The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recently highlighted a rare eye disease in honor of Rare Disease Day. This focuses on raising awareness about certain conditions to boost donations for the many rare diseases.
To be considered a rare disease in the U.S., an illness has to affect fewer than 200,000 Americans. Scientists have discovered more than 7,000 conditions that fall into this category. Inherited gene defects account for 80 percent of this number, and a great deal of these defects are related to vision. The disease NIH focused on was Leber congenital amaurosis, which is a genetic disorder that causes blindness as the photoreceptor cells are slowly damaged. Gene therapies are developing for a successful treatment, but they have not been tested on humans just yet.
Research and technology have a come a long way when it comes to eye health. Those who have vision problems may now see if they are a candidate for laser eye surgery, which can improve or correct a person's vision. The quick procedure consists of the surgeon reshaping the cornea and changing the focusing power of the eye, Medline Plus reports.
A new report states that carrots are not the only healthy food which can improve a person's eyes. There are actually a number of foods that people should include in their diets to maintain good eye health, according to Mississauga.com.
The authors of Eyefoods: A Food Plan for Healthy Eyes, Dr. Laurie Capogna and Dr. Barbara Pelletier, recently spoke about different foods that are the best for eye health, and it seems as though kale may be one of the most important, according to the news outlet.
Kale, orange peppers, cold-water fish and eggs are highlighted in the report, as they are known for preserving vision for longer and preventing age-related eye conditions. The authors suggest that people should eat a handful of kale each day, half of an orange pepper four times a week, have cold-water fish four times a week and have two eggs twice a week, the media outlet reports. These foods will give the minerals and vitamins the person needs without relying on supplements. However, some people may still need the added boost while they age.
"At a certain point, you need supplements, but even with supplements, you should be eating these foods," Capogna told the news source.
A number of recent studies have been released illustrating the important foods individuals should eat to ensure they keep up with their eye health. According to American Health and Beauty, those who have higher levels of antioxidants in their diets show a lower risk of age-related macular degeneration, which is the leading cause of blindness among Americans. Individuals who want to add more antioxidants into their diet should focus on foods that contain vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein and zeaxanthin, the media outlet reports.
Those who lead healthy lives, but have vision problems may be looking for a way to fix that. Individuals may want to ask their doctor about LASIK eye surgery, which can improve or correct a person's eyesight after a quick procedure. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the surgery is not for everyone. However, the number of those who are eligible has increased over the years. Therefore, if a person was once turned down, they may now be a candidate.
As the baby boomers continue to reach retirement age, many are curious about how the healthcare industry will take on the growing amount of aging individuals in the upcoming years. One major factor is eyecare, as a simple eye exam can identify certain health problems and treat them early on to avoid piling hospital bills, according to The Columbus Dispatch.
"People are living longer, so they need to use their eyes longer," Dr. Robert Newcomb of Ohio State University told the news source. "If we look at World War II [population] statistics and project those onto baby boomers, we’re going to see a doubling in the rates of legal blindness."
Many people are not concerned about getting their eyes checked until they fail a vision test or are continually experiencing fuzzy vision. However, as a person gets older, it becomes more imperative for them to schedule an annual exam. The check-up can detect if a person has glaucoma, diabetes or a cataract early on. In addition, there is a multitude of other eye issues that come with age.
"There are changes that take place in the eyes and all of the tissues around the eyes that occur with aging," Dr. James L. Moses, an ophthalmologist, told the news outlet. "Eyelids become more puffy, more droopy, and they may not make good contact with the eye. Eyes become drier with time."
In addition to annual eye exams, living a healthy life can also keep eye problems at bay. For instance, wearing sunglasses is key, as it can protect a person's eyes from ultraviolet rays. Controlling blood sugar, blood pressure and not smoking can also help a person ward off any eye complications as they grow older, the media outlet reports.
Those who have had vision problems for some time and are interested in fixing the problem may want to ask their doctor about laser eye surgery, which can improve or correct a person's eyesight. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, not everyone is a candidate for the procedure. However, the number of those who are eligible has increased over the years.
The Cambridge Lions Club has made it their duty to collect recycled eyeglasses during their annual comedy and music show to help those who are unable to afford them, according to The Jeffersonian.
"With the economy the way it is we have had a big increase in the number of people needing assistance with the cost of eye care," show co-chair Bryant Ficken told the news source. "We are making a special effort this year to ask members of the community to help us raise the funds we need to continue providing eyeglasses."
