Cornea Research Foundation of America is one of nine sites currently participating in a new clinical research investigation in the United States to study the benefits of corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) in subjects with progressive keratoconus and corneal ectasia after prior refractive surgery. These studies are the first in the United States. They are designed to assess the safety and effectiveness of CXL for slowing the progression of both of these conditions.
The Cornea Research Foundation of America is a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit educational organization that depends on donations, grants, and planned gifts to conduct research and publish findings. The organization was founded by Dr. Francis Price, Jr., M.D., in 1988 with a mission to establish a world center for corneal research and medical education specializing in corneal disease, corneal transplantation and intraocular lens surgery. The Foundation houses the largest data base of corneal transplant information in the Western hemisphere.
Since its inception, the Foundation has been led by Dr. Price and his passion for innovation and lifelong learning. To date, CRFA has participated in over 80 clinical and investigational studies and published over 100 papers and manuscripts. The Foundation hosts medical education seminars regularly for physicians and publishes a newsletter for patients to share developments in ophthalmology.
RSS