Category: Eye Conditions

New Vision Training for Glaucoma

computer-based eye trainingNew research indicates a breakthrough in repairing vision for patients with glaucoma. A clinical trial published in JAMA Ophthalmology showed vision improvement from daily computer-based training. Retinal damage due to glaucoma is considered irreversible, but this research indicates vision restoration is possible. By continually activating patients’ residual vision, computer training may be able to strengthen vision.

The clinical trial, conducted by Drs. J. Gublin and B. A. Continue reading “New Vision Training for Glaucoma”

Is There a Link Between Keratoconus and Magnesium?

Vision problemsKeratoconus is a disorder of the cornea that causes visual distortion. Changes in the cellular structures of the cornea cause it to thin and bend into a pronounced cone shape, losing its normal gentle curvature. This leads to several types of visual distortion including blurring, halos around lights, and, in some cases, rapid vision loss. The signature sign of Keratoconus is the perception of multiple ghostly images, called monocular polyopia.

The causes of Keratoconus are not yet known, but one possible link is magnesium deficiency. Numerous Continue reading “Is There a Link Between Keratoconus and Magnesium?”

Antioxidant Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Help Wet Macular Deneration (AMD)

omega-3 fatty acidsA new study shows that omega-3 fatty acids could help with wet macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is expected to increase by 50% in older adults in industrialized countries by 2020. As the leading cause of vision loss in the elderly, it is a condition of serious significance. The macula is the central part of the retina. While it makes up only about 2% of the total retina, the brain devotes half of its visual processing network to information from the macula. It is responsible for central vision. The retina is a thin layer of nerves Continue reading “Antioxidant Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Help Wet Macular Deneration (AMD)”

How Sjogren’s Syndrome Dries the Eyes and Damages Health

dry eye dropsSjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder of the rheumatoid type. Rheumatoid type diseases are characterized by inflammation and pain, dry eyes and a dry mouth. There are two types. In Primary Sjogren’s syndrome, the disorder occurs without the presence of an accompanying autoimmune disorder. In Secondary Sjogren’s syndrome, it occurs in conjunction with another autoimmune disorder.

In autoimmune disease, the body’s immune system mistakes some of its own cells as foreign invaders and attacks Continue reading “How Sjogren’s Syndrome Dries the Eyes and Damages Health”

Macular Holes and Macular Puckers Most Common Over Age 60

eye exam elderlyThe macula is a part of the eye crucial to good vision, but as we age, it can be damaged by macular holes and macular puckers. What are the symptoms, and what are the approaches to treating and preventing these problems?

Let’s start by asking, what is the macula? The macula is the central part of the retina. It is yellowish in color. It is the part of the retina that creates clear, sharp, focused vision. And it is the part of the retina most heavily populated with cones, the type of eye cell that allows us to see in color. The retina is a thin layer at the back of the eye. It is where the lens of the eye focuses Continue reading “Macular Holes and Macular Puckers Most Common Over Age 60”

What is Fuchs’ Corneal Dystrophy?

fuchs' syndrome exampleFuchs’ Corneal Dystrophy is named for the Austrian ophthalmologist Ernst Fuchs, who first described the condition in 1910. He described thirteen patients who suffered from corneal clouding, blisters on the corneal epithelia and loss of corneal sensation.

“Dystrophy” refers to any disorder or condition in which a particular tissue or organ of the body wastes away. In Fuchs’ Dystrophy, the tissue that wastes away is the corneal endothelium. Just as epithelium refers to an external skin layer, endothelium refers to an internal skin layer. The corneal endothelium is the back Continue reading “What is Fuchs’ Corneal Dystrophy?”

Causes of Night Blindness / Nyctalopia

driving at nightNight blindness, also called “Nyctalopia”, is a condition characterized by the inability to see well or to see at all in low light. It can also give a diminished ability to see contrast and difficulty transitioning from bright light to dim light. Night blindness has many causes, some that are treatable and some that are not.

In order to understand night blindness, one must understand a little about how the eye works. The retina is located in the back part of the eye, where light falls after passing through the lens. The retina has two types of cells that respond to light: rods and cones. Cones receive bright light and interpret color and detail. They are primarily Continue reading “Causes of Night Blindness / Nyctalopia”

Notable People Who Have Vision Conditions

Even VIPs have eye conditions.  Here’s an interesting collection of ten notables who have serious vision conditions, and who have made a success of their lives nonetheless!

optic neuritis exam1. Steve Wynn: Las Vegas casino developer and the owner of such resorts as the Wynn Las Vegas, Wynn Macau, Bellagio, The Mirage, et cetera. Wynn has developed retinitis pigmentosa which includes progressive degeneration of the photoreceptor cells of the retina. Such degeneration results in poor night vision, light to dark adaption and impaired peripheral vision. Mr. Wynn recently partnered with the University of Iowa to establish the Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research. He donated $25 million to help the university find a cure for blinding eye diseases.

2. Jon Wellner: American actor with the recurring role as toxicologist Henry Andrews in CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. Wellner also has retinitis pigmentosa which has not yet impacted his work. He does however wear glasses. Not only does he continue to act but he also owns his own research company that does research for CSI: Miami, Bones, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, and others. Continue reading “Notable People Who Have Vision Conditions”

Taurine Keeps Diabetics’ Eyes Healthy

DiabetesTaurine is something you will often see in reference to your cats – it’s essential to feline health.  You may not know that it is essential to your own eye health as well, especially if you are a person with diabetes.

Diabetes increases the retina’s requirements for taurine.  Uptake of taurine is increased in the retina and retinal pigment epithelium when the body is suffering from higher levels of insulin and glucose concentrations.

Also, Taurine also appears to protect the lens against the development of “sugar cataracts” because it has excellent antioxidant properties.

Good sources of taurine are fish and eggs.  You can also visit our Vision Store to find supplements that will help you boost your taurine levels.

See research on taurine and more information on this and other important amino acids.

Usher Syndrome and the Eyes

guide dog for deaf-blindUsher Syndrome is a genetic condition that leads to loss of hearing, balance and vision. It is the most common cause of deaf-blindness and accounts for 2-6% of the deaf population. The vision loss from Usher Syndrome is retinitis pigmentosa (degenerating retinal cells).

This condition was described in 1914 by Charles Usher, an English eye doctor. It is autosomal recessive, meaning both parents must carry the gene for the condition to Continue reading “Usher Syndrome and the Eyes”