StemCell Therapy

I remember being fascinated by a programme that I saw on the Discovery Channel when I was a teenager.It showed the concept of attaching a camera to the brain of people who are visually impaired, to help them see again. That really embedded an interest in the concept of vision and research for me.

I actually applied for human cybernetics and got accepted at Reading University. But I came to the conclusion that the technology was in its infancy. I decided it would probably be wiser to study vision and vision research first, and then come back to the technology aspect when the other parts of that ambition became more of a reality.

As I learned more about optometry, I was genuinely fascinated by the career and the way that you can always learn more. There's the psychology of the neuroscience of vision and perception, there's the physics of the lenses, there's the medicine and pharmacology, and pathology and therapeutics, not to mention the social psychology of patient compliance and customer service, the discipline, or the human resources aspect, and all the various aspects of business planning, from managing budgets to overheads, strategy planning (which we've had to do a lot of during COVID-19), and knowing about investments for future success. I think it's a brilliant career choice.

I'm from Northern Ireland, and I moved to Glasgow Caledonian and did my degree there. I went on to do my pre-reg in Boots at Princes Street in Edinburgh. Halfway through that my supervisor moved over to the Gyle, so I followed her to the Boots Opticians there.

I think it's a brilliant career choice

I was then offered regular employment with Dolland and Aitchison (D&A), because I used to do locum days there. My wife and I were looking to buy a home at the time, and Edinburgh prices were disproportionately high. We were able to find a three-bedroom house in Dunfermline, for the same price as a one bedroom flat in Edinburgh. So, we moved to Fife and commuted about an hour each way. And then Specsavers offered me some work in their Dunfermline branch, five minutes walk away from my house.

Andy and Grace, the directors, were welcoming and friendly, and they enabled the staff to be the best they could be. While I've been managed by good people in the past, I'd never received that sort of leadership and management before. It was a delight to work there, especially coming from cultures where I had to present a business case just to get an Amsler chart replaced or to get a decent stereopsis test.

I started my IP quite early on. My son was born in 2012 and then my daughter was born prematurely, so I had to put it on the back burner twice. In terms of clinical experience, the hospital could only offer half days. So that meant almost a whole year of clinical experience before I had enough under my belt to be eligible to sit the final exam. I think I ended up finishing in 2017.

I think the Scottish optometry system is above anywhere else. I'm really proud to be part of it

At the time I was accepted to do my PhD with Aston University. Then the opportunity to open up a branch in Morningside in Edinburgh came up, and I decided to seize the opportunity.

Owning a business requires a lot more work: I was working six, seven-day weeks for the first four or five years. My practice has never had a test time shorter than 30 minutes. At present I'm doing up to 45-minute appointment slots due to PPE and COVID-19. In Scotland, we have a first port of call system where GPs won't see you; everybody has to go to the opticians if there's a problem with their eyes. So, often I have to prescribe medications for emergency walk-ins. We have a clinic that runs for about 45 minutes for that.

I still want to contribute to vision research, in the long term, and help people with a severe visual impairment to see again with the help of technology. I've started my journey towards that: I'm studying my master's in investigative ophthalmology and vision research, and I intend to go on to do a PhD in vision research and neuro development at some point.

I think the Scottish optometry system is above anywhere else. I'm really proud to be part of it. That's part of the reason why I became vice chair of Optometry Scotland. Its world-leading, and I want to be part of that.

Read more:
I want to be responsible for improving eye health on a national scale - AOP

Nutrient-rich foods that help strengthen your eyesight

By: Mui Redaction

February 11, 2021 07:42 am

A good diet helps the proper functioning of our body and a very important part is our eyes. Therefore, a deteriorated lifestyle can contribute to accelerate the appearance of, for example, cataracts or macular degeneration.

It is essential to incorporate foods rich in nutrients and antioxidants, beneficial for the eyes, into our diet. In addition, they prevent the appearance or acceleration of any ocular pathology that threatens a progressive loss of vision. In general, fruits and vegetables are the main foods that will help us achieve better health in our eyes.

Blueberries

Blueberries are a fruit that will undoubtedly help us to preserve our visual health. Among other properties such as the prevention of kidney stones or urinary incontinence, they increase our visual ability.

The secrets of this fruit came to light when in the second world war. The British pilots before flying consumed it when they noticed when they did a better adaptation to the light.

This fruit contains flavonoids, a kind of antioxidants that prevent the accumulation of free radicals that cause aging of the ocular cells and internal injuries of the eye. Other similar fruits can be raspberry, blackberry or grape.

Broccoli, great contribution of vitamin C

It is one of the best known superfoods. This vegetable helps us mainly to protect our eyes from the sun due to its abundance in vitamin C, water, fiber and few calories.

Scientific studies have shown that daily consumption of broccoli can increase the density of the macular pigment in the eye by up to 30%.

It is a fundamental part located in the retina to be able to perceive colors and movement. In addition, eating broccoli helps lower our cholesterol and increase iron levels. For all this it is considered one of the foods good for the eyes.

Carrots, source of vitamin A

Another of the foods that improve eyesight and that has multiple properties. In addition to helping to prevent cataracts, thanks to their great contribution to lens cells, they reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

The carotenoids that compose it are responsible for this advantageous contribution. Likewise, vegetables with orange, yellow or red color are also rich in carotenoids, so it will be good to incorporate them into the diet.This vegetable will also help us to have better night vision thanks to its richness in vitamin A, which directly influences the functioning of the retina.

Spinach

Like the previous beneficial foods for vision, spinach helps prevent age-related pathologies. In addition, they favor the protection of the eyes against sunlight and cataracts thanks to lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that compose it. In addition, being rich in carotenoids helps prevent cancer.

