Sights for Shawntae
Donation protected
June 2020, Shawntae went for her annual eye exam and was referred to a specialist. She was diagnosed with Keratoconus, it's when the cornea thins out and bulges like a cone. Changing the shape of the cornea that brings light rays out of focus. As a result, her vision is blurry and distorted, making daily tasks like reading or driving difficult.
There is NO CURE and is a LIFELONG eye disease that canNOT be surgically corrected. Left untreated, eyesight can diminish. Thankfully, it can be managed through a series of treatments HOWEVER, the treatments are NOT covered by insurances.
The first step of treatments includes a special hardshell lense that needs to be annually replaced or if the shape of her eye changes. The lenses help with her vision however, will not stop the cones from growing more.
The next step involves a noninvasive procedure called Collagen Cross-linking (CXL) which will slow or halt the progression of Keratoconus. This procedure is currently not offered on Guam but it is available in the Philippines and the States. Shawntae has chosen to go to Huston, Texas for the procedure, as the current global pandemic prevents her from traveling to the Philipines.
If the Keratoconus becomes very severe, the next step to help a person's vision is corneal transplant, which has a long recovery time and risk of graft rejection. Shawntae is highly recommended for the Collagen Cross-linking by her Ophthalmologist at this time.
There is NO CURE and is a LIFELONG eye disease that canNOT be surgically corrected. Left untreated, eyesight can diminish. Thankfully, it can be managed through a series of treatments HOWEVER, the treatments are NOT covered by insurances.
The first step of treatments includes a special hardshell lense that needs to be annually replaced or if the shape of her eye changes. The lenses help with her vision however, will not stop the cones from growing more.
The next step involves a noninvasive procedure called Collagen Cross-linking (CXL) which will slow or halt the progression of Keratoconus. This procedure is currently not offered on Guam but it is available in the Philippines and the States. Shawntae has chosen to go to Huston, Texas for the procedure, as the current global pandemic prevents her from traveling to the Philipines.
If the Keratoconus becomes very severe, the next step to help a person's vision is corneal transplant, which has a long recovery time and risk of graft rejection. Shawntae is highly recommended for the Collagen Cross-linking by her Ophthalmologist at this time.
Fundraising team (2)
Shawlon Taumua
Organizer
Tamuning, GU
Shawntae-Tiara Tyquiengco
Beneficiary
Esther Rose Bukikosa
Team member
