Visual Detox – A Whole-Body Connection

visual detoxVisual detox refers to purifying the eyes of debris, toxins, and the effects of bad visual habits. Debris build-up can affect vision health and contribute to the onset of eye disease. These diseases can include eye irritation, effects on lacrimation related to dry eyes, glaucoma, and macular degeneration (AMD). Focusing too much on close-up computer screens leads to computer eye strain symptoms and reduces the free flow of energy to the eyes. As the eyes’ health is directly connected to whole-body well-being, we must look at detoxification from a whole-body perspective.

Other symptoms of toxin build-up can include ocular burning, watering, pain, and photophobia [1. Dwivedi et al., 1985], conjunctivitis and corneal opacity.[2. Maskati, 1986]

Whole-body toxicity symptoms can include:  Continue reading “Visual Detox – A Whole-Body Connection”

Macular Degeneration Glasses May Restore Vision: Pixium Vision’s Bionic PRIMA System Sees Improvements

pixium implant glasses for better visionPeople with vision loss due to retinal disease may be able to use a bionic  system to improve sight in the near future. Pixium Vision is running a feasibility study on is PRIMA System, and they got better-than-expected results. The study is on patients with dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Currently, medical science cannot restore vision in those with retinal dystrophies. The PRIMA System may lead to vision restoration for patients with Macular Degeneration, Retinitis Pigmentosa and other retinal diseases. Continue reading “Macular Degeneration Glasses May Restore Vision: Pixium Vision’s Bionic PRIMA System Sees Improvements”

Visually Impaired Use Tongue to “See” with BrainPort

Brainport for visually impairedVisually impaired people can now detect their surroundings using a camera and a small device held on the tongue. Wicab Technology’s BrainPort converts visual data into tiny electrical signals. The tongue is sensitive enough to detect the patterns on an electrode array. With training, the brain learns to process the data in both the somatosensory cortex and the visual cortex. This sensory substitution device represents hope for the visually impaired. Visual impairment can be Continue reading “Visually Impaired Use Tongue to “See” with BrainPort”

AMD Research: Part 1

age-related macular degeneratio ARMD Age-Related Macular Denegation is a significant cause of vision loss that can often be managed and even improved through targeted nutritional support. It affects mostly people over age 50. While the precise cause of ARMD is not clear, oxidative damage is suspected as being a major factor. It strikes the elderly possibly due to poor diet and nutritional intake over a lifetime, less efficient absorption of nutrients and poor circulation as the body ages. The care needed by vision-impaired elderly could become overwhelming. Let’s take a look at some of the newest research in preventing macular degeneration, as well as treatment and support options.

Symptoms & Diagnosis

Central vision is possible because of the macula. It is a small, yellow-colored Continue reading “AMD Research: Part 1”

What are the Symptoms and Treatments for Cataracts?

cataracts in the elderlyWith cataracts affecting nearly 22 million Americans, it’s not surprising that most of us know people who have had cataract surgery. We may even be contemplating cataract surgery for ourselves. Since cataracts are almost never a medical emergency, you should feel entirely comfortable taking the time to learn more about cataracts and explore all your options.

What is a Cataract?

A cataract is simply a spot on the lens of the eye that you cannot readily see through. These spots are made up of clumps of normal eye protein and generally form slowly over time. Although most cataracts are related to aging, it is also possible for cataracts Continue reading “What are the Symptoms and Treatments for Cataracts?”

Ophthalmic Devices Market Will Increase Globally

eye device microchipAccording to market research by Persistence Market Research, the global market for ophthalmic devices is predicted to increase significantly by 2020. The prediction is based on information from a number of geographic locations, including the United States and countries in Europe and Asia. Increasing prevalence of eye disease contributes to the ophthalmic devices market, which includes vision care, diagnostic, and surgery devices.

Higher incidence of common eye disorders such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma are leading more and more patients all over the world to seek out treatment for vision loss. Aging populations, lifestyle-associated diseases (such as diabetes or high blood pressure), and government healthcare Continue reading “Ophthalmic Devices Market Will Increase Globally”

Argus II Technology Restores Sight

digital eye abstract 200Technology for restoring vision to the blind continues to improve with devices like the Argus II, a system of special glasses and electrodes implanted directly in the retina. While only six people in the U.S. are using the Argus II, more and more similar means of achieving “bionic eyes” are becoming available. These systems allow patients who have lost sight due to certain eye diseases to regain basic recognition of light and shapes.
The Argus II involves a simple set of glasses equipped with a camera not unlike those in smartphones. The camera sends Continue reading “Argus II Technology Restores Sight”

Alpha IMS Wireless Implant for Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) Approved

Alpha IMS wireless implant  Approval to distribute the Alpha IMS wireless implant for retinitis pigmentosa (RP) has been granted in Europe to Retina Implant AG, based in Reutlingen, Germany.  Thirty-six patients have received the subretinal implant, designed to restore useful vision to people legally blinded by RP.

Retinitis pigmentosa is a generative eye disease that begins in young people and may be inherited. RP patients may be able to Continue reading “Alpha IMS Wireless Implant for Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) Approved”

Retinitis Pigmentosa Argus II Retinal Prothesis FDA Approved

Argus II for retinitis pigmentosaThe first implanted device for adults with retinitis pigmentosa has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Called the Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System, the device includes a tiny video camera, a transmitter (on a pair of glasses), and a video processing unit. The patient’s retina is replaced with a prosthesis. The camera wirelessly transmits visual information to the retinal prosthesis to improve vision.

Continue reading “Retinitis Pigmentosa Argus II Retinal Prothesis FDA Approved”

Breakthrough Prosthetic Sends Retina Signals to Brain to Restore Sight

blind mice had their vision restorated with new technologyBreakthrough research into vision restoration may result in a new type of prosthetic for people suffering from vision loss due to retinal degenerative diseases such as macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa.

Researchers cracked the retinal code that the retina uses to communicate with the brain. Their initial research was on mice. They determined which electrical signals the retina uses when communicating with the brain. Then, they mimicked the signals using electric-signal sending glasses in blind mice. The animals’ vision was restored to near normal.

Continue reading “Breakthrough Prosthetic Sends Retina Signals to Brain to Restore Sight”