With information from OFTALVIST

Originally posted here:
Nutrient-rich foods that help strengthen your eyesight - Explica

TORONTO, Feb. 03, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- eSight announced today the addition of a key patent related to augmenting sight that is part of the foundation of its most versatile and advanced device for individuals with low vision and legal blindness. This patent (US10867449 and CA2916780) has been issued in multiple jurisdictions and continues to strengthen eSights intellectual property portfolio which now totals 45 patents granted with an additional 20 in process.

The company has long held strong patent protection in multiple countries covering its clinically validated approach to augmenting sight, proprietary software capabilities for maximizing visual information sent to the brain, and its industrial design that incorporates the wearers natural peripheral vision providing 100% mobility retention and enabling activities of daily life. The new patents reflect continued innovation in eSights core sight-enhancing technology, which is leveraged in its newest fourth-generation device, eSight 4.

We continue to expand and vigorously protect our intellectual property, said Robert Vaters, President and Chief Executive Officer of eSight. The new patents encompass our continued innovations that dramatically improve quality of life for individuals with serious visual impairment. eSight allows our clients to see new possibilities for living independently, advancing at school and work, and actively engaging in hobbies and community life. Our patent family gives us a strategic advantage in the low vision space and in the augmented vision sector.

In the United States alone, there are more than 30 million adults that have difficulty seeing even with prescription glasses, and the numbers are rapidly growing as the population ages. eSight has proven its approach to augmenting sight through independent clinical studies conducted by leading low vision research institutes and adoption by the low vision community. eSight is used by thousands of users with visual acuities ranging from 20/60 to 20/800 caused by over 20 different eye conditions with many of them achieving 20/20 visual acuity. eSight 4 launched in North America in the second half of 2020 and is aggressively expanding internationally.

About eSighteSight is a leading vision-platform organization with a simple but profound promise: empower individuals with sight loss to see new possibilities through enhanced vision. eSight provides the most advanced and versatile assistive device available for those with visual impairments and is compatible with more than 20 eye conditions including macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and Stargardt disease. eSight is registered with the FDA and EUDAMED and is inspected by Health Canada. Learn more at http://www.eSightEyewear.com.

Media ContactAlyssa CohenUproar PR for eSight321-236-0102 x 233acohen@uproarpr.com

View post:
eSight Receives Key Patents for Augmenting Sight Related to its Enhanced Vision Platform - GlobeNewswire

Ongoing Series: Seeing Life More Clearly

Submitted by Ohio Eye Associates

Ronald Nastasi learned eight years ago that he had glaucoma a common eye condition and one of the leading causes of blindness. Although his condition was mild at that time, he knew that if he didnt start taking proper care of his eyes, the disease had the potential to become severe.

This could sneak up on you, and then usually its too latethe damage is done. There wont be any symptoms until you actually have irreversible damage, Nastasi said.

Glaucomas are a group of conditions that cause damage to the optic nerve, often due to elevated eye pressure. At the time, Nastasis primary eye doctor prescribed daily eye drops, and tried noninvasive laser treatments to reduce his eye pressure. While this therapy was initially successful, over the years they found that these were only working for Nastasis left eye. His right eye pressure continued to rise, and Nastasi found himself being told to use drops six times a day.

At this point, Nastasis eye doctor recommended he see a glaucoma specialist, worried he may start losing his vision. Nastasi wanted to stay local, and after doing extensive research, he chose to see Jonathan M. Skarie, MD, PhD at Ohio Eye Associates. Skarie is a local ophthalmologist and the only fellowship trained glaucoma specialist in the Mansfield area.

Skarie met with Nastasi for an evaluation. He confirmed Nastasis right eye had a very elevated eye pressure and noted signs of optic nerve damage. At this point they discussed glaucoma surgery. Skarie gave Nastasi the option of having XEN Gel Stent surgery a recently developed surgical implant designed to lower eye pressure in glaucoma patients.

(XEN Gel) doesnt require stitches in the eye like the old kind where they put these drains and tubing in or made incisions in your eyes. This is very minimal, and thats why (eye doctors) really like it. Its not much risk to the eye, Nastasi said.

Skarie, whos been with Ohio Eye Associates since 2017, is a cataract and glaucoma surgeon. He specializes in all aspects of glaucoma medical, laser and surgical care, in addition to managing complex cataracts. He is trained in the latest advances in glaucoma surgical options, including Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) techniques, such as the XEN Gel Stent.

MIGS options have really changed the way we approach glaucoma management. In the past, the only surgical options for glaucoma were much more invasive and high risk surgeries that were often uncomfortable for the patient. While these types of surgeries are still required in certain cases, we now have a wide range of options that are safer, offer easier recovery and are effective across a broad range of glaucoma types and severity, Skarie said.

Glaucoma becomes more common with age, though there are rare, aggressive forms that occur in younger adults and even children. Fortunately, these more aggressive types of glaucoma are often picked up during childhood vision screens or eye care visits for glasses, according to Skarie.

The biggest challenge of glaucoma is that the vast majority of cases are asymptomatic until late in disease when severe damage has already occurred. Glaucoma is usually only identified during an eye exam. Per Skarie, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends regular visits to the eye doctor starting at age 40, even if you have no known eye or medical problems.

A comprehensive, dilated eye exam should identify if you have glaucoma or if you are at high risk of developing it. If it is caught early, it can usually be easily managed and vision loss can be avoided, Skarie said.

Nastasi recently underwent the minimally invasive surgery and sailed through it. Skarie will continue to monitor his condition throughout the postoperative period. He only needed a week of limitations on activities, but he felt back to normal by the next day.

