Sisters to highlight rare eye condition at BT science exhibition

Louise Walsh

Two sisters who discovered their love for Science as Late Late Toy Show testers are set to appear at a national exhibition to raise awareness of a rare eye condition that one of the girls has been diagnosed with.

Caitlin and Caoimhe Mynes stole the hearts of viewers when they had the craic with Ryan Tubridy making lava lamps and glitter slime on the top watched show in 2016.

However the girls have now returned to the world of science when they appear at this year's BT Young Scientist's Exhibition to highlight Stargardt Disease - a little known eye condition which affects about 500 Irish people.

Caitlin (13), from Carnaross, Co. Meath, was diagnosed with the disease last year after having trouble reading but she and her family found it hard to find information about it.

Caitlin and Caoimhe (16) have compiled in depth facts on Stargardt for the public to raise awareness on the condition which attacks the central eye vision.

The disease is a rare genetic eye disease that happens when fatty material builds up on the macula, which is the small part of the retina needed for sharp, central vision.

Vision loss usually starts in childhood but some people with Stargardt disease don't lose their vision until they are adults.

It means that Caitlin will never be able to drive as she only has peripheral vision and if the disease progresses, she won't be able to recognise faces.

Caitlin was diagnosed with the disease in Temple Street when she began having problems with reading in sixth class and she had to use a magnifying glass for an exam.

"When I was there, the doctor used words like macular dystrophy, thinning and pigmentation. I was confused and very scared. I went out to the waiting room and gave my mam a hug and we started to cry," she said.

"That night, I went to bed with all my teddies and even my old comfort blankie for the first time since I was a toddler."

Caitlin and her sister found it hard to get information on the condition as the initial diagnosis was hard to process and left many after questions.

"People don't know what the condition is and often assume that Caitlin will be ok if she wears glasses. She won't be, and we think people should know what this condition is and what it will mean for my sister," said Caoimhe.

Since her diagnosis, Caitlin has obtained technology such as a 'looky book' to enable her to see the board and enlarge images to a readable font size as well as a touchscreen laptop.

She is also intent on carrying on playing her beloved GAA football with a little help from coloured goggles to help with contrast issues.

"I thought having Stargardt was going to be the end of my world. There have been lots of ups and downs since I was diagnosed but the obstacles have made me a stronger, more determined person. I won't allow the disease to hold me back."