vision Tag

19 Oct

Posted at 15:40h in Ophthalmology

Contact Lens Safety Notice: If you wear contacts and develop eye pain, redness, light sensitivity, discharge or blurred vision, remove your lenses and contact an eye doctor promptly, since these can be signs of a serious eye infection. Do not sleep in contact lenses unless your eye doctor has prescribed lenses approved for overnight wear, and never rinse or store lenses in tap water or saliva. Contact lenses require a valid prescription and fitting. This post is for general information only. Providers linked in this post are not warranted or endorsed by MedicalResearch.com or Eminent Domains Inc.

Picking between glasses and contact lenses sounds easy until you're staring at fifty frame shapes, ten lens coatings, and a contact lens schedule that looks like a chemistry lab checklist.

If you live in Northwest Georgia, local factors such as pollen, humidity, screen-heavy school or workdays, and long commutes can affect what feels comfortable on your eyes. A smart choice comes from knowing how your vision needs match your lifestyle, budget, and daily habits.

[caption id="attachment_76649" align="aligncenter" width="500"]Photo via Pexels Photo via Pexels[/caption]

14 Oct

Posted at 10:50h in Ophthalmology

Eye Safety Notice: Sudden loss of vision, sudden double vision, a dark curtain or shadow across your vision, new flashes or floaters, or eye pain with a severe headache can be signs of a medical emergency such as a stroke, retinal detachment or acute glaucoma. Call 999 (UK), 911 (US) or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room (A&E) straight away. Vision changes cannot be diagnosed at home. Note what changed, which eye is affected and when it started, and see an optician, optometrist or ophthalmologist promptly. This post is for general information only and is not a substitute for an eye examination or medical advice. Providers linked in this post are not warranted or endorsed by MedicalResearch.com or Eminent Domains Inc.

Changes in eyesight call for different responses depending on how quickly they arrive, with some needing emergency care and others a booked appointment.

The five below are worth recognising now, along with the right place to go for each. Opticians, ophthalmologists and GPs are glad to hear about them early.

[caption id="attachment_76580" align="aligncenter" width="500"]when to see eye doctor pexels Photo by Tomer Dahari[/caption]

28 Apr

Posted at 11:44h in Ophthalmology
[caption id="attachment_73464" align="aligncenter" width="500"]eyeglasses Pexels image[/caption] Glasses are a part of everyday life for millions of people, yet there are still many questions about what happens when you wear them over a long period of time. Some people worry that glasses might weaken their eyes or make their vision worse. Others wonder if relying on them too much could create dependency. Research provides a clear and reassuring answer. Wearing glasses long term is safe and does not harm your eyes. Instead, glasses are simply tools that help correct vision and make daily tasks more comfortable. Understanding how they work over time can help clear up common misconceptions.

10 Nov

Posted at 18:20h in Author Interviews, Ophthalmology
[caption id="attachment_71359" align="aligncenter" width="500"]How Prescription Glasses Work Pexels image[/caption] Prescription eyeglasses are an essential vision correction tool for millions of people. In fact, over half of all people will develop a refractive vision error in their lifetime and require corrective lenses like glasses or contacts to see clearly. Given this widespread reliance on glasses, a common concern arises: does wearing glasses over many years change your eyes – for better or worse? Many people worry that using glasses might weaken their natural eyesight over time, or conversely, wonder if consistent use could improve their vision. Surveys have shown that a significant portion of the public believes long-term eyeglass use might actually worsen vision or cause “dependency” on glasses. This article aims to separate myth from fact and explain what research and expert medical insight say about the long-term use of prescription glasses and eye health.

How Prescription Glasses Work

Prescription glasses work by correcting refractive errors – vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism that occur when the shape of the eye causes light to focus improperly on the retina. Glasses lenses are crafted to bend (refract) incoming light rays so that they focus precisely on the retina at the back of your eye, which produces a clear image. In other words, the lenses adjust how light enters your eye to compensate for the specific focusing error in your vision. By bringing the image into proper focus, glasses sharply reduce blurriness and help you see comfortably without squinting. It’s important to understand that glasses do not change any part of your eye’s anatomy or permanently “fix” the underlying vision problem. They are an external optical aid that improves clarity while you’re wearing them. Eyeglass lenses alter the light rays entering the eye; they do not physically alter your eye’s structure or strengthen/weaken the eye muscles. Because of this, wearing glasses will not cure a refractive error – but it will correct your vision as long as the glasses are on, greatly reducing eye strain and other symptoms. Think of glasses as tools that partner with your eyes to provide clear focus. They allow you to see clearly and comfortably, but they don’t permanently alter the natural shape or health of your eyes (for better or worse).