Nastasi is pleased with Skaries work and the level of care hes given throughout.

Dr. Skarie explained (the surgery) all the way through to me and I have follow up instructions, which were heavily detailed, Nastasi said. Im very confident in the choice (Skarie) made with my eyes.With onsite eye surgery and knowledgeable eye doctors and surgeons available at Ohio Eye, they are able to offer an extensive array of vision services.Jonathan M. Skarie, MD, PhD, is a local ophthalmologist and the only fellowship trained glaucoma specialist in the Mansfield area.

At Ohio Eye Associates, our team of optometrists and ophthalmologists work together to create a circle of care that includes eye exams, treatment of eye diseases, surgeries, and postoperative care. Youll have experts dedicated to achieving the best outcomes at each step in your eye care journey. Our location on South Walnut Street in Bucyrus is accepting new patients.

Read more here:
Patient receives Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery to reduce chance of losing eyesight - crawfordcountynow.com

According to the latest report by IMARC Group, titledVision Care Market: Global Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2020-2025,theglobal vision care market sizereached US$ 60.9 Billion by 2019. Eyes are one of the most important sense organs in the human body. They aid in processing visual details that are further interpreted and transmitted to the brain. Healthy eyesight contributes to improved learning and comprehension skills, which enhance the quality of life. Eyes are easily susceptible to trauma, infection and inflammation; therefore, it is essential for individuals to practice quality vision care, which includes the process of caring and treating to maintain proper eye health. Some of the most common components of vision care include eyesight tests, eye drops, eye ointment and gels, and various surgeries to combat vision ailments, such as cataract and glaucoma.

We are regularly tracking the direct effect of COVID-19 on the market, along with the indirect influence of associated industries. These observations will be integrated into the report.

Request for a free sample copy of this report: https://www.imarcgroup.com/vision-care-market/requestsample

Global Vision Care Market Trends:

The global market is primarily driven by the growing prevalence of ocular diseases on the global level. This, along with the growing geriatric population, has contributed to the escalating demand for advanced vision care technologies. The advent of innovative therapies, including gene and stem cell therapy, is acting as another major growth-inducing factor. These therapies are gaining widespread preference among the masses, owing to their efficient outcomes. Along with this, there has been an increase in the occurrence of eyesight disorders among working professionals, owing to prolonged usage of electronic devices, including laptops, tablets and smartphones. This has contributed to a significant increase in the demand for prescription glasses and contact lenses, and improved vision care facilities. Furthermore, numerous players have introduced online eye testing modules, which is expected to assist individuals to check the status of their vision through online portals. For instance, Zeiss, a German enterprise, offers an online vision screening check without any additional charges. Their screening check is classified into three segments visual acuity, contrast vision and color vision checks, which are designed to offer preliminary assistance regarding vision care to the users. Awareness campaigns led by several government and non-government organizations regarding the availability of advanced ocular therapies and treatments are also projected to create a positive outlook for the market.On account of the aforementioned factors, the market is anticipated to reach a value of US$ 72.3 Billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 2.8% during 2020-2025.

Explore full report with table of contents: https://www.imarcgroup.com/vision-care-market

Market Summary:

About Us

IMARC Group is a leading market research company that offers management strategy and market research worldwide. We partner with clients in all sectors and regions to identify their highest-value opportunities, address their most critical challenges, and transform their businesses.

IMARCs information products include major market, scientific, economic and technological developments for business leaders in pharmaceutical, industrial, and high technology organizations. Market forecasts and industry analysis for biotechnology, advanced materials, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, travel and tourism, nanotechnology and novel processing methods are at the top of the companys expertise.

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Vision Care Market Research Report, Market Share, Size, Trends, Forecast and Analysis of Key players 2025 KSU | The Sentinel Newspaper - KSU | The...