Individuals can drop off their used eyeglasses during the event at Ohio State University College of Optometry, the media outlet reports.
Those who are tired of wearing glasses or contacts may want to ask their doctor if they are a candidate for LASIK eye surgery. The procedure, which can improve or correct a peron's eyesight, is not for everyone. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the number of those who are eligible continues to increase, however.
A new study conducted by researchers at University of California Santa Barbara, the University of Utah John Moran Eye Center, and the University of Iowa found a series of genes that could identify age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and possibly predict it before a typical diagnosis.
The researchers located 50 different genes that have higher levels of AMD and 20 that could be indicators of the disease.
"Not only are these genes able to identify people with clinically recognized AMD and distinguish between different advanced types - some of these genes appear to be associated with pre-clinical stages of AMD," said Dr. Monte Radeke, a project leader. "Now that we know the identity and function of many of the genes involved in the disease, we can start to look among them to develop new diagnostic methods, and for new targets for the development of treatments for all forms of AMD."
New research and technology continues to improve, and even though there is no cure to AMD, there are other eye problems which can be fixed. For instance, those who have vision problems may want to consider laser eye surgery, which can improve or correct a person's eyesight with a quick procedure.
The Illinois College of Optometry program focuses on giving free eye exams to children in the Chicago area. Since the program was implemented one year ago, 5,000 public school students have received eye exams.
Additionally, the doctors found numerous cases where the children needed the care, but otherwise would not have received it.
"During the last year, we have seen a lot of children with significant vision problems. Some children were using friends' or siblings' glasses, and some kids had eye health issues that had never been identified or had been identified, but never treated," Dr. Sandra Block, professor and medical clinic director. "The clinic is part of a solution to address the unmet need of vision care for children within the city of Chicago. It is helping to eliminate one barrier to improved academic performance for many students."
Those who have had vision problems since their childhood may want to consider LASIK eye surgery, which can improve or correct a person's eyesight. The quick procedure consists of changing the focusing power of the eye and reshaping the cornea, Medline Plus reports.
Google has been reportedly working on several futuristic ideas including cars that drive themselves. However, the newest development surrounds eyeglasses - ones that display data on the eyewear itself, according to TechNewsWorld.
The prototype is in its last stages of development, and will likely run on Andriod software. The device will also double as a phone and a global positioning system. The media outlet reports that these glasses could be on the market sooner than many may think. Additionally, they are expected to include a camera, and individuals will be able to access certain information by moving their head up and down.
"Nothing here [as reported] requires a massive technology breakthrough, just some cost optimization," Rob Enderle, principal analyst at the Enderle Group, told the news source. "The cost of the displays will be the main issue, and unless Google sells a ton of them, it'll be hard to bring down their price."
According to 9to5Google, the appearance of the glasses is similar to Oakley Thumps, which is a line of sunglasses that incorporate an MP3 player with 1 GB of memory. The Oakely Thumps were discontinued soon after they hit the market.
It has been rumored that the glasses are very easy to understand, and that the user will quickly pick up what they have to do to operate the device. However, no more information has been released surrounding the glasses, the news outlet reports.
There have been tons of technical advancements related to eyes in the past few years - some of which include eye care. People who want to correct their vision may now be able to do so. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, laser eye surgery can improve or correct a person's vision with a quick procedure.
Not everyone is candidate for the procedure, the FDA reports. However, the number of those who are eligible has been increasing over the years. So, if an individual was once not able to get the surgery, they may now qualify. It is also imperative that a person knows all of the risk and benefits before they undergo surgery. The most common side effect of the procedure is dry eyes.
The iconic 77-year-old actress Judi Dench recently announced she has been diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration, which is a condition that could lead to blindness. However, she assures the public she is not in danger of going blind, according to Reuters.
"In response to the numerous articles in the media concerning my eye condition - macular degeneration - I do not wish for this to be overblown," Dench said in a statement emailed to Reuters. "This condition is something that thousands and thousands of people all over the world are having to contend with. It's something that I have learnt to cope with and adapt to - and it will not lead to blindness."
There have been vast improvements with research in age-related macular degeneration and other eye-related conditions. Those who have vision problems now have options to correct them.
Individuals who are interested in vision correction surgery may want to talk to their doctor about LASIK, which can improve or correct a person's vision. According to Medline Plus, the surgeon reshapes the cornea and changes the focusing power of the eye to fix the problem.
A new study published in Online First by Archives of Ophthalmology found that a steady diet of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin A can slow the progression of vision loss due to retinitis pigmentosa.