14 Oct

Posted at 11:02h in Author Interviews
Modern Vision Correction Trends

Key Takeaways

  • Artificial intelligence is boosting precision and safety for LASIK surgery.
  • Non-invasive technologies like PiXL give more patients the option for vision correction without traditional surgery.
  • Laser-free alternatives, such as electromechanical reshaping, are expanding choices for those hesitant about surgery.
  • Smart glasses are leveraging technology to improve the quality of life for people with low or impaired vision.
LASIK

Table of Contents

  • Introduction
  • AI-Enhanced LASIK Procedures
  • Non-Invasive PiXL Technology
  • Electromechanical Reshaping: A Laser-Free Alternative
  • Smart Glasses: Merging Technology with Vision Correction
  • Conclusion

26 Jun

Posted at 16:31h in Ophthalmology
You’re already late. You’ve checked your bag, under the couch cushions, even the fridge. But your glasses are still nowhere to be found. Sound familiar? For many people, misplaced glasses are more than just a daily nuisance—they’re a sign of how much we rely on something so small to get through the day. The good news? It doesn’t have to stay that way. While some vision problems are inevitable with age or genetics, your dependence on glasses doesn’t have to be. From simple lifestyle adjustments to long-term solutions like Melbourne's best laser eye surgery, there are ways to reduce your reliance on glasses and take back control of your day. [caption id="attachment_69233" align="aligncenter" width="500"]where-are-my-glasses Photo by Not My Real Name:[/caption]

Pay Attention to the Habits That Worsen Your Vision

Let’s start with what you can control. Daily habits like staring at screens without breaks, reading in poor lighting, and not wearing sunglasses outside can all lead to increased eye strain. Over time, these behaviours may worsen your need for corrective lenses. Start making small changes: lower screen brightness, take breaks every 20 minutes, and wear UV-protective sunglasses. The less strain you put on your eyes, the less likely you are to notice rapid vision decline.

17 Apr

Posted at 13:24h in Ophthalmology
[caption id="attachment_68014" align="aligncenter" width="500"]eyeglasses-eyeglass-frames Photo by Evgeniy Alekseyev[/caption] Getting your glasses lenses replaced without leaving the comfort of your home is not only possible but also quite convenient. In recent years, several online services have emerged to make lens replacement simpler for you. By simply sending in your current frames, you can have your lenses updated with your latest prescription and get them back quickly and easily. These services often offer free shipping both ways, allowing you to update your glasses effortlessly. You don't need to visit a store or wait in long lines. Instead, you can handle everything from start to finish from your computer or phone. Many of these providers also offer fast shipping options so that you can receive your updated glasses sooner than you might expect. Additionally, these services provide a variety of lens options, fitting different budgets and needs. Whether you need standard lenses or have specific requirements like anti-reflective coating or blue light protection, there are solutions available to meet your needs. Getting your lenses replaced from home can save you time and simplify the process, making it a great option for keeping your vision clear and your eyewear up to date.

13 Feb

Posted at 16:25h in Author Interviews

Routine eye exams are essential to preventative eye care, typically recommended every one to two years. However, it is advised that those with a family history of eye disease or more susceptible to developing visual issues—such as those who spend a lot of time on digital devices or have a...

25 Nov

Posted at 08:45h in Ophthalmology
 
  • Eye care is being revolutionized by advanced tools and techniques, improving diagnosis and treatment options.
  • Cutting-edge innovations like AI-driven diagnostics, wearable devices, and minimally invasive procedures are transforming outcomes.
  • Emerging techniques, such as regenerative therapies and precision medicine, are addressing previously untreatable conditions.
  • The future of eye care includes telemedicine and smart technologies, making treatments more accessible and tailored to individual needs.
future-eye-care   Eye care is undergoing a revolution. As technology evolves, so do the ways we diagnose and treat vision problems. For patients and professionals alike, this means a brighter future—literally and figuratively. From innovative devices to cutting-edge surgical methods, advancements in this field are transforming outcomes and making treatments more accessible. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the challenges faced in eye care today, the breakthroughs addressing them, and the exciting tools and techniques shaping the future. Whether you’re curious about the tech behind these advancements or what they mean for your eye health, you’re in the right place.

