StemCell Therapy

Even Oprah Winfrey It can be shot down But she will get up all over again, and you will by no means preserve her down.

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The famed tv mogul took the phase at her 2020 Vision: Your Lifestyle in Emphasis Tour display at the Discussion board in the Los Angeles space on Saturday, though ironically speaking, about the thought of preserving stability in lifetime.

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"This is my definition of what wellness implies to me. This is my definition, not yours, just an plan, due to the fact you will determine it for yourself. Wellness for me usually means that all the things in harmony and balance does not mean anything is the identical. or they are at peace at all occasions, "claimed Winfrey, in advance of shedding his stability, falling and landing on his aspect just before sitting down and obtaining up.

She was unharmed and laughed at the incident, as was the audience.

"It really is superior to be chatting about stability and fall," he mentioned afterwards, triggering laughter in the group. "Jesus, you are so amusing! Lord. You're so funny."

Winfrey then asked anyone to convey his new sneakers and transformed his shoes for white types.

Saturday's present functions famed guests Jennifer Lopez.

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Oprah Falls Onstage at 2020 Eyesight Tour Clearly show and laughs - gotech daily

High blood pressure reads as 140/90mmHg on a blood pressure test. Without one of those machines, how could you know you have the deadly health condition? Theres a sign in your eye that could indicate you have the health issue.

An optometrist an eye doctor from America, Dr William White, says that while he does his routine examination on his patients, hes always on the look out for clues indicating somebody is suffering from high blood pressure.

We [optometrists] can see changes due to vascular conditions caused by hypertension, he said.

Hypertension is the medical term given to high blood pressure.

Underpinning this statement, a 2013 study published in the journal Hypertension focused its attention on 2,900 patients who showed signs of hypertensive retinopathy (blood vessel damage in the eyes).

After 13 years, they found those who had a mild form of hypertensive retinopathy had a 35 percent greater risk of stroke.

That risk increased to 137 percent with those who displayed moderate to severe hypertensive retinopathy.

Dr White said: High blood pressure has a cumulative effect. If it's uncontrolled over years, it's going to cause damage later in life."

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High blood pressure symptoms: The sign in a persons eyes that could signal the condition - Express

(PRESS RELEASE) Prevent Blindness, the nations oldest eye health and safety nonprofit organization, has declared March as Workplace Eye Wellness Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 2,000 U.S. workers sustain a job-related eye injury that requires medical treatment a day. About one-third of the injuries are treated in hospital emergency departments, and more than 100 of these injuries result in one or more days away from work.

For those who work outside an office setting, Prevent Blindness warns of common causes for eye injuries and urges everyone to wear the proper eye protection for risks that include:

The type of safety eye protection that Prevent Blindness recommends depends on the hazards in the workplace. For areas that have particles, flying objects, or dust, safety glasses with side protection (side shields) should be worn. Goggles should be worn for anyone working with chemicals. And, for those working near hazardous radiation (welding, lasers, or fiber optics) special-purpose safety glasses, goggles, face shields, or helmets designed for that task should be worn.

Those who work within an office setting (working with computers and other digital devices) are at higher risk for digital eye strain. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), eye strain symptoms include dry eyes, blurry vision, tearing or watery eyes, and headache. The cause of digital eye strain is that people blink less when they stare at digital devices. The AAO adds that normally, humans blink around 15 times per minutebut this blink rate can be cut in half when staring at screens or doing other near work activities (like reading).

Prevent Blindness recommends placing a digital screen 20 to 26 inches away from the eyes and slightly below eye level. Also, adjust lighting to lower glare and harsh reflections. More tips may be found at here.

Recognizing your eye health and safety needs within the workplace, and taking all the necessary steps to protect vision, can help us all to continue to protect healthy eyesight for years to come, said Jeff Todd, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness.

For more information about workplace eye health topics, call Prevent Blindness at (800) 331-2020 or visit here.

More:
Vision Expo East 2020 to Take Place as Planned March 26-29 - InvisionMag

STATEN ISLAND, My wife Joan has diabetes. It evidences itself upon her in many ways. There are various forms of opathies involved, that affect your limbs and eyes. Joan uses her eyes a lot for her work as a photo editor. So, when she started experiencing some problems lately, we took several visits to her eye doctor. No pun intended, but those visits were eye openers.

Her doctors first suggestion was to get better lighting. An LED lamp we bought on New Dorp Lane had a semi-hefty price tag. The event that got me going was, when she needed eye salve for an infection, the price originally quoted was $247. For a very tiny tube of ointment.

The next day, because Joan and the pharmacist kept asking questions, the price dropped to $12. Several people I know have similar stories. The threat of Big Pharma is no fairy tale meant to scare little kids. The pharmaceutical companies in the USA prey on the weak, the older and the sick to make their nut. Louis Black often asks when health care became a for profit industry. Good question.

During one of our visits, I spied an eye chart that had various facts printed at various font sizes, to test peoples acuity. The facts alone made me want to tear my eyes out!

(1) Tobacco use increases the rick of macular degeneration, which is the leading cause of blindness in people 65 and older, more than cataracts and glaucoma.

Macular degeneration is caused by the deterioration of the central portion of the retina, which controls the eyes ability to focus, which affects driving, reading, seeing details.

(2) An annual eye exam is recommended for all people 65 and over as well as for those people with diabetes.

TAKE A STEP BACK

Hered be a good place to pause and discuss diabetic retinopathy.

It causes weakened blood vessels in the eye to leak, bleed and become blocked. If untreated, it can lead to blindness. Early detection, treatment via diet, exercise, laser and, in extreme cases, surgery is indicated. The cause is usually the peaks and valleys in blood sugar levels that people with diabetes often experience. So, as well as not having a working pancreas, people with diabetes can expect loss of feeling in their hands and feet (which sometimes means you can injure yourself and not feel it, leading to further complications) and, in some cases, loss or sight, partially or totally.

People with diabetes have to be resilient, courageous and brave. An occasional kickboxing class might also come in handy!

(3) In the next 30 years, the number of people over 65 with vision impairments will double. We have more baby boomers on Staten Island than on any other borough. And the first one ya to do that OK. line on me gets a shot in the eye on the house!

Seriously, is this not enough to make you run screaming into a hallway? Frequent readers of this column know I heartily endorse preventive medicine, because its much better to get treatment before a crisis occurs than after. Many people are afraid of visiting doctors too often because of the expense or because theyre afraid that a doctor will find something they dont want to know about.

Question: Who would you rather have find something.your spouse or a highly trained professional that will actually be able to do something about whatever it is that they find?

Im thinking now of that scene in This is 40 where Paul Rudd asks Leslie Mann to check out what he thinks might be an anal fissure. A strategically placed mirror avoids embarrassment during this scene and focuses solely on the laugh.

LENDING SUPPORT

But, seriously, as much as we love our spouses, unless were medically trained, theres little we can do for them but to go with them to appointments and hold their hand, be a second pair of ears and eyes, and just be there for moral support, in general.

Oh, and taking them to the Hylan Diner afterwards. They make really good omelettes! (Sorry, Victoria Priola! I know thats YOUR beat!)

