Assembly Resolution No. 928

BY: M. of A. Rules (DeStefano)

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
August 2022, as Children's Eye Health and Safety
Awareness Month in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official months that are set aside to increase awareness of serious
health issues that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim August 2022, as Children's
Eye Health and Safety Awareness Month in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, On November 19, 2018, Caitlyn Michiels was diagnosed with
anterior bilateral uveitis, a rare eye disease which is the
third-leading cause of blindness in children; unfortunately, she had a
difficult time finding doctors to treat her, many of whom saying they
could not perform treatments on children; and

WHEREAS, Through this young girl's tireless efforts, Children's Eye
Health and Safety Awareness Month (Caityln's Law) was passed by the
Suffolk County Legislature in April of 2019; the new law directs the
Suffolk County Health Department to implement updated information about
eye health, and urges families through various programs to get regular
checkups; and

WHEREAS, Anterior uveitis is an inflammation of the middle layer of
the eye; this layer includes the iris and the adjacent tissue, known as
the ciliary body; if untreated, it can cause permanent damage and loss
of vision from the development of glaucoma, cataract or retinal edema;
and

WHEREAS, Signs/symptoms of anterior uveitis may include blurred
vision, sensitivity to light, small (or irregular-shaped) pupil, and
red, sore and inflamed eye; and

WHEREAS, Since the symptoms of anterior uveitis are similar to those
of other eye conditions, an optometrist will carefully examine the front
and inside of the eye under a microscope, using high magnification to
determine if an individual has this condition; the doctor may also
perform or arrange for other diagnostic tests to help pinpoint the
cause; and

WHEREAS, Treatment of this rare eye disease usually includes
prescription eye drops, which dilate the pupils, in combination with
anti-inflammatory drugs; treatment usually takes several days or, in
some cases, several weeks; even though it usually responds well to
treatment, the condition tends to recur; and

WHEREAS, Anterior uveitis can result from a trauma to the eye, and
can be associated with general health problems such as rheumatoid
arthritis, syphilis, tuberculosis, sarcoid, viral (herpes simplex,
herpes zoster, cytomegalovirus) or idiopathic; and


WHEREAS, Through public awareness, this Legislative Body seeks to
minimize the devastating effects of anterior bilateral uveitis among all
the citizens of the State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim August 2022, as Children's
Eye Health and Safety Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be
it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.