Local Journalism Initiative

Lawmakers from Canadas federal opposition Conservative Party have embarked on a campaign to place a legal and environmental dispute in Michigan over the Line 5 oil pipeline at the feet of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Several Conservative MPs have been sharing an image on social media that warns of an impending Liberal pipeline failure if the Line 5 pipeline, running through the environmentally sensitive Straits of Mackinac, is shut down a decision that was taken months ago by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and that Enbridge is currently challenging in U.S. federal court. The Calgary-based energy company is seeking an injunction to stop the state from revoking the pipelines 1953 easement, which Whitmer said she did after the company refused to take action to protect the Great Lakes, and repeatedly violated the terms of the easement by ignoring structural problems with its aging, dented pipeline. While this legal drama is playing out, Conservatives are also urging their followers to sign a petition that calls on Trudeau to appeal to U.S. President Joe Biden to intervene in the pipeline dispute in order to prevent Whitmer from following through with her decision. Conservative Party Leader Erin O'Toole also wrote an op-ed in the National Post accusing the Liberals of being silent on the matter and suggesting the pipeline was not a priority for the prime minister. On Thursday, his party called for a special House of Commons committee that would address Line 5, among other Canada-U.S. issues. Trudeau, however, has said in Parliament that the federal government and Canadas ambassador in Washington have been advocating for Line 5 to U.S. officials. Transport Minister Omar Alghabra also revealed Feb. 3 he has spoken with U.S. Transport Secretary Pete Buttigieg about the pipeline. Line 5 is a vital source of fuel for homes and businesses on both sides of the border, said Trudeau on Feb. 3. That is something we have argued strongly, and will continue to argue strongly, with members of the U.S. administration. Our ongoing engagement with the Biden administration and with partners in the United States on this and many issues continues to be on the front burner. Whitmer said she was ending the easement because Enbridge was imposing an unacceptable risk of a catastrophic oil spill in the Great Lakes. The pipeline lies exposed at the bottom of a busy shipping channel in the straits, she said, vulnerable to anchor strikes, similar dangerous impacts, and the inherent risks of pipeline operations. A 2018 study by Michigan Techs Great Lakes Research Center said a worst-case oil spill would affect over 643 kilometres of shoreline, releasing up to 58,000 barrels of crude oil into the Great Lakes and putting dozens of species and thousands of acres at risk. A 2016 University of Michigan study showed a majority of open water on Lake Huron and 15 per cent of open water in Lake Michigan could be affected. Critics also point to a history of actions by Enbridge to fortify the dual pipes that run along the bottom of the straits, including using anchor supports to hold the pipes in place. They note incidents that the pipes have faced, like being dented by an anchor in 2018, and argue the 67-year-old pipeline has outlived its lifespan. Green Party Leader Annamie Paul said she had no reason to doubt the results of the research that informed Whitmers decision. We know that the line is very old, we know it has begun to deteriorate, we know that its dented in places, we know it would be catastrophic if there was a major oil spill with that line, so I am sure she has taken all of that into account, Paul said. Enbridge has insisted that the worst-case oil spill scenario is extraordinarily unlikely to happen and has touted its safety measures, including regular inspections of the pipeline and 24-hour monitoring of the straits crossing. The company is also moving forward with building what it considers a safer tunnel under the straits to house the pipeline. The Great Lakes Tunnel will encase a replacement section of Line 5 well below the lakebed, eliminating the risk of an anchor strike and virtually eliminating the potential of any (oil) release from Line 5 into the straits, said Enbridge spokesperson Ryan Duffy. There has not yet been a court date set for the case, Duffy said Feb. 2. We would prefer to meet and come to a resolution, and we continue to offer to meet with the state to resolve any differences, he said. OToole declined to answer questions for this story through his director of communications. Paul said Canada was at a crossroads in many respects, and needs to be planning for a green recovery. She said she hoped the Conservatives and all other parties join the Greens in preparing for a sustainable future that leaves no one behind. In that we join the United States and its new president, President Biden, and his commitment to moving towards a green recovery. We join the 27 countries of the European Union, and many of our international peers who have decided that the future is green, the future is in clean tech and renewables, and the investments we should be making are investments in those sectors rather than in sectors that are in an irreversible decline, she said. That is something we do on behalf of people in Canada, and in particular, those workers out in the oilpatch, and in provinces that are particularly impacted by the decline in that sector. Line 5 carries Western Canadian oil to Ontario, where it supplies refineries that produce gasoline and other fossil fuels, and feeds another pipeline that heads to Quebec. Conservatives are warning of fuel shortages, higher fuel prices and job losses linked to the industry if Line 5 closes; 6,500 good-paying jobs in Sarnia, Ontario are on the line, OToole wrote in his op-ed. It is unclear to what extent this will materialize. Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley has suggested the number of potential job losses in his city would be closer to 3,000, but he has also said he cant estimate how many jobs would actually be lost if alternative sources like rail and trucks were used. That is what Imperial Oil, which runs a Sarnia refinery, is looking at doing, according to a report in the Globe and Mail. The energy company has already laid out plans to obtain crude oil through other pipelines, or by moving it on ships or by rail. Paul said she understood the implications for Canada, but it was a false choice for politicians of any stripe to portray the Line 5 pipeline battle as a choice between jobs and the environment. There are those who benefit from creating those false, binary choices. We know that we protect ourselves the best, that we create more jobs, if we protect our environment as well and we know that we cannot survive without a healthy environment. Carl Meyer / Local Journalism Initiative / Canadas National Observer Carl Meyer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, National Observer

Excerpt from:
Trucker wants solution to 'disheartening' obstacle in getting an eye exam during pandemic - Yahoo News Canada

Latest market study on Global Vision Care Market Forecast to 2027 COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis by Product Type (Eye Glasses, Contact Lens, Intraocular Lens, Others); Distribution Channel (Retail Stores, E-Commerce, Clinics, Hospitals).The research report provides deep insights into the global market revenue, parent market trends, macro-economic indicators, and governing factors, along with market attractiveness per market segment. The report provides an overview of the growth rate of the Vision Care market during the forecast period, i.e., 20202027. Most importantly, the report further identifies the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies. The research segments the market on the basis of product type, application, technology, and region. To offer more clarity regarding the industry, the report takes a closer look at the current status of various factors including but not limited to supply chain management, niche markets, distribution channel, trade, supply, and demand and production capability across different countries.

Request Sample Copy of Vision Care Market at: https://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPRE00011953/

Vision Care Market In-Depth Analysis:

Vision care is the care and treatment of eyes, eyesight conditions, and vision. The exploding use of electronic devices for everyday functioning has also been related to eye disorders. In recent years, the use of technology has particularly increased among children. Studies suggest excessive use of electronic devices could lead to eye disorders. This indirectly is stoking demand for vision care products.

The vision care market is driving due to the rising geriatric population more susceptible to eye diseases and technological advances in eye care devices. Moreover, the raise awareness for eye health and to address vision-related problems is also serving to boost the vision care market.

Some of the key players profiled in the study areAlcon, Bausch and Lomb, Carl Zeiss, CooperVision, Essilor, Johnson & Johnson, LUXOTTICA GROUP, Rodenstock, Safilo Group, ZEISS, etc.

Key Benefits

The report profiles the key players in the industry, along with a detailed analysis of their individual positions against the global landscape. The study conducts SWOT analysis to evaluate strengths and weaknesses of the key players in the Vision Care market. The researcher provides an extensive analysis of the Vision Care market size, share, trends, overall earnings, gross revenue, and profit margin to accurately draw a forecast and provide expert insights to investors to keep them updated with the trends in the market.