And when things get rough, we have to stand by each other even more. Joan and I have seen our share of health crises..broken limbs, pneumonia, comas, anxiety attacksevery time you come through something together, youre stronger because of it. Too many in a row and you may weaken. It helps to take time out every once in awhile. Take a day trip, or visit somewhere for five days. Have things you do together and things you do separately. Date nights rule. And, when the kids are out of the house, you can use all that time you spent cleaning their rooms, washing their laundry and picking up their coffee cups for..uh.other activities.

LETS SEE A SMILE

We should never take each other for granted. Because, you just dont know. So, live every day, laugh every day, tell your significant other you love them at least once a day. Make sure they know they have an ally in this world that wont disappear when the going gets tough.

After all, thats what you need as well!

Hold those grey heads up!

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The Old Guy: Loving support for a partner with health concerns - SILive.com

SAN FRANCISCO Be My Eyes, the mobile app that allows anyone to assist visually impaired people through live video calls, has raised $2.8 million in funding. The investment allows the company to further develop its purpose and profit business model while keeping the visual support service free and unlimited for all visually impaired users, according to a press release.

The Series A round, led by Cultivation Capital, also welcomed new board members Paul Weber (Cultivation Capital) and Michael Buckley (angel investor and former vice president of global communications at Facebook). Be My Eyes has previously been backed by angels and investment funding from the likes of Singularity University, the founders of Zendesk and the LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired in San Francisco.

Be My Eyes solves a simple problem for users: It calls up a real person, on demand, to describe whats in front of a blind users camera. Initially supported entirely by volunteers, Be My Eyes recently announced that it would begin partnering with companies to provide expert-level support through a new feature in the app (Specialized Help). Microsoft signed on as Be My Eyes first video support partner in 2018, followed by Google, Lloyds Banking Group, and Procter & Gamble, who now all provide video customer support to the BME community, which spans more than 175 countries. Companies can provide Specialized Help globally or by region, and support services are free to Be My Eyes users.

In call centers around the world, weve seen the Be My Eyes software greatly reduce ticket handling times and increase satisfaction rates, from both support agents and blind or low vision callers, says Alexander Hauerslev Jensen, chief commercial officer at Be My Eyes. Whats more, each call that a company receives brings attention to parts of the product or service that can be designed more inclusively.

Kyndra LoCoco, partner and programs manager at Google Accessibility, added, The Google Disability Support team is thrilled to be building a more accessible support experience through the Be My Eyes app. Its our hope that others join us on this journey.

With a community of users that has doubled in size each year since 2015, Be My Eyes micro-volunteering platform has become beloved amongst blind and sighted users alike, according to the release.

Fueled by inspiring stories and viral social media posts of strangers connecting across oceans to help one another, the small startup has amassed what amounts to the worlds largest global community of visually impaired people (almost 200,000), and a volunteer community many times that size (more than 3.5M).

Be My Eyes is a great example of how technology can help bring communities together and empower people who are blind or with low vision, says Neil Barnett, director of inclusive hiring and accessibility at Microsoft. By working together with Be My Eyes, their incredible sighted volunteers, and the growing community of organizations participating in the Specialized Help program, we can help more people around the world live independent lives. We are honored to be part of this vibrant community and provide support for all of their customers through our Disability Answer Desk services.

As we grow and age, we all need help seeing at some point, says Be My Eyes CEO Christian Erfurt, who co-founded the company with a legally blind craftsman named Hans Jrgen Wiberg in 2014. Its been a pleasure to see that not only do people want to give their time to support this large population but companies want to make their customer service offerings more accessible. For them, weve built a simple but beautiful tool.

Erfurt says the corporate partnership business model was conceived so that Be My Eyes will never have to charge blind users for the service. We believe that access to sight is a human right, and you dont charge people for that.

Watch a video about the service:

Here is the original post:
Be My Eyes Raises $2.8M in Funding for App to Support Blind and Visually Impaired - InvisionMag

At a makeshift camp in Matamoros, tents crowd a muddy levee, housing around 2,500 migrants. Families cook on homemade stoves built out of old washing machines. From a trailer, Dr. Maura Sammon, the medical director for Global Response Management, leads a team of doctors, some of whom are migrants themselves.

Dr. Sammon said the team treated at least 40 patients a day. She listed the more serious medical issues: sickle cell anemia, hypoxia, third-degree burns and sepsis. Other patients included a 70-year-old with chest pains, children with epilepsy or development disorders, a migrant with H.I.V. as well as one with ovarian cancer.

This is 100 percent a creation of M.P.P., Dr. Sammon said. It is not a virtual wall it is a wall. You see how close that river is. You see people looking at that river every day and saying, The United States is right there.

Her team sends patients in need of emergency care to a nearby hospital, but the care can be inadequate. A boy who went to the hospital with appendicitis was discharged, then his appendix ruptured, Dr. Sammon said. Some migrants refuse to go to the hospital for fear of being kidnapped by cartel organizations, the same threat that prompted the State Department to advise Americans not to travel to Matamoros. On Thursday, a drive-by shooting near the camp forced the evacuation of Dr. Sammons medical team.

Homeland security officials say the new asylum policy, more commonly known as Remain in Mexico, quelled a surge of migration last year and eased overcrowded detention facilities in the United States. Forcing migrants to wait in Mexico has also discouraged those unlikely to qualify for asylum from participating in the process, officials say.

A medical issue by itself usually has not been enough to gain entry into the United States, and was rarely grounds for a claim of asylum, typically granted to those fleeing political oppression and violence. Foreigners with health conditions typically have obtained visitor visas and must prove they can sufficiently pay for medical treatment in the United States.

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He Turned Purple: U.S. Overlooks Ill Asylum Seekers - The New York Times

With more and more digital technology (and screen-based work) being introduced across all areas of business, and increased use of smartphones and digital devices overall, Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), or screen fatigue, is on the rise.

Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is caused by looking at a computer or other display device for prolonged, uninterrupted periods of time. Because screen pixels constantly refresh eyes are always having to refocus which results in eye muscles becoming fatigued.

It is also proven that people blink less frequently when staring at a screen for long periods, which causes eyes to dry out and in some cases can result in blurred vision. Glasses wearers that have incorrect or an out of date lens prescription can also be more susceptible to CVS.

Symptoms of CVS include eyestrain, headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes and neck and shoulder pain.

These effects can impact on productivity in the workplace and encouraging positive habits among employees is now an essential part of any wellbeing in the workplace schemes.

As a world-leading innovator in spectacle lens technology, Essilor is advising screen users to:

follow the 20:20:20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.Or take part in eye yoga. Look to the left, hold the position, repeat looking right. Look up, hold the position, repeat looking down. Repeat four times, closing your eyes and relaxing in between.

take regular breaks from screens and to go outside. Looking at objects in different distances and in natural light can be beneficial for your eyes and sight.

have regular eye tests. Eyes should be examined every two years as routine; many eye problems will be detected this way the earlier problems are identified, the easier they will be to rectify.

use specialist computer lenses, like Eyezen lenses with DualOptim technology, designed to prevent or reduce eye strain or visual fatigue. Different waves lengths of light, such as Ultraviolet and Blue-Violet light, can also cause premature eye ageing. Eye Protect systems embedded into lenses can also filter out Blue-Violet light.