There is currently no cure for retinitis pigmentosa, which is a group of inherited diseases that result in degeneration of the retina. Those with the disease slowly lose their vision over time because their photoreceptor cells - cones and rods - start to die. Research has continually been conducted to attempt to find a cure. While a cure has yet to be found, these new findings show a way for retinitis pigmentosa sufferers to slow down the condition.
It was previously discovered that vitamin A is very beneficial to those with the condition. The study finds that combining omega-3 fatty acids with the vitamin can create more benefits. The researchers examined 357 patients with the disease and broke them up into two groups based on the participants' answers to a questionnaire. One group had a high intake of omega-3s and the other had a low consumption.
After a few follow-up visits, a thorough eye exam and another questionnaire, the researchers analyzed the data. They found that those who had a diet high in omega-3s had a 40 percent lower average annual rate of decline in distance acuity compared with those who consumed less of the nutrient. The high consumption of omega-3s also resulted in a 50 percent lower average annual rate of decline in central vision field sensitivity than the other group.
Some foods that contain the highest levels of omega-3s include tuna, salmon, herring, and other cold water fatty fish.
Research and technologies continue to develop over the years, and some eye conditions can be fixed nowadays due to these advancements. Those with vision problems - such as nearsightedness or farsightedness - can ask their doctor about LASIK eye surgery, which can improve or correct a person's eyesight.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, not everyone is a candidate for the procedure. However, the number of those who are eligible has increased over the years. If an individual was once told they weren't a candidate, may be one now.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved a new drug by Merck & Co. to treat a common eye problem, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Zioptan helps relieve intraocular pressure in those who have a form of glaucoma or ocular hypertension. The type of glaucoma is known as open-angle and it involves intense pressure on the optic nerve.
This drug is the first preservative-free prostaglandin analog opthalmic solution. Previously, glaucoma treatments with preservatives included have shown various adverse effects, the media outlet reports. In the clinical trials, the drug was deemed successful after three to six months of use.
There has been a lot of research and technology advances over the years to help those with various eye conditions. There are even surgeries to get rid of a person's vision problems. Individuals who are interested in vision correction surgery may want to ask their doctor about LASIK, which can improve or perfect a person's eyesight by reshaping the cornea and changing the focusing power of the eye, Medline Plus reports.
Only at The LASIK Vision Institute™
We use the proven LASIK laser technology most widely used throughout the world.
Interest will be charged to your account from the surgery date if the purchase amount is not paid in full by 12/31/2013 or if your account is otherwise in default.
Procedures must be performed by May 26, 2012!
Schedule your FREE evaluation with a LASIK Specialist Today!
Please tell us more about yourself so our LASIK
Specialists can better assess your needs and
confirm your FREE Evaluation appointment.
*Prices based on prescription: up to -1.25 $299, -1.50 to -2.0 $899, -2.25 & up inclusive of all hyperopic &/or patients with greater than -1 diopter of astigmatism $1299. Candidacy determined by an independent doctor located within or adjacent to the LASIK Vision Institute's facility. All procedures performed by an independent surgeon. Comfort plugs and assurance plans available at additional cost. Other conditions may apply. May not be combined with other discounted offers.
Florida Residents: Candidacy determined by an independent doctor located within The LASIK Vision Institute's facility. Free evaluation does not include charge for candidacy determination; fees paid for candidacy determination will be deducted from price of procedure. The patient and any other person responsible for payment have a right to refuse to pay, cancel payment, or be reimbursed for payment for any other service, examination or treatment which is performed as a result of and within 72 hours of responding to the advertisement for the free discounted fee or reduced fee service, examination or treatment.
Financing Offer: Offer subject to credit approval by GE Money Bank. Only applies to purchases of $1000 or more made between 7/1/10 and 12/31/2013. No finance charges will be assessed if (1) purchase amount is paid in full by 12/31/2013, (2) all required monthly payments are paid when due, and (3) account balance does not exceed approved credit limit. Interest will be charged to your account from the surgery date if the purchase amount is not paid in full by 12/31/2013 or if your account is otherwise in default. Any payments received in excess of required monthly payments will be applied to balance of purchase price, thereby reducing the benefit of this promotion. GE Money Bank's standard terms apply to non-promotion purchases, optional charges and existing accounts. As of 2/6/2008, variable APRs: 21.98% and APRs on accounts in default: 26.99%. Minimum finance charge is $1.50