Competitive scenario:

The study assesses factors such as segmentation, description, and applications of Vision Care industries. It derives accurate insights to give a holistic view of the dynamic features of the business, including shares, profit generation, thereby directing focus on the critical aspects of the business.

Scope of the Report

The research on the Vision Care market focuses on mining out valuable data on investment pockets, growth opportunities, and major market vendors to help clients understand their competitors methodologies. The research also segments the Vision Care market on the basis of end user, product type, application, and demography for the forecast period 20212027. Comprehensive analysis of critical aspects such as impacting factors and competitive landscape are showcased with the help of vital resources, such as charts, tables, and infographics.

Promising Regions & Countries Mentioned in The Vision Care Market Report:

Major highlights of the report:

All-inclusive evaluation of the parent market

Evolution of significant market aspects

Industry-wide investigation of market segments

Assessment of market value and volume in past, present, and forecast years

Evaluation of market share

Study of niche industrial sectors

Tactical approaches of market leaders

Lucrative strategies to help companies strengthen their position in the market

Interested in purchasing this Report? Click here @ https://www.theinsightpartners.com/buy/TIPRE00011953/

Thanks for reading this article; you can also customize this report to get select chapters or region-wise coverage with regions such as Asia, North America, and Europe.

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The Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We are committed to provide highest quality research and consulting services to our customers. We help our clients understand the key market trends, identify opportunities, and make informed decisions with our market research offerings at an affordable cost.

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Vision Care Market 2021 Global Overview, Growth, Size, Opportunities, Trends, Leading Company Analysis and Forecast to 2027 KSU | The Sentinel...

Choosing the right frames for different occasions is part of being a glasses wearer. Were all familiar with using our glasses as a fashion accessory as much as we use them to see.

But how do we go about choosing glasses for work? There are many considerations, and not all of them are fashion related. Lets take a look.

Progressive lenses are your fast-track ticket to all-day vision (see a selection of progressive lenses for inspiration). What do we mean by all-day vision? If you have a long-sighted or short-sighted prescription from the optician, you will find that your glasses are only useful for one distance (i.e., focusing on things up close or far away). Many people turn to bi-focal lenses to deliver the multifunctionality they need. But theres only one problem

Bi-focal lenses were invented in 1760. They come with a cumbersome line across the middle of the lens and there is a definitive cut off between the lower half of the lens for close viewing and the top half of the lens for distance viewing. There must be a better way?

This is where progressive lenses and all-day vision come to the rescue. Instead of two lenses, progressive lenses blend effortlessly from distance focus to close up focus. Depending on whether you gaze through the upper, mid, or lower part of the lens, you can focus at all distances (without the tell-tale line across your glasses!).

Your choice of lenses comes down to your eyesight. You cant control which lenses are perfect for you. But something you can control is your choice of frame shape and size.

There are multiple frame shapes, but every frame fits into one of three categories. There are rimless frames, semi-rimless, or full-frames. Basically, is the lens surrounded by a frame, partially surrounded, or completely frameless.

Rimless frames are lightweight. They are suited to long working hours where chunkier frames would otherwise cause discomfort on the bridge of the nose and on top of the ears.

If you choose to have a rim, be aware that no matter which style you choose (e.g., round, cat eye, retro square, browline) the thickness of your frames says a lot about your personality. If youre someone who is drawn to conversations and meeting new people, thicker frames can help announce your presence. Conversely, those who value their privacy may prefer streamlined, more conservative designs.

Continuing the theme of choosing frames to suit your character, color says a lot. Without going into a horoscope style breakdown of every hue in the rainbow, we can group the options into more useless lists.

For example, eye-catching colors such as red and bright blue give the impression of someone who has opinions theyd like to share. Whereas more muted greys and silvers might help create a more mindful persona. The choice is yours. Think about who you are and what you want to say about yourself.

Read the original post:
Glasses to Suit Your Nine-to-Five - Onrec

Can you see this? Do you have to focus to read this text on your screen? Do you feel your eyesight is still strong or have your eyes deteriorated recently as well?

With the lockdown, homeschooling, and working from home, we are all staring at screens, tablets, and mobile phones even more than we already did before the COVID-19 pandemic. Most people spend endless amounts of time at home now and rarely go outside. But that means our eyes are constantly focused on objects in close range inside, and we're lacking the benefits of looking into the distance.

A lack of exercise is particularly noticeable in children including exercise for their eyes. Recent studies from the Netherlands and China show that as a result of COVID-19 restrictions, myopia has increased dramatically, especially in children. The phenomenon has been called "quarantine myopia".

Data from more than 120,000 Chinese school children showed that kids between the ages of six and eight were up to three times more likely to have myopia in 2020 than children of their age in previous years. In this age group, visual acuity shifted by a substantial 0.3 diopters towards myopia.

This drastic deterioration of eyesight in young children is particularly frightening because being nearsighted (not being able to see objects that are farther away) isdetermined at an early age. Once someone is nearsighted, they stay that way. In most cases, nearsightedness begins in primary school and it increases as children grow up. The earlier it starts, the more severe it becomes. The grown eye does not shrink again.

If the eyeball grows too much between the ages of six and 10, it means the child has a harder time seeing objects farther in the distance. Severe nearsightedness also increases the risk of retinal detachment, cataracts due to high pressure inside the eye, or even blindness later in life.

Focusing on objects in close range for too long can harm your eyesight

According to the Brien Holden Vision Institute, by the middle of the century around five billion people, or roughly half of the world's population, will be nearsighted. Especially in industrialized countries, the number of nearsighted people has risen rapidly in recent decades.