Dr. Andy Hepworth from Essilor comments: While computer vision syndrome and digital eyestrain is on the rise, its not a permanent vision problem, but something that can be controlled with some simple changes in behaviours.

We know high levels of digital usage is not going away in fact a recent screen time survey showed most Brits do not intend to reduce the amount of time spent staring at screens; therefore it makes sense to be aware of the need to utilise new products better suited as lifestyles change.

While our scheme encourages people to look up and give their eyes a rest, which in turn will also help with their concentration and day to day mental health, were also offering a solution with innovative lenses. Our latest innovative solutions can rectify specific problems caused by heavy usage of digital technology.

We recognise every person is an individual and the lifestyle choices they make day to day will affect their eyesight. By encouraging people to following the 20:20:20 rule and refreshing eyes during the day, we hope to promote better eye health within UK businesses.

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Why keeping an eye on the effects of CVS can promote wellness in the workplace - Bdaily

A young dad is in a race against time to see his daughter born before he loses his eyesight forever.

Charlie Macaulay, 21, from east Hull, has said he just wants to see his daughter and watch his partner walk down the aisle before he loses his eyesight completely due to his diabetic condition.

The dad-of-one has been diabetic for 18 years, following his diagnosis one week after his third birthday.

Complications with his condition led to the development ofdiabetic retinopathy in December, which has caused a rapid deterioration in his eyesight.

Now blind in his right eye and with poor vision in his left, Charlie said he just wants to see the arrival of his daughter in July and his pregnant bride-to-be Billie Smith in her wedding dress in May before he becomes permanently blind.

"I'd marry her tomorrow if I could," Charlie told Hull Live.

"I just want to see her in her dress and I want to see my wedding and my little girl before my eyes go."

Charlie's health complications did not take effect until he joined secondary school, when he started getting bullied for having an insulin pump attached to his stomach to regulate his blood sugar levels.

"That's when I used to mistreat it and try to pretend it wasn't there," he said. "That was a tough time."

After experiencing problems with his vision at the end of last year, Charlie went to the hospitalin December and was told about the imminent deterioration of his eyesight.

Six operations in the space of just a few weeks later and Charlie has only partial vision in just one of his eyes.

"Now I'm struggling to see and it's really tough," he said.

"I can't see my phone screen or cars when I'm crossing the road. I've fallen over a few times because I can't see kerbs.

"I can't really go out on my own now, I've got to have someone with me."

But Charlie has been supported by Hull charity Sight Support and is in the process of enrolling for white cane training.

A liaison support worker has also put him in touch with a local blind football team.

"I just don't want to lose my independence, it's had a massive effect over the past couple of months," he said.

"I struggle with my mental healthanyway and it's hard to take in. Sometimes I wonder how I keep it together without having some sort of breakdown."

Now Charlie said he is hoping to raise awareness not just of diabetes in younger people and the potential complications it can cause, but the potential effects onmental healthtoo.

"I struggle to speak to people at the best of times but I want to start taking to spread awareness," he said.

"A lot of people think, 'Oh you can't have sugar,' but it isn't that.

"I've had a few people when I tell them I'mdiabeticsay, 'But you're not overweight.'

"I don't think we get taught enough about it, especially younger people.

"It can affect everybody, every age group, but in younger people it needs to be put out there how serious it can be and the effects it can have.

"And I have to wear sunglasses now too because I'm really sensitive to light, but people just see a young lad wearing sunglasses in the middle of February and think, who does he think he is?

"I want to spread awareness of the mental health side of it as well to let people know the seriousness of it, but also that it's alright to talk."

He said the biggest source of comfort has been his family, including his long-term partner Billie and their two-year-old son Freddie-James.

And he said planning his wedding is helping to keep his mind off his condition.

"My family are brilliant, they're always there for me if I need to talk," Charlie said.

"Billie's struggling but she doesn't show it, she hasn't left my side the whole way through. She's there 100 per cent."

Charlie's mum Sarah, 41, is even running the London Marathon in April to help raise awareness and money for Diabetes UK.

She has set up JustGiving pageto help support her cause.

"I'm really proud, I can't believe she's actually doing it," Charlie said.

"It's one of the biggest charity events in the country, if not the world, so I'm massively proud of her and just want to help her in any way possible."

Mum Sarah said: "It was awful at first coming to terms with it, but then he did great.

"But once he got to secondary school he just wanted to pretend he didn't have it and that's had a knock-on effect. He just wanted to be the same as everybody else.

"People don't know how serious can be or how important to get the right support. It's very serious and the complications that come with it are huge.

"But now he's got all his family pulling together around him.

"They've got the wedding booked for May 9 and we're all rallying round for him, but they want to bring it forward.

"That's his dream - to see Billie in her wedding dress and their baby who's on the way in July.

"They've been together for such a long time and she's been amazing. He wouldn't have been able to do this without her or their little boy.

"A lot of people don't know about it, they know he's struggling but they didn't know how serious the condition has got with his eyesight.

"So coming out like this is a big step for him."

Anybody who wants to support Sarah and Charlie's cause can donate to the JustGiving page here.

More here:
Dad in race against time to see his baby born before he goes completely blind - Mirror Online

The report titled on Retinal Prosthesis Market report offers in-intensity analysis of the worldwide market size (Production, Value and Consumption), splits the breakdown (data status 2014-2019 and 6 Forces forecast 2020 to 2026), by manufacturers, region, type and application. Retinal Prosthesis market competitive landscape provides details by topmost manufactures like (Philips Healthcare, Retina Implant, Second Sight Medical Products, Bionic Eye Technologies, Bionic Vision Australia, VisionCare Ophthalmic Technologies, Abbott Vascular), including Company Overview, Company Total Revenue (Financials), Market Potential, Presence, Retinal Prosthesis Sales and Revenue Generated, Market Share, Price, Production Sites And Facilities, SWOT Analysis, Product Launch. In the end, there are 4 key segments covered in this Retinal Prosthesis market report: Competitor Segment, Product Type Segment, End Use/Application Segment and Retinal Prosthesis industry geography segment.

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Scope of Retinal Prosthesis Market:Retinal Prosthesis is being used for improving eyesight of people with partial or complete blindness. The technology is still in its nascent stage hence a mixed speculation continues to hover around it.

Visual devices such as bionic eye and visual prosthesis are expected to have bigger impact in years to come, which in turn will pave the way for retinal implant market.

The global Retinal Prosthesis market is valued at xx million US$ in 2018 and will reach xx million US$ by the end of 2025, growing at a CAGR of xx% during 2019-2025. The objectives of this study are to define, segment, and project the size of the Retinal Prosthesis market based on company, product type, end user and key regions.

On the basis of product type, this report displays the shipments, revenue (Million USD), price, and market share and growth rate of each type.

