Steven Holcomb Raises Awareness for Degenerative Eye Disease

NEW YORK, NY, July 10, 2012 (Press-News.org) Despite the many medical advancements that have aimed to improve, repair and prevent degenerative eye diseases, the rate of vision impairment and eye health problems is increasing at an alarming rate. According to a recent article from WebMD, recent studies and Census findings indicate drastic increases in macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and glaucoma. Bobsledding champion, Steven Holcomb, is an active supporter of eye health and seeks to raise awareness of degenerative eye diseases, of which he has suffered himself.

Steven Holcomb is a bobsledding star with over 14 years of professional experience. However, in 2008, the athlete faced a startling diagnosis that would affect his career and personal life - he had Keratoconus, a severe degenerative eye disease. While the particular condition is not among the list of degenerative eye diseases that are climbing, it still indicates a growing problem of vision impairment among American citizens.

Prevent Blindness America, an awareness and support group, released the reports highlighted in the article. Chief operating officer of the organization, Jeff Todd explains some of the reasons these increases may be occurring, "We suspect that is largely due to the spike in diabetes and the diabetes epidemic we are facing as a country, as well as the increase in Hispanic and African-American populations, which tend to have a higher rate of diabetes". Anne Summers, MD, a clinical correspondent for the American Academy of Ophthalmology, notes that whatever the reasons may be "It's proof we are in a losing battle."

However, Steven Holcomb suggests that it is not quite time for medical practitioners and patients to throw in the towel. He states, "There are treatments for diseases that aren't mainstream, like the C3-R treatment. There are still doctors still believe that Keratoconus isn't curable. I've been cured." In the past, treating Keratoconus could only be done with a cornea transplant, but the C3-R treatment allowed Holcomb to obtain 20/20 vision through the use of riboflavin application and UV light exposure.

For Steven Holcomb, the issue of rising eye conditions is not due to a lack of medical treatments, but more in part due to a lack of support and awareness. He concludes, "Having suffered through a degenerative eye disease myself, I think it's important to raise awareness. I was fortunate to have a great support group that helped me through such a difficult time. I feel it's my duty to step up and help others with similar conditions."

ABOUT:

Steven Holcomb is an American bobsledding champion who helped the American bobsled team win a gold medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Whistler, Canada. Prior to that success, Holcomb faced one of the most challenging problems in his life - overcoming the degenerative eye disease known as Keratoconus. Through an innovative treatment, known as C3-R, Steven Holcomb was able to restore his vision and remain committed to his passion for bobsledding.

Website: http://stevenholcomb.net