There is even a direct correlation between increased educational opportunities and poorer vision the higher the level of education, the higher the risk of myopia.

"The increase is mainly due to very early and intensive use of PCs, smartphones and tablets, combined with increasingly shorter amounts of time spent outdoors during the day," said Nicole Eter, Director of the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Mnster.

Asian countries have above-average rates of nearsighted children and adolescents. For example, after World War II, about 20-30% of 20-year-olds in Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea were nearsighted; today the figure is more than 80%. In China, four out of five young people are now nearsighted. In other Asian countries, the rate is as high as 95%. In Europe too, about half of young adults are nearsighted.

Close to 85% of Chinese university students are nearsighted, raising the prospect of a significant swath of the country's population suffering loss of sight or blindness in old age

The risk of myopia can be reduced by not staring too long at an object in close range, regardless of whether it is a smartphone or an exciting book. The important factor is distance. The observer needs to look up regularly so that the gaze can wander into the distance.

The risk of myopia is reduced primarily by longer amounts of time spent outdoors, because daylight inhibits further growth of the eyeball. In enclosed rooms, the light intensity averages 300 to 500 lux (a measure of light levels), whereas on a bright summer day it can be around 100,000 lux outside. Studies from Scandinavia also show that myopia increases in the darker seasons, while it stagnates during brighter times of the year.

The blue light of smartphones robs us of sleep because it inhibits the release of the hormone melatonin.

Excessive use of electronic media does not justlead to more nearsightedness. It can also irritate, tire and dry out children's eyes. Constantly looking at screens also affects spatial awareness. Blurred vision or squinting can result from too much time spent on devices.

In addition, smartphone use in the evening may lead to sleep disorders.

"The high blue light content of the screens inhibits the release of the hormone melatonin, which makes you sleepy," explained Eter.

Although many devices now have a night mode that reduces the blue light, we should stop looking at them around two hours before bedtime.

Parents should limit their children's use of digital media, especially for the youngest age groups.

Parents should limit their children's screen time to help protect their eyesight

"From an ophthalmological point of view, PCs, smartphones and tablets are completely unsuitable for children up to the age of three," said Bettina Wabbels from the Bonn University Eye Clinic. The eye expert recommends daily use of no more than thirty minutes for four- to six-year-olds.

"At primary school age, media time of a maximum of one hour per day would be acceptable from an ophthalmological point of view, and up to two hours per day from the age of about ten," explained Wabbels.

However, her advice doesn't just apply to children and adolescents. Adults' eyes also need a break. So look up from the screen more often, let your eyes wander and spend more time outdoors.

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COVID-19 and eyesight: Myopia on the rise during lockdown - DW (English)

DALLAS, Jan. 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A new year is here, and with it comes the hope that brighter days are ahead. In 2020, many people postponed routine health care due to the pandemic. This year, Essilor Vision Foundation(EVF) encourages everyone to resolve to focus on their health, including their vision, and to get an eye exam.

Clear vision is important for everyone, but especially for kids. In the U.S., one in four schoolchildrenhas a vision problem significant enough to affect their ability to learn. Vision impacts every aspect of a child's life, from learning, confidence and social interaction to participation in activities such as sports, art and music. Yet children often don't know to ask for the help they desperately need because they don't know they can't see clearly. To them, blurry vision is normal.

How to get vision care

Once a child is diagnosed with a vision problem, many parents don't know how to get vision care. There are options including:

Essilor Vision Foundation helps people in need

EVF believes it takes a community to serve the millions of people in the U.S. who need vision care. While everyone can do their part to ensure their own family gets annual eye exams, the foundation helps those who otherwise would not be able to afford a vision exam and glasses by working with eye doctors, schools, nonprofits and communities. EVF's programs address the obstacles of awareness, access and affordability that many people face when it comes to vision care:

Visit evfusa.orgto learn more.

About Essilor Vision Foundation

We strive to give children a brighter future by helping them see the world more clearly. Since 2007, Essilor Vision Foundation has provided more than 1.5 million pairs of eyeglasses to individuals in need. Essilor Vision Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public, non-profit organization committed to eliminating poor vision and its lifelong consequences. To learn more visit http://www.evfusa.org.

Contact: Meredith Marmurek[emailprotected]214-850-3642

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Jailed Hate Preacher Abu Hamza Losing Eyesight Due To Covid And Pleads To Return To UK.

Abu Hamza, 62, is said to have told a court he has untreated vision decay which might be linked to catching coronavirus while being detained. He is currently serving life in jail in a US prison. The notorious hate preacher has reportedly claimed he is losing his eyesight after catching Covid and is pleading to be sent back to the UK.

He has also reportedly said he had been refused a test for the virus while in his US jail cell and that he wants to be sent back to Britain, in a report published by the Sun. The hook-handed former imam, currently serving life in the ADX Florence in Colorado, US, said: This new development makes it impossible to communicate, interact or compile any legal work.

In his long list of complaints, he is reported to have said that he suffered headaches, fatigue, runny nose, lighting coffing (sic) and frequent sneezing after a visit by an optician.

Osama Bin Ladens right-hand man,Adel Abdel-Bary, 60, who plotted blasts which killed more than 200, was freed in New Jersey and flown back to the UK last month after claiming his obesity put him at risk.

Adel Abdel-Bary, was Osama Bin Ladens terror propagandist, responsible for a string of horrendous and sickening bombings in Tanzania and Kenya, in 1998, which killed 224 people, and in 2012, charged with 285 terror offences, was sentenced to 25 years in prison, yet on Tuesday, December 8, he walked out, a free man, from the ADX Florence supermax prison in Colorado, after winning an early mercy release.

