Key community eye health messages

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Preventing keratoconus following ocular allergies:

• Avoid rubbing your eyes – rubbing can thin the cornea, increasing the risk of keratoconus and potential vision loss.

• Treat allergies promptly – both seasonal and perennial allergies should be managed to prevent corneal damage or complications like shield ulcers.

• Recognise red flags – refer patients to an ophthalmologist if they report severe pain, sudden vision loss, persistent symptoms, or signs of infection.

Managing dry eye:

• Recognise and treat early symptoms – early intervention helps prevent symptoms from worsening.

• Maintain a balanced tear film – the tear film consists of three layers essential for comfort and clear vision.

• Adopt lifestyle changes – reduce screen time, stay hydrated, and maintain good eyelid hygiene to improve dry symptoms.

Preventing the progression of keratoconus:

• Monitor regularly – frequent corneal scans and check-ups help detect early signs of disease progression.

• Tailor treatment to corneal thickness – treatment protocols, including riboflavin and UV exposure, should be carefully adjusted to ensure safety.

• Consider corneal cross-linking – this procedure can halt or slow the progression of keratoconus, preserving vision over time.