GVHD
Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a complication following bone or stem cell transplant. It is an autoimmune disease that can affect many different parts of the body: the skin, eyes, mouth, stomach, and intestines are affected most often. GVHD can range from mild to life-threatening and there is no cure.
Approximately 75% of bone marrow or stem cell transplant survivors are diagnosed with chronic GVHD. Ocular GVHD is a complication that affects up to 80% of patients with chronic GVHD in both adults and children. Eye-related symptoms include blurry vision, foreign body sensation, burning sensation, severe light sensitivity, chronic conjunctivitis (pink eye), dry eyes, and eye pain, all of which can be difficult to manage.
![gvhd](https://www.bostonsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/gvhd.png)
PROSE treatment uses specially designed prosthetic scleral lenses that vault over the corneal surface, creating a reservoir between the cornea and the lens. The reservoir is filled with preservative-free saline to bathe and hydrate the eye all day, providing relief and comfort, and promoting healing. PROSE also provides improved vision. Think of the lens as a “new” cornea, which creates the shape of a typical, healthy cornea. This allows light to enter the eye at the correct angle for excellent vision.
For more patient resources for GVHD, visit the Blood & Marrow Transplant Information Network.
“Every year approximately 30,000 patients undergo a bone marrow or stem cell transplant. Approximately 50% survive. There are currently 100,000 survivors in the US. Of the remaining survivors, approximately 75% are diagnosed with Graft vs. Host Disease (GVHD).”
-Meredith Cowden Foundation
A Patient’s Story: GVHD
Nicolette G.
Nicolette faced a terrible decision: have a stem cell transplant or die within two to eight months. She chose the stem cell transplant, although she says, “it wasn’t much of a choice.” Continue Reading…