Thank you for taking the time to read this news article Jailed Hate Preacher Abu Hamza Losing Eyesight Due To Covid And Pleads To Return To UK. For more UK daily news, Spanish daily news and Global news stories, visit the Euro Weekly News home page.

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Jailed Hate Preacher Abu Hamza Losing Eyesight Due To Covid And Pleads To Return To UK - Euro Weekly News

As kids prepare to go back to school, a key message that parents and teachers should be sending out is an exhortation to go out and play!

This isnt just about childrens fitness, it is about preserving their sight.

Researchers forecast that by 2050 almost half the worlds population will be suffering myopia (short-sightedness where distant vision is blurred), up from around 30 per cent. And while myopia can be inherited, genetics cant explain all of this looming epidemic, which appears to be being driven by the growing intensity of near-work that comes with rising educational attainment and increasing screen time.

With many kids (and adults) in Australia and globally having already gone a screen-heavy 2020 amid COVID-19 restrictions, its more important than ever to consider our eye health.

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Even before COVID-19 forced many families into lockdown and home schooling, the data showed that around the world more children were developing myopia.

A GLOBAL CRISIS

Published last month in Nature Reviews Disease Primers, our comprehensive global research review of myopia outlines a growing global crisis among young people, especially in parts of East and South East Asia where rates of short-sightedness among the young can be as high as 8090 per cent.

This includes around a staggering 97 per cent of 19-year-olds in South Korea and 86 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds in Taiwan.

The situation is less dire for young adults in some other regions, such as Norway (35 per cent), the USA (33 per cent) and Israel (28 per cent).

In Australia, around one in four people (six million) have myopia and this is likely to double by 2050.

Myopia is strongly associated with educational attainment or intensity, and other near-work activities such as reading, writing, watching television, and working on computers and other screen devices.

The marked variations we see in the prevalence across countries are probably due to risk factors such as the amount of indoor class time and the amount of time students spend studying outside of classes.

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Outdoor exposure is a protective factor, although how outside time helps isnt fully understood. Australias relatively low myopia rates compared with some Asian countries may be due to our children spending more time outdoors playing, socialising, and participating in sport.

Policies and programs that encourage schools to increase time outdoors may therefore help prevent myopia. One program in Taiwan increased schoolchildrens outdoor time by 80 minutes per day and saw myopia incidence start to fall after many years of increase.

Myopia is caused by environmental and genetic risk factorsand typically starts in childhood and in some cases early adulthood. Excessive elongation of the eye results in distant objects coming into focus in front of, rather than at, the retina, leading to blurred distance vision.

Severe forms, such as severe (pathologic) myopia, can cause other related problems requiring intense treatment and/or surgery to preserve vision.

A range of management and control strategies can treat it but delaying myopia onset and slowing its progression will be key to reducing the rapid rise in its global prevalence.

Even a small incremental improvement can make a big difference at a population level. To do this, we need improved health education, treatment, data collection and analysis.

We also need public health strategies focusing on early detection or prevention combined with additional effective therapeutic interventions.

Read more

Australia is doing its bit. The Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA) is the only designated World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for the Prevention of Blindness in Australia.

As part of this, the CERA team is developing new technologies to increase access to eye screenings, detect the early signs of eye disease and prevent vision loss.

This includes the Easy Vision Test App, which calibrates testing distance using facial recognition technology to enable people to test their vision more accurately using mobile phone.

The original name of the app is called Vision at Home, it was developed with support from a Google Impact Challenge project to CERA. It takes about two minutes to assess your visual acuity anywhere, even at home.

Research published in Translational Vision Science and Technology shows the app has an accuracy level similar to tests taken in clinical settings.

Available soon via the App Store or Google Play, it will enable people to quickly test their vision at home, then see an eye specialist for further testing if needed.

With the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and Cooper Vision, the University of Melbourne is also assessing the role of genetic risk factors in myopia in children.

Read more

Optical interventions such as contact lenses or spectacles can restore visual acuity to enable normal distance vision in those who have myopia.

Orthokeratology lenses, which can reshape the front portion of the eye, as well as specially designed contact lenses and spectacles can also slow progression by decreasing the rate of eye elongation.

Pharmacological treatments include high or low-doses of the prescription drug atropine.

Surgery is an option for adults with stable myopia. This may involve using lasers to alter the curvature of the cornea, and intraocular procedures, which use intraocular lenses.

Reducing the impact of myopia as we navigate a new COVID normal will be a challenge. More research is vital, but we can all play a part.

While ensuring children have regular eye tests, parents and carers should also seek to balance their screen and outdoor time.

Read more

Adults and children should have their eyes checked every two years and break up long periods of close vision work to exercise your eyes.

This can be as simple as a short spell outside, enabling your eyes to enjoy some sunlight and focus on distant objects. Whether its shooting hoops, watching birds or walking, it all helps.

The warnings in the data are clear, and to ignore them would be simply short-sighted.

Banner: Getty Images

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Looking to the distance for healthy vision - Pursuit

Digital eye strain is a common problem these days. Simple exercise can help you safeguard your eyesight. Read here to know some of these exercises.

Continuous use of screens leads to digital eye strain

As the digital age continues to change our lives on different fronts, we spend more time staring at our screens than our eyes can take. It often takes a toll on our eyes, resulting in blurred vision, double vision, watery and itchy eyes, headaches, and other eye strain symptoms. Different age-related vision problems also arise from a loss of tone and flexibility in the eye muscles.

For those looking to rejuvenate their eyes and improve eyesight, the ancient science of yoga comes as a big boon. Apart from vision improvement, eye yoga asanas also lead to better concentration and insight that comes as added benefits. So, let's take a look at some eye exercises to keep eye problems at bay.

