Dr. Nikpoor Aids in School Screening Program for Keratoconus

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Child undergoing an eye exam Neda Nikpoor, MD, one of Aloha Laser Vision’s distinguished ophthalmologists, has proudly devoted her time and knowledge to a program that screens for keratoconus in Hawaii’s schools. In an April 2022 issue of Cataract & Refractive Surgery Today, Dr. Nikpoor provides detailed information about the program while addressing the seriousness of keratoconus and the importance of screening for the condition.

Characterized by abnormal thinning and distortion of the cornea, keratoconus is a progressive disorder which can lead to blindness when left unaddressed. While corneal transplant surgery and the advanced corneal crosslinking (CXL) treatment can be very effective in reducing keratoconus when administered by an eye care professional, this screening program was created to increase the chances of curbing the disorder in children by detecting the issue as early as possible.

With help from Project Vision Hawaii (PVH), a government-affiliated nonprofit which provides free mobile medical screenings and eye exams, Dr. Nikpoor has led Aloha Laser Vision’s team in the establishment of protocols for keratoconus screening. In the beginning of the 2022 school year, Better Vision for Keiki, PVH’s program for schools, added a test for keratoconus to their screening protocol. Children with signs of the impairment are directed to receive further care from PVH’s partner organization, Vision to Learn.

According to Dr. Nikpoor, this program is the first step in a plan to facilitate more accessible treatment for the condition. Using a grassroots approach, PVH intends to use the data found in these screenings to help identify the groups which are most susceptible to keratoconus. In addition, Aloha Laser Vision partners with AvaGen genetic testing (Avellino) to study the genetics of keratoconus patients in Hawaii. We plan to contribute our findings to these organizations, as well as local government and media, in order to spread keratoconus awareness.

Our team is extremely excited to take part in this groundbreaking endeavor. If you are interested in learning more about keratoconus or other ocular diseases, please contact Aloha Laser Vision today.