"Save Your Vision" Month Hits Close to Home with the Sturge-Weber Foundation.

MT. FREEDOM, N.J. -- As national "Save Your Vision" Month gets underway, the importance of preventive eye care is especially meaningful for individuals with Sturge-Weber syndrome, a condition that impacts nearly fifteen thousand Americans. For these men and women, glaucoma- the sneak thief of sight, as well as retinal detachments are prevalent but can be avoided.

Sturge-Weber syndrome is present at birth and is characterized by a facial birthmark and various neurological, visual, and developmental symptoms. People with Sturge-Weber syndrome may, for example, experience seizures, glaucoma, partial paralysis, and learning disabilities. There is no cure for Sturge-Weber syndrome, but many of the symptoms can be treated.

Glaucoma is a disease in which the pressure of the fluid inside the eye is too high, resulting in a loss of peripheral vision. If the condition is not diagnosed and treated, the increased pressure can damage the optic nerve and may eventually lead to total blindness.

According to Dr. Robert Ritch, MD, FACS, a NY based ophthalmologist who specializes in glaucoma, "birthmarks which appear around the eyes of people with Sturge-Weber syndrome can produce pressure which leads to glaucoma. By monitoring this pressure it is possible to detect potentially dangerous levels and initiate treatment to maintain eye health. Early detection is key."

Retinal detachment is the separation of the retina from the underlying supportive tissues. Retinal detachment can occur as a result from injury, disease, or other causes. A person with retinal detachment usually does not experience pain, but may see floaters or bright flashes of light, may have blurred vision, or may see a shadow or curtain over part of the field of vision.

"Regular eye exams can help everyone to avoid these serious diseases, which can lead to blindness," says Dr. Ritch. "People with Sturge-Weber are especially vulnerable."

The Sturge-Weber Foundation's (SWF) mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals with Port Wine Stains, Sturge-Weber syndrome and Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome. The SWF strives to meet this goal by providing worldwide education, support and by facilitating research that could ultimately lead to a cure. The SWF is committed to quality of life improvements; this includes encouraging eye exams and awareness of the importance of healthy vision.

About The Sturge-Weber Foundation

The Sturge-Weber Foundation (SWF) began with Karen Ball, a determined mother searching for answers after her daughter was diagnosed with Sturge-Weber Syndrome at birth. The SWF was incorporated in the USA in 1987 as an International 501(c)(3) non-profit organization for patients, parents, professionals and others concerned with Sturge-Weber Syndrome (SWS). In 1992, the mission was expanded to also support and serve individuals with capillary vascular birthmarks, Klippel Trenaunay (KT) and Port Wine Stain (PWS).

For more information on The Sturge-Weber Foundation, e-mail [e-mail] or call 973.895.4445.