Decreasing Eye Complications from Childhood Diseases Through Immunization | National Immunization Month

Immunizations can protect children from various illnesses that can have serious complications and even be life-threatening. Certain childhood diseases can also lead to eye complications. August is National Immunization Month, and it’s important to get the facts to understand the benefits of immunization. 

Immunization Facts, Risks, and Side Effects 

When it comes to immunizations, there is no shortage of opinions out there. But it’s important to separate the facts from misinformation.

Vaccines contain the same substance or antigen that causes the disease. But the antigen is either weakened enough that it does not cause the illness, or it is not a live virus. Although a vaccine does not lead to the disease, it does cause the body to develop an immunity to the illness through the development of antibodies.

Keep in mind, immunizations are not only for children. There are also vaccines intended for adults, such as for the flu, pneumonia, and shingles. A lot of issues regarding vaccines center around giving them to infants and young children and potential adverse effects.

Vaccines go through a rigorous testing process before they are administered to the public. Although side effects are possible, the risk of the diseases the vaccines are preventing is more serious. Side effects may depend on the vaccine but can include fever, soreness at the injection site, and fatigue.

Misinformation regarding vaccines and the development of autism may have made some parents hesitant to vaccinate their children, but according to The Center for Disease Control and Prevention, immunizations are not a cause of autism. 
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Childhood Diseases That Can Lead to Eye Complications 

Certain childhood diseases that are preventable through immunizations can have serious complications. Some of those complications can affect the eyes and lead to vision loss. Diseases that may cause eye complications include:

Measles
Measles is a viral infection that causes a rash, fever, and cough. Although the severity of the infection may vary, it can lead to serious complications, especially in young children. One of those complications is vision loss. According to The American Academy of Ophthalmology, measles has been a leading cause of blindness worldwide and may cause up to 60,000 cases of vision loss globally every year. Eye complications due to the measles include infection of the cornea, conjunctivitis, and inflammation of the optic nerve.

Chickenpox
Chickenpox is also a viral infection and is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Symptoms include small fluid-filled blisters, fever, and tiredness. Once a person contracts the varicella virus, it remains dormant in their body and can reemerge later in life. The virus can lead to shingles, which causes a painful rash. Shingles can also affect the eyes. When shingles affect the eyes, it is called ophthalmic herpes zoster. Symptoms include eye redness, swelling of the cornea, and pain in the eyes. The condition can also lead to scarring and vision loss.

Mumps
The mumps is a viral infection that involves the salivary glands. The condition causes pain in the front of the neck, headache, and difficulty chewing. The mumps can also lead to complications, including meningitis, which involves inflammation of the lining of the spinal cord and brain. After a meningitis infection, the optic nerve may become damaged, which can lead to vision problems, including blindness.

All the diseases above can be prevented through immunizations. If you are unsure about getting certain vaccines or having your children vaccinated, it is best to talk with your healthcare provider. Discuss any concerns you have over immunizations, so you can decide what’s most appropriate for your child.

We hope the above information can help you make an informed decision about immunizations and preventing vision complications. If you have any questions, please give us a call. Also, if you would like to schedule an appointment for you or your family, please call our office at 508-746-8600.