Sept. 12, 2024 — Prevent Blindness has declared Sept. 16-22 as the fourth annual Inflammatory Eye Disease (IED) Awareness Week. The organization is providing free educational resources to raise awareness about IED, including fact sheets, social media graphics, and expert videos in both English and Spanish.

IED encompasses a range of conditions caused by eye inflammation, which can result from infections, autoimmune disorders, injuries, allergies, or trauma. While most cases are treatable, some forms of IED can lead to serious complications, making early diagnosis crucial. Common types of IED include uveitis, keratitis, thyroid eye disease, and conjunctivitis.

Prevent Blindness is offering several expert discussions as part of its Focus on Eye Health Expert Series, featuring specialists who discuss a variety of topics including uveitis, thyroid eye disease, and mental wellness related to these conditions.

“Because of the risk of vision loss, it’s essential for individuals to see an eyecare professional if they experience symptoms,” says Jeff Todd, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness. “We encourage people to visit our website, download our fact sheets, and watch our free educational videos to learn more about IED and how to protect their sight.”