SEPTEMBER CF SENIOR SATURDAY MEETING RECAP
Meeting Summary
The September meeting centered on the often-overlooked but crucial topic of CF-related eye health. The discussion brought this issue into clear focus through shared personal stories and experiences, underscoring the urgent need for greater awareness about the connection between CF and eye health. The meeting dialogue emphasized that vision care is essential to overall well-being, especially as individuals with CF age.
A special thank you to Jill, Victor, and all the attendees for their valuable insights, key takeaways, and shared resources.
Key Takeaways
Keratoconus may be more prevalent in CF patients due to eye rubbing, potentially linked to dry eyes, which can result from CF’s impact on the lacrimal (tear) glands, another exocrine organ.
Meibomian glands, responsible for oil production in the eyes, are also exocrine glands and may be affected in CF. Routine imaging showed that two of these glands in one attendee's right eye were obliterated.
Cataracts tend to develop in the periphery of the lens in CF patients, unlike the more central cataracts in the general population. They may need to advance further before affecting vision in CF patients. Cataract removal procedures are straightforward, taking approximately 15 minutes per eye without requiring general anesthesia.
Nutrition is crucial for CF eye health, particularly Lutein and Zeaxanthin. For more information, see this table on the concentration of Lutein and Zeaxanthin in fruits and vegetables.
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) can occur in the general population, and older individuals with CF may also experience this condition.
The Macular Degeneration Association has two upcoming vision webinars in October. For more details, visit: Macular Degeneration Association Programs.
The Facebook group, "Our Macular Degeneration Journey" provides reliable information, guides, and educational resources, including webinars hosted by eye health professionals. You can explore more here: Our Macular Degeneration Journey Facebook Group.
Additional Information:
The ocular associations of cystic fibrosis: Read more
Ocular Changes in Cystic Fibrosis: A Review: Read more
Corneal Refractive Surgery Considerations in Patients with CF: Read more
Macular pigment and macular volume in eyes of patients with CF: Read more
Optic Disc Swelling and Vision Loss in CF and Diabetes: Read more
Retinal Screening of Patients with CF-Related Diabetes: Read more
What To Eat (and Avoid) When You Have Macular Degeneration: Read more
SAVE-THE-DATE! The next CF Senior Saturday is on October 12, 2024.
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