31 Oct

Posted at 00:43h in Ophthalmology
[caption id="attachment_64428" align="aligncenter" width="500"]eyes-ophthalmology-lasix Source[/caption] Many people dream of having perfect vision without needing glasses or contact lenses. Thanks to significant technological advancements, LASIK is now safer and more precise, making it a popular choice for those seeking clarity and comfort in their everyday lives. The transformation after LASIK extends beyond mere visual improvement. The newfound ability to enjoy daily activities without optical aids leads to enhanced quality of life, boosting confidence and reducing dependency on corrective lenses. An informed understanding of LASIK empowers individuals to make decisions that benefit their vision health, potentially altering life significantly and positively. Key Takeaways
  • LASIK is popular for those looking to improve vision and life quality without relying on glasses or contact lenses.
  • Advances in LASIK technology have made the procedure safer and more precise.
  • Understanding the benefits and process of LASIK can help individuals make informed decisions about their eye health.

28 Oct

Posted at 11:03h in Glaucoma, Ophthalmology
  glaucoma-opthalmology-eyedoctor.jpg Glaucoma is often called the "sneak thief of sight," and that name fits. Many folks don't know they have it until it's too late. Spotting the earliest sign of glaucoma can help save your vision and get you the care you need. Let's explore four important symptoms to keep an eye out for and discuss why catching glaucoma early is so crucial for keeping your eyes healthy. Please note everyone should be screened for glaucoma as well as other eye diseases including macular degeneration.  Make a regularly scheduled visit to an opthamologist part of your health care routine. Four Key Symptoms Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can lead to vision loss and are often associated with increased pressure in the eye. Here are four key symptoms to look out for as earliest sign of glaucoma:
  1. Blurred or Cloudy Vision
One of the most alarming symptoms that could indicate the earliest sign of glaucoma is a subtle change in your vision. Many people notice their vision becoming blurry or cloudy. This problem can get worse as time goes on. It often happens in low-light situations or when moving from bright to dark places. Glaucoma can block fluid from draining out of your eye, causing pressure that makes your vision unclear. If you have trouble focusing, don't ignore these changes. It's important to see an eye doctor.

20 Jun

Posted at 12:38h in Ophthalmology
In a country like the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with its glittering skyline and bustling streets, having poor eyesight can cause you to miss out on so much. Imagine not being able to fully appreciate the awe-inspiring architecture of the Burj Khalifa or the sparkling waters of the Palm Jumeirah. Picture struggling to navigate the vibrant souks and bustling malls, unable to soak in the rich culture and intricate details of the treasures on display. Poor eyesight might even rob you of the simple joys of watching the sun set over the desert horizon or enjoying dolphin encounters in the best marine-themed parks in the country. Having a clear vision opens up a world of endless possibilities in a city teeming with life and wonder. This guide will help ensure you never miss a moment of Emirati magic with seven simple tips for maintaining healthy eyesight.

1. Watch Your Diet

Good eyesight begins with what you eat. Omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin E are some of the nutrients you need to maintain your eye health.
  • Incorporate foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, and citrus fruits for vitamins A and C.
  • Enjoy almonds, spinach, and cold-water fish like salmon for vitamin E, lutein, and omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Don’t forget zinc-rich foods like beans and lean meats.
A balanced diet supports healthy eyes and helps reduce your risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes, major contributors to vision loss.

20 Jul

Posted at 23:25h in Author Interviews, CMAJ, Ophthalmology, Pediatrics
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Mayu Nishimura Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences Director of Research Kindergarten Vision Screening Program  MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? child-looking-vision Response: Children's visual problems are difficult to identify without formal tests but most parents do not realize the importance of early eye checks nor are they aware that well-child visits to the family doctor/pediatrician are not enough. We are researchers at McMaster University (Hamilton, ON) and SickKids Hospital (Toronto, ON) who examined if it is possible to implement a vision screening program for kindergartners in diverse Ontario communities. Below are the main findings:
  • We screened nearly 5000 kindergarten children in 15 communities and found that 11% of screened children had a visual problem, with 2/3 of the children being identified for the first time.
  • There was great support for the program from the children, parents, teachers, and optometrists.
  • Screening required 15-20 minutes per child and cost $10/child.
  • When parents received a letter permitting them to opt out of screening, 4% did so. When parents were required to return a signed letter to opt in, 30% did not.
  • Referral rates varied across schools but were higher for children in junior kindergarten (average 53%) than children in senior kindergarten (average 34%).
  • Successful treatment depends on the parents’ awareness of the importance of eye exams and glasses, and access to optometrists and glasses without worrying about costs.