Argus II Implantable Miniature Telescope

On the basis on the end users/applications,this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, shipments, revenue (Million USD), price, and market share and growth rate foreach application.

People with Partial Blindness People with Complete Blindness Retina Implant Alpha AMS

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The report offers in-depth assessment of the growth and other aspects of the Retinal Prosthesis Market in Important Countries (Regions), including:

Important Key Questions Answered In Retinal Prosthesis Market Report:

What will the Market Growth Rate, Overview, and Analysis by Type of Retinal Prosthesis in 2026?

What are the key factors affecting market dynamics? What are the Drivers, Challenges, and Business Risks in Retinal Prosthesis market?

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Who Are Opportunities, Risk and Driving Force of Retinal Prosthesis market? Knows Upstream Raw Materials Sourcing and Downstream Buyers.

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Browse More Reports Visit @https://www.mytradeinsight.blogspot.com/

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Retinal Prosthesis Market Trade Outlook And Information Collected 2020-2026 - Instant Tech News

Three-year-old initiative advocates for eye exams for children before they start school

DALLAS, Feb. 20, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --The Vision Impact Institute (VII) and Optometry Giving Sight (OGS) have announced an extension of their collaboration, Kids See: Success, that includes a generous financial commitment from OGS. Launched in 2017, Kids See: Success promotes the importance of healthy vision for children and educates parents, legislators, advocacy groups, nurses, school teachers and administrators about the need for comprehensive eye exams for school-age children. The initiative is active in several US states. In the U.S., more than 12.1 million school-age children have some form of vision problem.

The partnership is a natural fit for both organizations. The VII raises awareness and advocates for the priority of good vision, while OGS supports programs globally that train eye care professionals, promote communityeducation, raise awareness of the importance of eye health, establish optometry schools and deliver eye care and glasses.

"The continued support of OGS ensures that more children will have access to a level playing field when it comes to their education," says Kristan Gross, VII's global executive director. "When children can't see well it impacts so many aspects of their lives, including their learning and chance for future success."

"It's heartening to know that we have a solution for poor vision for the youngest members of our population," says Eric Anderson, interim executive director at OGS. "A comprehensive eye exam and access to a pair of glasses is a simple way to have a big impact on a child's life for years to come. It's the reason we continue our commitment to Kids See: Success."

About the Vision Impact Institute The Vision Impact Institute's mission is to raise awareness ofthe importance of vision correction and protection to make good vision a global priority. Its Advisory Board is comprised of six independent international experts: Pr. Kevin Frick(United States), Pr. Clare Gilbert (United Kingdom), Mr. Allyala Nandakumar (United States),Mr. Arun Bharat Ram (India), Dr. Serge Resnikoff (Switzerland),and Dr. Wang Wei (China).

The Vision Impact Institute is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, which receives support from the Vision for Life Fund from Essilor, the world leader in ophthalmic optics. The Vision Impact Institute hosts a unique database of research atvisionimpactinstitute.org.

Contact:Andrea Kirsten-ColemanGlobal Communications Manager andrea.kirsten@visionimpactinstitute.org

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vision-impact-institute-and-optometry-giving-sight-extend-collaboration-on-kids-see-success-301008590.html

SOURCE Vision Impact Institute

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Vision Impact Institute and Optometry Giving Sight Extend Collaboration on Kids See: Success - Yahoo Finance

Jacksonville, Fla. and Santa Ana, Calif., February 20, 2020 Johnson & Johnson Vision, a global leader in eye health, today announced the launch of Prioritize Your Eyes, a worldwide effort to raise awareness about the connection of eye health to overall health. Prioritize Your Eyes encourages everyone to take the single most important step to protect their eyesgetting an eye examand is part of the companys ongoing commitment and collaboration with various partners and professional organizations to elevate eye health and make 2020 the year of greater eye health awareness.

Click to Tweet: Sight is our most valued sense, but only 1 in 100 people understand the importance of eye exams. @JNJVision encourages you to #PrioritizeYourEyes by getting an eye exam in 2020and continues its efforts to provide those in need with access to eye care: bit.ly/323V9Uf

More than 2 billion people around the world suffer from visual impairment, yet 1 billion of these instances could have been prevented or is yet to be addressed.[i] Additionally, the number of people experiencing blindness and visual impairment globally is expected to double by 2030 unless corrective measures are taken.[ii]

The prevention and treatment of life-altering eye conditions can start with a single eye exam, which can detect more than 270 different medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke risk, as well as cataracts, glaucoma, or retinal disorders such as macular degeneration.[iii] Despite the wide variety of health benefits that could result from an annual eye exam, only one in 100 people understand the importance of getting one.[iv]

In the U.S., about half of adults at high-risk for vision loss did not visit an eye care professional in the last 12 months2 and more than a third of children under 18 have never received an eye exam,[v] said Carol Alexander, OD, Head, North America Vision Care Professional Relations, Johnson & Johnson Vision. Many people wait to see their eye care professional until they experience blurry vision, which may be too late. Certain serious eye conditions, as well as general health conditions, do not have any symptoms and can be detected through a comprehensive eye exam. This is why an annual eye exam is so vital and why were working to help Prioritize Your Eyes.

Johnson & Johnson Vision is committed to working with the eye health community to change the trajectory of eye health worldwide. Examples of this ongoing commitment are highlighted within the just released Our Global Vision for Good: 2019 Community Impact Report, which details the companys signature charity partnerships and efforts to provide access to eye care to those in need:

As part of the worlds largest healthcare company, Johnson & Johnson Vision is working collectively to make 2020 the year of visionusing our size and reach to elevate eye health awareness and the importance of eye exams to help as many people as possible, said Shlomi Nachman, Company Group Chairman, Cardiovascular Specialty Solutions Group and Johnson & Johnson Vision. We are proud to have provided access to care to millions of people around the world and look forward to further increasing our collaborations with advocacy, professional, and charitable organizations to help make caring for your eyes a global health priority.

You can find an eye care professional for an annual eye exam here, and follow @JNJVision on Twitter and Johnson & Johnson Vision on LinkedIn to see how patients, eye care professionals, employees and partners worldwide make the commitment toPrioritize Your Eyes in 2020.

About Johnson & Johnson Vision At Johnson & Johnson Vision, part of Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices Companies*, we have a bold ambition: to change the trajectory of eye health around the world. Through our operating companies, we deliver innovation that enables eye care professionals to create better outcomes for patients throughout their lives, with products and technologies that address unmet needs including refractive error, cataracts and dry eye. In communities with greatest need, we work in collaboration to expand access to quality eye care, and we are committed to helping people see better, connect better and live better. Visit us at http://www.jjvision.com. Follow @JNJVision on Twitter and Johnson & Johnson Vision on LinkedIn.

Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices Companies As the worlds most comprehensive medical devices business, we are building on a century of experience, merging science and technology, to shape the future of health and benefit even more people around the world. With our unparalleled breadth, depth and reach across surgery, orthopaedics, vision and interventional solutions, were working to profoundly change the way care is delivered. We are in this for life.

