Prevent Blindness Iowa is pleased to announce that Kristin Rutz of Johnston has been selected as the 2012 Light the Night for Sight Youth Ambassador. The fifteenth annual Light the Night for Sight Walk celebrates sight, encourages vision screening and emphasizes safe ways to celebrate summer.
The color pink, watching cartoons, learning to read and draw – these are some of five year old Kristin’s favorite things. However Kristin had a vision problem that could have left her unable to see her favorite things clearly. Kristin took part in a free vision screening at her preschool conducted by Prevent Blindness Iowa. Kristin was unable to pass the vision screening and was referred for a complete eye exam by an eye doctor. The eye doctor diagnosed Kristin with amblyopia or lazy eye –a sight stealing disease where one eye is stronger than the other. The weak eye eventually stops working and permanent sight is lost.
Kristin’s parents had no idea that she was having trouble seeing. The eye doctor told them that without early detection and treatment that Kristin could have had permanent vision loss in her weak eye by the time she was seven years old.
Find out what's happening in Johnstonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Kristin is now wearing glasses and wore a patch daily for months to strengthen her weak eye. Kristin likes her glasses and says that “now things look clear”! Thanks to Prevent Blindness Iowa’s early detection of her vision problem Kristin will have two healthy eyes to read, draw and watch cartoons!
The Light the Night for Sight walk will take place Thursday, June 14th, 2012 at 7:30 p.m., with registration beginning at 6:15p.m., at the Johnston Public Library in conjunction with Johnston Green Days. A unique event, the walkers will begin their route in the early evening. The walk is scheduled to end at dusk, demonstrating the darkness that comes with vision loss. Walk T-shirts will glow in the dark and other night brightening gear will be used.
Find out what's happening in Johnstonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Light the Night for Sight reminds the public about the gift of sight. The walk also brings attention to eye safety issues relating to fireworks, sports and UV rays. The walk provides fun and safe alternative celebration ideas as well as information on proper eye protection and routine vision screening. Donations to Light the Night for Sight will help to fund Prevent Blindness Iowa’s sight saving programs, including children and adult vision screening, free eye exams and glasses for low-income children and adults, public education and research.
To walk or volunteer at Prevent Blindness Iowa’s Light the Night for Sight Walk or for more information on summer eye health and safety please visit us on the web at www.preventblindnessiowa.org/iowa or call (515) 244-4341 or (800) 329-8782.