A new institute is opening in Maryland with the mission of eradicating an eye disease that can strike adolescents.
The progressive eye disease keratoconus causes the cornea to bulge into a cone-like structure from its normally round shape, causing distorted vision. The disease tends to affect people between the ages of 12 and 35, striking one in every 375 people in the United States. Vision can deteriorate quickly without treatment, and early detection and intervention can slow down or stop the disease entirely, avoiding the need for invasive corneal transplant surgery.
That's why Dr. Ivan Garcia and Dr. Irwin Azman announced the opening of the Keratoconus Institute of Maryland, the first such private practice facility in the U.S. dedicated solely to treating those suffering from the disease.
With specialists utilizing expertise in ophthalmology, optometry, and technicians and super staff having state-of-the-art technology, the team at the center can diagnose and treat keratoconus.
“We created the institute to bring together the most highly skilled, dedicated experts in the field of keratoconus,” Gracia and Azman said in a statement. “We have assembled a team that can tailor a treatment modality to specific patients to achieve the best outcomes. Our goal is to offer long term eye health and consistent vision that will enable individuals to function normally and enjoy a high quality of life.”
Complimentary screenings are being offered to all children between the ages of 12-18 with a risk for developing keratoconus. Appointments can be scheduled at KeratoconusMD.com.