*Comprising the surgery, orthopaedics, vision and interventional businesses within the Johnson & Johnsons Medical Devices segment

Media Contact:

Abby Reiner

Johnson & Johnson Vision

904-443-1604

[emailprotected]

Source: Johnson & Johnson Vision

https://www.jjvision.com/press-release/johnson-johnson-vision-calls-individuals-worldwide-prioritize-your-eyes-2020

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Johnson & Johnson Vision Calls on Individuals Worldwide to Prioritize Your Eyes in 2020 - PharmaLive

Image caption Matthew Wood hopes the gene therapy will help him keep his remaining vision

A new gene therapy has been used to treat patients with a rare inherited eye disorder which causes blindness.

It's hoped the NHS treatment will halt sight loss and even improve vision.

Matthew Wood, 48, one of the first patients to receive the injection, told the BBC: "I value the remaining sight I have so if I can hold on to that it would be a big thing for me."

The treatment costs around 600,000 but NHS England has agreed a discounted price with the manufacturer Novartis.

Luxturna (voretigene neparvovec), has been approved by The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), which estimates that just under 90 people in England will be eligible for the treatment.

The gene therapy is for patients who have retinal dystrophy as a result of inheriting a faulty copy of the RPE65 gene from both parents. The gene is important for providing the pigment that light sensitive cells need to absorb light. Initially this affects night vision but eventually, as the cells die, it can lead to complete blindness.

An injection is made into the back of the eye - this delivers working copies of the RPE65 gene. These are contained inside a harmless virus, which enables them to penetrate the retinal cells. Once inside the nucleus, the gene provides the instructions to make the RPE65 protein, which is essential for healthy vision.

Matthew Wood started losing his sight as a child, and is now registered blind. However, he does have some peripheral vision and can detect large objects and bright lights. He told the BBC: "Since I was a child I was continually told there was no treatment for this condition, so it's amazing to receive this gene therapy."

Mr Wood, from London, had his right eye treated during an hour-long operation at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.

His left eye will be injected in a few weeks. The surgery was carried out by Prof Robert MacLaren, who has pioneered research into gene therapies for preventing blindness.

He told the BBC: "This is very exciting - this is the first approved NHS gene therapy for an eye disease, but there are opportunities to use gene therapy to treat other diseases in future, not only in the eye."

The treatment is only suitable for patients who have some remaining vision. It should bring the biggest benefits to children with RPE65 retinal dystrophy, as it could halt sight loss before permanent damage is done.

It is not known how long the benefits of the treatment will last, but it's thought it could be several decades.

Jake Ternent, 23, from Durham, had his gene therapy at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London.

Like Matthew Wood, he is registered blind, but has some limited sight. He told the BBC: "I hope the treatment could improve my night vision, and possibly even my day vision, which would be incredible. I feel lucky and privileged to get this on the NHS."

Prof James Bainbridge - from Moorfields Eye Hospital - who treated Jake, told the BBC: "To be at the point now where we are able to offer this treatment on the NHS, is truly remarkable. This is the first example of what's anticipated to be a whole new generation of treatments."

It will take a month or two before Matthew and Jake know what changes the gene therapy has made to their vision. But even if it simply prevents further sight loss, both say they will be delighted.

Professor Stephen Powis, NHS medical director, said: "Loss of vision can have a devastating effect, particularly for children and young people, but this truly life-changing treatment offers hope to people with this rare and distressing condition."

Follow Fergus on Twitter.

More here:
Gene therapy to halt rare form of sight loss - BBC News

In each photo of her three young children, Second Lady of Pennsylvania Gisele Fetterman noticed a pattern.

I saw a consistency, red eyes in both my boys, but in her I noticed one red eye and one yellow eye, Fetterman saod.

One of Grace Fettermans eyes had a yellow glow. At the time, Gisele didnt know what it meant, so she called a local doctor.

He said to pull her out of school immediately, she recalled. I learned in her case it was Coats Disease, but in many cases, its cancer or a tumor. She would have lost her eyesight completely in one eye.

Coats Disease is a rare eye disease caused by abnormal development of the blood vessels of the retina, said Dr. Erica Beaver, an optometrist with Premier Eye Care.

For 8-year-old Grace, wearing glasses corrected the issue. She no longer has to wear them but goes in every six months for check-ups. The Fettermans are sharing Graces story so other families know the glow.

According to the CDC, less than 15% of preschool kids get an eye exam but childhood exams are key to detecting eye issues.

Beaver says babies should have their first eye exam between six and 12 months old, when the eyes are starting to develop, so issues with the eye or diseases like Coats can be detected.

After the initial exam, as long as everything is healthy, the next eye exam should be scheduled between ages 3 and 5 then once every 1 to 2 years after.

If the child is complaining about vision or pain in the eye or headaches, get them checked, said Beaver. Parents can also look for squinting, closing one eye or tilting their head to see more clearly.

Eye screenings done at school or at the pediatricians office are not the same as an in-office eye exam, Beaver says. Those are vision screenings for distance or near vision, not a look at the health of the eye.

See the article here:
Noticing a glow in her eye, Second Lady saves daughters sight - ABC27

(PRESS RELEASE) SAN RAMON, CA CooperVision has become a global patron of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness. The company becomes part of a select group of leaders including Allergan, Bayer, Novartis and Standard Chartered Bank that supports IAPB at the highest level to help achieve universal access to eye health.

As part of the relationship, CooperVision and IAPB will collaborate to bring greater awareness and action to the growing prevalence and severity of myopia in children worldwide. A seminal 2015 report on the issue from the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that myopia and high myopia are increasing globally at an alarming rate, with significant increases in the risks for vision impairment from pathologic conditions associated with high myopia.

CooperVision has a heritage of addressing widespread refractive issues such as astigmatism and presbyopia. More recently, we have taken on even greater challenges such as childhood myopia, not only correcting it but also successfully slowing its progression, said Daniel G. McBride, president of CooperVision. Even with the remarkable progress were making, no single organization can do this alone. Were optimistic about what our new partnership with IAPB will mean for millions of children, adults and families worldwide.

IAPB are excited about the opportunity to partner with CooperVision to create sustainable and lasting change in eye health, including addressing the substantial global increase in myopia, said Peter Holland, chief executive, IAPB. The leadership, insight and innovation of our Patrons regularly unearth new approaches, models and alliances for greater collective and individual impact. By working together, we exponentially increase our abilities to confront and overcome vision impairment issues.

In addition to its IAPB patronage, CooperVision contributes significant funding, knowledge and time to a range of eye health-focused organizations every year. These include being a founding member of the Global Myopia Awareness Coalition, a Global Platinum sponsor of Optometry Giving Sight, and partner in Our Childrens Vision. As part of its corporate responsibility initiatives, CooperCompanies is also aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, concentrating on good health and well-being, responsible consumption and production and complementary partnerships.

CooperVision develops a range of products designed to aid eye care professionals. Silicone hydrogel soft contact lens brands such as Biofinity and clariti 1 day are worn by millions worldwide. Its myopia care portfolio includes advanced lenses such as Paragon CRT and Procornea DreamLite designed for overnight wear (orthokeratology), as well as innovations such as MiSight 1 day contact lenses for slowing the progression of myopia in children (8-12 years of age at the initiation of treatment).