18 Oct

Posted at 10:26h in Accidents & Violence, Author Interviews, Ophthalmology
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Jonathon Ng MD Clinical Senior Lecturer Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Population and Public Health University of Western Australia MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: This study was a part of a programme of research into cataract surgery and motor vehicle accidents spanning a decade. The older population is the fastest growing group of drivers and continuing to drive is an important part of maintaining independence. However, ageing also leads to a variety of conditions, including eye diseases such as cataract which affects vision and driving ability. We conducted this current study to try and better understand driving performance in people having cataract surgery. This was prompted by our earlier work 10 years ago that found decreased motor vehicle accidents after cataract surgery in a study of 28,000 people using linked health and administrative data. 

26 Sep

Posted at 23:48h in Author Interviews, Chocolate, Ophthalmology
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Dr. med. Jakob Siedlecki MD Department of Ophthalmology Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Germany MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: The background is that a previous study has found beneficial effects of dark chocolate on visual function. This finding was attributed to improved blood supply due to vasodilation induced by Flavanols in dark chocolate.

21 Jun

Posted at 15:23h in Author Interviews, Geriatrics, JAMA, Ophthalmology, University of Michigan
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_49831" align="alignleft" width="144"]Joshua R. Ehrlich, MD, MPH Assistant Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Kellogg Eye Center Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences University of Michigan Dr. Ehrlich[/caption] Joshua R. Ehrlich, MD, MPH Assistant Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Kellogg Eye Center Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences University of Michigan  MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?   Response: This study came out of data collected as part of the National Poll on Healthy Aging (NPHA). The NPHA is funded by AARP and the Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation at the University of Michigan to inform the public, healthcare providers, and policymakers on a variety issues related to health. The vision survey, conducted in March 2018, was just one of many NPHA surveys. Due to aging of the population, the number of older U.S. adults with blindness and vision impairment is expected to double over the next 30 years. Thus, this study was designed to provide crucial data  on contemporary data on patterns of eye care utilization in older adults.

14 Sep

Posted at 12:29h in Author Interviews, JAMA, Ophthalmology, Toxin Research
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: “Vision” by Victoria Ford is licensed under CC BY 2.0Adam J. Paulsen MS Associate Researcher EpiSense Research Program Department of Ophthalmology&  Visual Sciences University of Wisconsin - Madison MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Contrast Sensitivity is a measure of visual function that indicates how well a person is able to distinguish an object against its background.  Tests of CS determine how faint a visual signal can be identified.  CS can be diminished even in those with appropriately corrected visual acuity, has been shown to have effects on daily activities (including near vision tasks), risk of falls, and driving ability.  The causes of and risks for CS impairment are understudied.  Cadmium (Cd) and Lead (Pb) are known neurotoxins that have been shown to accumulate in the retina.  Both Cd and Pb have common sources of exposure in the general population.  Our studied aimed to investigate risk factors for incident CS impairment, including Cd and Pb exposure.

29 Jun

Posted at 12:00h in Aging, Alzheimer's - Dementia, Author Interviews, JAMA, Ophthalmology
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: “Old Eyeglasses” by Leyram Odacrem is licensed under CC BY 2.0Diane Zheng MS NEI F-31 Research Fellow and a Ph.D. candidate in Epidemiology Department of Public Health Sciences University of Miami MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Worsening vision and declining cognitive function are common conditions among older people. Understanding the association between them could be beneficial to alleviate age related cognitive decline.

28 Mar

Posted at 16:06h in Author Interviews, Ophthalmology, Stem Cells, Stroke
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Steven Levy MD CEO, MD Stem Cells Study Director, Stem Cell Treatment Studies MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: MD Stem Cells is the sponsor of the Stem Cell Ophthalmology Treatment Study II (SCOTS 2) the largest stem cell study currently addressing retinal and optic nerve disease (NCT 03011541). SCOTS uses autologous bone marrow derived stem cells (BMSC) typically provided to the eyes by combining retrobulbar, subtenons and intravenous injections. Many retinal and optic nerve diseases are eligible including Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), Stargardts, Ushers, Glaucoma, Ischemic Optic Neuropathy, Optic Atrophy and others. Statistically significant improvements have been documented in key diseases and positive responses have been noted across most conditions treated. Mechanisms of action may include differentiation of the CD34 cells into neurons, secretion of neurotrophic factors, transfer of mitochondria and release of mRNA. These may benefit existing stressed cells as well as provide replacement of damaged or absent cells.

