In the news
How ODs can help fight the spread of measles
originally published by the American Optometric Association
http://www.aoa.org/news/clinical-eye-care/how-ods-can-help-fight-the-rise-of-measles
A recent measles outbreak—believed to have direct links to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park—has health officials and health care providers on high alert.
“The evidence is clear that vaccinations save lives and reduce suffering.”
The disease outbreak, while concentrated in California, has affected 84 people in 14 states since January 1, 2015, according to the latest CDC data.
Preparing physicians for a measles outbreak
With measles cases on the rise, optometrists should know the signs and symptoms associated with the disease.
The most common ocular complication associated with measles is bilateral nonpurulent keratoconjunctivitis, according to David Ardaya, O.D., member of the California Optometric Association (COA).
Other early signs of measles include fever, buccal rash consisting of white spots, and the classic red, spotted rash that covers the body. Dr Ardaya adds that, in rare cases, ocular signs can extend to retinopathy including edema—both macular and nerve—as well as optic atrophy.
“Optometrists should look for measles-related systemic symptoms in viral conjunctivitis patients,” says Dr. Ardaya, referring especially to ODs located in California.
http://www.aoa.org/news/clinical-eye-care/how-ods-can-help-fight-the-rise-of-measles
A recent measles outbreak—believed to have direct links to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park—has health officials and health care providers on high alert.
“The evidence is clear that vaccinations save lives and reduce suffering.”
The disease outbreak, while concentrated in California, has affected 84 people in 14 states since January 1, 2015, according to the latest CDC data.
Preparing physicians for a measles outbreak
With measles cases on the rise, optometrists should know the signs and symptoms associated with the disease.
The most common ocular complication associated with measles is bilateral nonpurulent keratoconjunctivitis, according to David Ardaya, O.D., member of the California Optometric Association (COA).
Other early signs of measles include fever, buccal rash consisting of white spots, and the classic red, spotted rash that covers the body. Dr Ardaya adds that, in rare cases, ocular signs can extend to retinopathy including edema—both macular and nerve—as well as optic atrophy.
“Optometrists should look for measles-related systemic symptoms in viral conjunctivitis patients,” says Dr. Ardaya, referring especially to ODs located in California.