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Prevent Blindness to Hold 15th Annual 'Eyes on Capitol Hill' Advocacy Event - InvisionMag

(PRESS RELEASE) SAN RAMON, CA CooperVision has become a global patron of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness. The company becomes part of a select group of leaders including Allergan, Bayer, Novartis and Standard Chartered Bank that supports IAPB at the highest level to help achieve universal access to eye health.

As part of the relationship, CooperVision and IAPB will collaborate to bring greater awareness and action to the growing prevalence and severity of myopia in children worldwide. A seminal 2015 report on the issue from the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that myopia and high myopia are increasing globally at an alarming rate, with significant increases in the risks for vision impairment from pathologic conditions associated with high myopia.

CooperVision has a heritage of addressing widespread refractive issues such as astigmatism and presbyopia. More recently, we have taken on even greater challenges such as childhood myopia, not only correcting it but also successfully slowing its progression, said Daniel G. McBride, president of CooperVision. Even with the remarkable progress were making, no single organization can do this alone. Were optimistic about what our new partnership with IAPB will mean for millions of children, adults and families worldwide.

IAPB are excited about the opportunity to partner with CooperVision to create sustainable and lasting change in eye health, including addressing the substantial global increase in myopia, said Peter Holland, chief executive, IAPB. The leadership, insight and innovation of our Patrons regularly unearth new approaches, models and alliances for greater collective and individual impact. By working together, we exponentially increase our abilities to confront and overcome vision impairment issues.

In addition to its IAPB patronage, CooperVision contributes significant funding, knowledge and time to a range of eye health-focused organizations every year. These include being a founding member of the Global Myopia Awareness Coalition, a Global Platinum sponsor of Optometry Giving Sight, and partner in Our Childrens Vision. As part of its corporate responsibility initiatives, CooperCompanies is also aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, concentrating on good health and well-being, responsible consumption and production and complementary partnerships.

CooperVision develops a range of products designed to aid eye care professionals. Silicone hydrogel soft contact lens brands such as Biofinity and clariti 1 day are worn by millions worldwide. Its myopia care portfolio includes advanced lenses such as Paragon CRT and Procornea DreamLite designed for overnight wear (orthokeratology), as well as innovations such as MiSight 1 day contact lenses for slowing the progression of myopia in children (8-12 years of age at the initiation of treatment).

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CooperVision Becomes Global Patron of International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness - InvisionMag

If youre tired of struggling with poor eyesight, specifically someone who wants to improve their vision, reverse glaucoma, cataract, near-sightedness and wants to stop using glasses, then here is good news.

There is a newly discovered USA Organic remedy that has helped over 642 Nigerian men, women and children restore eyesight, improve vision and cure severe eye problems within few weeks.

You see

As it says above, I was a glaucoma and cataract sufferer, and for several years I was battling with this eye condition. I wasted money on expensive pills and eye drops not until I discovered thisUSAOrganic remedy that reverses glaucoma, cataract, and cures severe eye problems like

Glaucoma, Short- Sightedness (Myopia), Far- Sightedness (Hyperopia), Lazy Eye (Amblyopia), Cross-Eye (Strabismus), Eye Strain, Macular Degeneration, Cataracts, Astigmatism, Old-Age Sight, Light Sensitivity, Diabetic Retinopathy and other various eye problems.

In fact, this Organic Remedy has now been used by over 642 Nigerian men and women, with remarkable success to improve vision and restore eyesight in few weeks.

And the best part is, it works whether youre 8 or 80 years old.

You can Check Out the USA Organic Solution Here >>http://bit.ly/purxcnws

If youve noticed that your eyesight keeps getting worse, even after spending money on countless number of drugs and eye drops

If youre concerned about whether the eye problem will ever stop, and you would like to put an end to it before you lose your eyesight completely

If you ever get embarrassed or frustrated at your inability to read or see things properly

If youre experiencing blurry vision, blind spot, or any kind of issue with your vision

And if you want a scientifically proven way to correct your failing eyesight and achieve perfect 20/20 vision in as little as few weeks

Then Read every single word on this page, because I promise you will be able to improve your eyesight tremendously with this USA Discovered Organic Remedy.

You see, I was once in your shoes, I used to battle with severe eye problems that made me had blurred vision, dry itchy and red eyes.

But my eye doctor told me I could only live with it, so my optician kept on recommending eye glasses lens (or spectacles) so I could manage it to improve my vision.

But, as time went by this became ineffective, caused several eye irritations and also negatively affected my self esteem.

3 years later, my eye condition had worsened after several eye exams, I was diagnosed with glaucoma in the right eye.

In my Situation, several solutions like eye drops, pills and surgery was recommended.

Eye surgery which was the longest time treatment was really expensive, and even comes with its own side effects after several months or years.

So, I decided to start using eye drops just so I could manage to see because at this point, I was literally going blind.

You can Check Out the USA Discovered Organic Solution Here >>

The whole story was finally different when I came in contact with myOld Secondary School FriendFRANK, who is now an optician based in the USA.

He told me the secret behind many Eye drops and recommended glasses.

He Revealed How Research Has Proved That Wearing Lenses and Contacts May Finally Destroy Our Eyesight Over Time.

Not Only that, he also Revealed the secret of most Pharmaceutical Companies that Produces Eye Drops to me, how they are reaping people off their hard earn money when trying to regain their eyesight.

First, most MLM and Pharmaceutical companies sell very expensive prescription drugs and glasses that takes a very long time to work.

They want you to keep coming back to buy more and more drugs from them, to make more money out of you because they know it will take forever for it work.

Another way they cheat people is that, they try to keep people suffering from eye problems away from finding out other safe, natural and Easy ways to cure glaucoma, cataracts, myopia and other eye problems without using their expensive drugs or going for surgery anymore.

So, he Finally revealed to me that there is an Organic Solution that Gives PERMANENT CURE TO ALL EYE PROBLEMS which helps reverse Glaucoma, Cataract, Myopia, Aged Cross-Eye (Strabismus), Eye Strain, Macular Degeneration, Astigmatism, Old-Age Sight, Light Sensitivity, Diabetic Retinopathy and other various eye Issues without any side effect whatsoever.

Most of these cases he has handled in the eye specialist clinic he works with in USA, and his patients improved their eyesight, and they never had to wear glasses or go for expensive eye surgery again.

You Too Can Check Out the USA Organic Remedy I am Talking About Here ->

http://bit.ly/purxcnws

But there is a Problem,

This solution is very rear to Find in Nigeria because it can only be imported from the USA.

At first, I was shocked and surprised.

But he told me the exact plant extracts contained inside this Organic Solution, and how they improve overall eyesight health and restores vision.

I quickly pleaded with him to help me send a complete supply it.

The next morning, I quickly sent the money to him.

To my surprise, in less than 3 weeks of using it, it was almost like a miracle to my eyesight problem and it helped improve my vision.