31 Oct

Posted at 12:20h in Author Interviews, JAMA, Menopause, Ophthalmology, UCLA
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_37775" align="alignleft" width="150"]Anne L. Coleman, MD, PhD Center for Community Outreach and Policy, Stein Eye Institute David Geffen School of Medicine Director, UCLA Mobile Eye Clinic Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health UCLA Dr. Coleman[/caption] Anne L. Coleman, MD, PhD Center for Community Outreach and Policy, Stein Eye Institute David Geffen School of Medicine Director, UCLA Mobile Eye Clinic Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health UCLA MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Cataracts are a leading cause of vision loss worldwide, and cataract surgery is an intervention that is known to be extremely effective to address the vision loss related to cataract. However, it is unclear if there are benefits of cataract surgery beyond vision improvement in people with cataracts. Previous studies have suggested that in addition to improving vision, cataract surgery may decrease the risk of fractures and accidents, improve mental health, and improve overall quality of life. The purpose of the present study was to further investigate the potential benefits of cataract surgery and to determine if cataract surgery was associated with increased survival in people with cataracts.

17 Apr

Posted at 23:59h in Addiction, Author Interviews, BMJ, Ophthalmology
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Dr. Rebecca Rewbury Sussex Eye Hospital Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals Trust Brighton, UK MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: ‘Poppers’ are recreational drugs which are illegal to sell for human ingestion, but are sold under the guise of household cleaning products. Inhalation leads to a brief sense of euphoria, enhanced sexual arousal and smooth muscle relaxation. The Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 was due to outlaw poppers, but they were excluded on the basis that they do not act directly on the central nervous system. The main constituent of poppers, isopropyl nitrite, replaced isobutyl nitrite when the latter was classified as a carcinogen in 2006. Since then, there have been several case reports of ‘poppers maculopathy.’ We noted an increase in patients presenting with central visual disturbances after using poppers and describe 12 such cases. They all demonstrated similar disruption of the photoreceptor layer on retinal imaging. Onset of symptoms was frequently linked to specific brands of poppers, with 3 people having used poppers for many years and only developing side effects on changing brand. Chemical analysis showed that these products contained isopropyl nitrite. One brand of poppers, used without side effects by one patient, contained amyl nitrite, 2-methyl butyl nitrite and isobutyl alcohol, but no isopropyl nitrite. The outcome of poppers maculopathy varied, but following abstention, visual disturbances and retinal damage tended to improve over months, if not fully resolve. Although in some cases, symptoms and/or imaging findings were prolonged. Ongoing use of implicated brands led to persistent, but not worsening maculopathy, whereas one patient that switched back to another brand showed full recovery.

01 Jun

Posted at 10:16h in Author Interviews, JAMA, Ophthalmology
Reed Jost, MS Retina Foundation of the Southwest 9600 N Central Expwy, Suite 200 Dallas, TX 75231MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Reed Jost, MS Retina Foundation of the Southwest 9600 N Central Expwy, Suite 200 Dallas, TX 75231   MedicalResearch: What are the main findings of the study? Answer: Commercially available automated screening devices assess refractive risk factors, not amblyopia or strabismus, resulting in under-referral of affected children and over-referral of healthy children to pediatric eye care professionals. The Pediatric Vision Scanner is a binocular retinal birefringence scanner that directly detects strabismus and amblyopia by analyzing binocular scans for the presence or absence of birefringence, which is characteristic of steady, bifoveal fixation. We found that the Pediatric Vision Scanner outperformed an automated, refractive error screener (SureSight Autorefractor) in a cohort of 300 patients (2-6 years) tested in a pediatric ophthalmology setting. Compared to the SureSight, the Pediatric Vision Scanner had significantly higher sensitivity and higher specificity in the detection of strabismus and amblyopia.

25 Apr

Posted at 06:23h in Author Interviews, JAMA, Ophthalmology
Michael Wall, MD Department of Neurology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, 200 Hawkins D Iowa City, IA 52242-1091MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Michael Wall, MD Department of Neurology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, 200 Hawkins D Iowa City, IA 52242-1091 MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings of the study? Dr. Wall: We studied patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (formerly called pseudotumor cerebri) with mild visual loss. We found that subjects taking acetazolamide, a type of diuretic, along with a low sodium weight loss program had significantly better visual outcomes than those taking placebo along with the diet.