My eyes became crystal clear, my vision was never blurry again, and I started to feel that my glaucoma was a thing of the past.

Click Here to get access to the Herbal Remedy that helps you cure glaucoma, cataract, near-sightedness in few weeks!

http://bit.ly/purxcnws

After It worked for me,

In order to be sure how effective this USA Organic Solution is, I also Introduced it to some of my co workers who are battling with different eye issues.

They also got it, took it as prescribed and in less than 1 month, most of them came back with great testimonies Sharing the good news of how this Organic Product miraculously clear their eyesight issues and help them regain their sight completely.

After some months, I also went to my eye clinic for checkup, and what I discovered was amazing.

My Eye Doctor took me through some test and told me that there is great improvement in my eyesight and that most of the previous problems can no longer be found.

I was filled with Joy in my heart.

I was happy I will not be using glasses again.

Check Out the Organic Remedy Here

http://bit.ly/purxcnws

HERE ARE TESTIMONIES FROM SOME NIGERIANS WHO HAVE USED IT TO CURE DIFFERENT SIGHT PROBLEMS

Mrs Amaka in LAGOS is one of those that used this Organic Solution to Cure her Eye Issue Permanently and Here is what she says

Amaka Edith

A Mother and a Teacher.

This is the BEST Answer I know to Achieve perfect 2020 vision

My name is Amaka Edith

And I know how it feels not to have a 20/20 vision because I have used glasses for years, used eye drops, drank eye tea & taken enough meds.

I found it difficult to see clear unless I use drops, everything always looked blurry

In fact, it got to a point I could not see what I am reading or writing. It affected my work as well.

UNTIL my U S based Doc friend introduced me to this Newly Discovered Organic Solution that made my vision so sharp that I can see the tiniest of the article from far away.

Thank You Doctor. For Showing Me the Way of Light & Vision.

I recommend this Solution to anyone who is serious about clearing any sight issues.

Another Great Testimony from Bar. Jubril Aina, Abuja

I once had a Glaucoma and Cataract, when I was Introduced to this Solution from my USA Based Friend.

He said it was a newly discovered solution for all sight issues.

After using it for some weeks, I was surprise with the changes in my Eye, I have to Call my eye doctor for a test and what he said got me surprised.

Right now, I am 67year old and I can read anything, even the tiniest letter.

This USA Newly discovery is the Solution We are Looking for..

If You Will Also Like to Cure Any form of Eye Problem, be it Glaucoma, Cataract, Myopia, Aged Cross-Eye (Strabismus), Eye Strain, Macular Degeneration, Astigmatism, Old-Age Sight, Light Sensitivity, Diabetic Retinopathy OR any other various eye Issues without any side effect whatsoever.

Go Here to Check the New USA Discovered Organic Remedy

http://bit.ly/purxcnws

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Newly discovered: The USA organic solution that cures cataract, glaucoma, blurry vision, other eye problem ... - Daily Post Nigeria

PUBLISHED: 16:00 20 February 2020

Mellissa Dzinzi

Visually impaired man Darren Palmer treated unfairly by pure gym, pictured with his guide dog. Picture: MARK ATHERTON

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The 44-year-old, who lives with his wife in Weston, has had to adjust to life with his guide dog and has even lost friends as a result of his visual impairment.

At the beginning of this year, Darren gained his confidence back and joined Pure Gym, in Gallagher Retail Park, despite his impairment.

He said: "It started around 2012, there was a big black spot in my eye which kept coming and it got worse over time.

"I have a little bit of vision in my left eye. The doctors did what they could to save my sight. It could have been worse."

Darren said it took a long time for doctors to diagnose his condition and he found it increasingly difficult to go out with friends.

He added: "Before the surgery, I used to walk into people, and it got to a point I couldn't go out with my friends.

"I got put on a pub watch once because they thought I was drunk, I even showed them my card. After that, I got a symbol cane.

"As soon as I had a cane, I felt like a vulnerable person.

"I took me a while to come to terms with losing my sight.

"People assume you are completely blind and you can't do anything."

Exercise is one of the activities which has helped Darren to regain his independence.

He said: "I have equipment at home, but I wanted to join the gym. I had my induction and the manager was more than happy for me to use the gym and for me to have my guide dog with me.

"I've lost friends from it - people don't know how to act or they avoid you. It's quite sad."

Darren is 'physically abled' despite his visual impairment.

He has a guide dog, but this often attracts unwanted attention from members of the public who want to stroke the animal.

This can distract the dog, which could put Darrren in danger.

Small issues which would not usually pose a problem can also be a big challenge to Darren, such as cars parking on pavements.

Darren said: "It's a silly little thing I used to do when I used to drive.

"The guide dogs are trained to walk on the path and on the road.

"They might go around the cars and onto the road, which can be dangerous.

"I had two little kids in McDonald's asking questions about the dog.

"It was lovely because some kids really take an interest, which is nice.

"Some children will point to the dog and say he's a special dog because they've learnt about guide dogs at school.

"I get caught on the school bus sometimes and it can be a challenge when the children try to climb over the dog. I have to remind people not to distract him.

"He can get into small spaces on the bus and trains. I never used to suffer from claustrophobia till I lost my sight, especially on trains. People stand over the dog and crowd him."

Since his diagnosis, Darren has had a great deal of support from Vision North Somerset.

A number of shops and supermarkets also run a lanyard scheme which enables people with hidden disabilities to get help.

For anyone who is struggling with visual impairment or going through the same situation as Darren, he said there is help out there.

He added: "There is help and support. The help I received from Vision North Somerset was priceless. They went above and beyond.

"Places like Tesco have a lanyard scheme, which I think is fantastic - it indicates to the staff you may need help.

"If you see someone struggling, don't be afraid to ask the person to help them. They're probably just afraid to ask for help."

More:
Darren from Weston lost his sight in 2016 | Latest Weston-super-Mare and Somerset news - Weston Mercury

Considering the battering that my right eye has taken, it is doing pretty well. I have fairly good long-distance vision. I switch between a contact lens and very thick glasses.

Some of my material as a comedian is based on sight loss. As I found my voice as a comedian, it has developed into all manner of things. Now I just tend to gossip on stage. I always try and justify it by saying that because I have spent a lot of my life in hospital waiting rooms, a good distraction is a little bit of gossip.

My first show, A Poke in the Eye, was about the year I lost my sight when I was 21. It was a complex journey. The show was picking out the most interesting parts of that time. My mum, dad and my brothers were main characters in it.

I thought I would use what was a negative experience and turn it into something positive. It is your unique outlook on the world that people find funny. You need to tap into that as much as you can. Comedy is one of the few things I have found that I am good at. What better way to spend your time than with a group of people having a laugh.

You have to be resilient. You have to put up with tough audiences. But the highs are so great that you put up with the lows. I did an Edinburgh Fringe run of my third show, Eyecon, on a Saturday and it was packed full with a really young, rowdy audience. They were an absolute riot and it just felt like a party.

There are loads of times where shows havent gone well. I will try a new joke or a new subject and it just dies. No one finds it funny. You have to take it all with a pinch of salt. Sometimes they are not the audience for you.

It is your unique outlook on the world that people find funny. You need to tap into that as much as you can

Any comedian who is giving it their all I admire. My idol was always Joan Rivers. She was one of the first female comedians ever. I got compared to her in Edinburgh and there is no greater compliment.

You will always get a little bit nervous. It would be weird if you didnt. Sometimes I am really tired and I have had a long day. Without that adrenalin, I would have been totally flat. You turn that nervousness into energy. As soon as you get your first laughs and things start to flow, youre away.

I decided to support the International Glaucoma Association because there isnt much awareness around young people and glaucoma. It is one of the biggest causes of sight loss and it is a condition that can be controlled. I am very much a believer in prevention rather than cure.

Humour has been my defence and my saving grace. When things have been properly tough, I have found a way to laugh it off. The only alternative is to cry. I know how I want to live my life.

Georgie Morrell is a stand up comedian. She supported the International Glaucoma Associations Glaucomasters campaign during National Eye Health Week 2019. For more details about upcoming gigs visit her website.

Image credit: Steve Ullathorne

Read the original here:
Humour has been my defence and my saving grace - AOP

A study in the journal Frontiers in Neurology, is shedding light on a rare side effect of the erectile dysfunction drug sildenafil. The active ingredient in Viagra, sildenafil can cause the vision in some men to be tinted blue.

The report refers to the cases of 17 men who visited a hospital in Turkey with vision problems 24 hours after taking the drug. They reported blurred vision, sensitivity to light, reduced eyesight and changes to colour perception which included, intensely blue-coloured vision, a side effect medically known as cyanopsia.

Other reports of vision changes included red-green colour blindness (where green and red colours appeared brownish).

According to Science Live, its well known that sildenafil can cause temporary vision changes (like cyanopsia) that can last for a few hours. But persistent vision changes are much more rare. In the case studies examined in the report, researchers say that the mens vision returned to normal after 21 days.

In a statement, study author Dr. Cneyt Karaarslan of the Dnyagz Adana hospital in Turkey, told EurekaAlert that for the vast majority of men, any side effects [of sildenafil] will be temporary and mild. She said that she wanted to highlight that persistent eye and vision problems could be encountered by a small number of users.

One possibility for the blue vision could be that a small number of the population is unable to break sildenafil down and eliminate it from their body efficiently. This would lead to high concentrations of the drug in the bloodstream compared to other users and hence, the blue-tinted vision.

Science Live says that sildenafil works to treat erectile dysfunction by inhibiting an enzyme called phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) that helps to regulate blood flow to the penis. But the drug also inhibits a related enzyme thats found in cells at the back of the eye. Its believed that in high doses, this could lead to buildup of a molecule that can be toxic to retinal cells.

For the men in this study, it was their first time taking the erectile dysfunction drug. They began with the highest dose, so starting with a lower dose could have less severe side effects. In a press release, the researchers noted that the high dose was likely because the men were under medical supervision in the study. Otherwise the amount of the drug prescribed would have likely been lower.

While the idea of vision changes is a bit disconcerting, seeing colour as a side effect of taking Viagra is rare. Still, if you are looking to firm things up, its best to consult your doctor to decide on the treatment thats best for you.

See more here:
Men with ED seeing blue over rare Viagra side effect - Windsor Star

As William Shakespeare once wrote, the eye is the window to the soul. But if the truth be told, the eyes are actually a porthole to so much more.

In fact, a simple eye test could save your life. Stats show that only one in five people know a routine visit to the optician not only examines your eyesight, but can also assess the general health of your eye and give a clear view of warning signs for a range oflife-threatening illnesses.

So, a visit to the opticians really is more essential than you might think.

Your eye is the one part of the body where we can see blood vessels in their natural habitat without being invasive, Willis Wilkie, lead optometrist at Wilkie & Rider Opticians, said.

And these can be key in spotting a whole host of health conditions.

Sometimes we can spot something so serious that it actually saves someones life.

Willis, who has been a practicing optician for almost 10 years, said its all to do with the mechanics at the back of the eye.

Tiny blood vessels and nerves can hold telltale signs that something is untoward inanother part of the body.

The blood vessels can change when the body is experiencing certain conditions. For example, they can leak, or the optic nerves can be swollen, or there can be a mass at the back of the eye and all these tell us that something is wrong, Willis explained.

Williss career as an eye specialist came after years spent watching his father in the profession.

But even in just one generation, he says there have been significant developments in the techniques and technology used in the industry.

Eye tests these days are much more advanced than they were 40 years ago, Willis said. We still have the old eye chart with the letters, but we also have digital retina photography which ensures detail, accuracy and repeatability.

It gives us a much better view so we can detect any eye health problems, as well as symptoms of other health conditions.

We also have the air puff test and drops we can use in the patients eyes to make the pupils bigger which helps make our job a little easier.

In the past, we couldnt do much about that. Now, we have options.

Having your eyes tested is recommended every two years until the age of 60, then annually.

And Willis says, even if you dont wear glasses or think you might need glasses, its always a good idea to schedule an appointment, just to make sure everything is as it should be.

Most people dont come to us unless they feel there is a problem with their sight, like theyre getting headaches at the computer, or they are struggling to read things at a distance.

But eyes are very important and we should be having them tested to make sure there are no signs of problems, such as glaucoma, cataracts or macular degeneration.

Or, of course, more serious illnesses which can be picked up simply by looking at the back of the eye.

From diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease to arthritis and even tumours, theres so much we can see.

So if youre worried about your eyes, its probably wise to see an optician first before calling your GP. Hopefully we can work out what the problem is and spot any other health issues while were there.

Its important to remember that when diabetes is in its early stages, diabetic retinopathy does not usually cause any noticeable symptoms, so you may not even know you have it.

However, an eye test can detect the condition before you notice any changes to your vision.

Diabetes can affect small blood vessels in the eye, damaging the retina, which is vital for sight. And an eye test can pick up tiny leaks from damaged blood vessels.

It is not uncommon for someone to be informed that they may have high blood pressure as a result of observations made by their optician during a routine eye test.

When examining the retina, they can see whether or not the blood vessels are narrowed or are leaking.

Having high cholesterol which can lead to heart problems or a stroke doesnt usually have any symptoms.

However, it can cause blockages in any of the bodys blood vessels, including those in the eyes. Opticians can spot little lumps of cholesterol. These can block blood vessels resulting in short episodes ofvisual loss.

Some people may be aware that eye tests can detect cancers of the eye such as melanomas, but they can also detect signs of brain tumours.

Swelling of the optic nerves can be visible during an eye test, and can indicate a brain tumour is present.

Autoimmune forms of the disease, like rheumatoid arthritis, as well as causing inflammation in your joints, can also cause inflammation in your eyes.

This can commonly cause dry eye, or occasionally more serious conditions such as inflammation of the iris.

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The eyes have it: A trip to the optician - even if you don't wear glasses - can give you early warning of a range of serious illnesses - The Sunday...