Sit in a relaxed manner with the neck and head still and eyelids open. Now think of a giant clock placed in front of you. Raise your eyeballs up to twelve o'clock. Still your gaze for one second, then look down at six o'clock and hold your gaze again for a second. Repeat the process 10 times with a relaxed and steady gaze. Once you're done, simply rub your hands and gently cup your palms over your eyes. Feel the warmth of your hand, relaxing the eyes and concentrate on breathing.

Also read:Dry Eyes In Winter: Follow These Expert Recommended Tips To Prevent This Condition

Similar to the previous practice, this time, you need to shift your gaze with horizontal eye movements. Move your gaze between nine o'clock to three o'clock and still your gaze at each position for one second. After you've repeated it 10 times, rub your hands and provide warmth to your eyes. Now start with diagonal movements with your gaze shifting between ten o'clock to four o'clock and two o'clock to seven o'clock. Conclude the exercise by repeating the entire process 10 times and offering the warmth of your rubbed hands to the eyes.

Try to blink frequently to prevent eye strainPhoto Credit: iStock

While sitting still and relaxed, extend your arm and gaze at the tip of your thumb. Now, gradually bring the thumb closer to your nose, following the movement with your eyes, and hold it there for one second. Again reverse the sequence, extending your arm and following the thumb with a relaxed gaze. Repeat the whole process ten times and finish off with palming.

Also read:Exercise Your Eyes! Reduce Eye Strain With These Expert Recommended Eye Exercises

Mentioned in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Upanishads, Trataka is an eye-cleansing exercise that induces clairvoyance and removes diseases from the eyes. Sit in a relaxed way with your gaze fixed on an object. Without blinking, continue to look at the object until water comes out of your eyes. Then, close your eyes and try to imagine the object you were looking at as long as possible. Every time you practise, increase the time to keep visualising the object with your eyes closed.

Also read:5 Nutrients You Should Not Miss To Maintain Healthy Eyesight

These simple yet effective exercises for the eyes can bring in plenty of benefits ranging from better eyesight to increased concentration to spiritual insight. Apart from taking care of our health with a healthy diet and daily exercise, it also important to care for our eyes as they are our window to this world. Seek help from expert if you notice any changes in vision.

(Dr Rajeev Rajesh, Chief Yoga Officer, Jindal Naturecure Institute)

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Eye Exercise: Give Your Eyes A Break With These Exercises - NDTV Doctor

Eyesight Worsening as Billions Spend More Time Playing Games and Watching TV.

Due to coronavirus lockdowns, less time outdoors and more time on screens is leading to significantly more people suffering from myopia, especially children. With the lockdown, homeschooling, and working from home, we are all staring at screens, tablets, and mobile phones even more than we already did before the COVID-19 pandemic. Most people spend endless amounts of time at home now and rarely go outside. But that means our eyes are constantly focused on objects in close range inside, and were lacking the benefits of looking into the distance.

A lack of exercise is particularly noticeable in children including exercise for their eyes. Recent studies from the Netherlands and China show that as a result of COVID-19 restrictions, myopia has increased dramatically, especially in children. The phenomenon has been calledquarantine myopia.

Data from more than 120,000 Chinese school childrenshowed that kids between the ages of six and eight were up to three times more likely to have myopia in 2020 than children of their age in previous years. In this age group, visual acuity shifted by a substantial 0.3 diopters towards myopia.

This combination more screen time and less outdoor time may actually harm childrens vision and put them at higher risk of developing myopia, or nearsightedness. That can lead to serious eye problems in the future, including some potentially blinding diseases. A review of25 years of researchfound that working up close like reading or using a tablet increased the odds of myopia.

For example, a nationwide study in Taiwan found that after-school study programs with lots of closeup work were associated with an increased likelihood of nearsightedness among children ages 7 to 12. A study of Chinese schoolchildren found that increased time spent working with the eyes focused on something less than 20 centimetres away was associated with myopia.

Researchers in Ireland found thatgreater than three hours of screen time per dayincreased the odds of myopia in schoolchildren, and investigators in Denmark found that the risk of myopia approximately doubled inDanish teenagers who used screen devicesfor more than six hours per day.

Getting outdoors matters

Some studies now suggest thatspending time outdoorsmay be able to slow the onset and progression of nearsightedness.

In Taiwan, first-grade students at schools with programs designed to increase their outdoors timeto 11 hours or more each week had less progression of myopia over one year compared to their peers. Similarly, in China, researchers found thatadding 40 minutes of outdoor activitya day at school reduced the development of nearsightedness in six-year-old children over the next three years.

Thank you for taking the time to read this news article Eyesight Worsening as Billions Spend More Time Playing Games and Watching TV. For more UK daily news, Spanish daily news and Global news stories, visit the Euro Weekly News home page.

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Eyesight Worsening as Billions Spend More Time Playing Games and Watching TV - Euro Weekly News

While eyesight often dims with age, a novel mouse study provides intriguing evidence that innovative gene therapy techniques could someday roll back the biological clock for our vision. The research was conducted with NIA and the National Eye Institute support by a Harvard Medical School team and published recently in Nature.

The teams approach involved epigenetics, a field of science that studies heritable changes that can activate or deactivate genes without any change in the underlying DNA sequence of these genes. The word epigenetics is of Greek origin and literally means over and above (epi) the genome.

Their experiments refined a technique that won a Nobel prize in 2012. The basic idea is that by using a harmless virus to introduce just a few genes, called Yamanaka factors after the researcher who discovered them, scientists can reprogram the DNA of mature cells of different types to transform back into young (pluripotent) stem cells. These can then regenerate function lost to age, illness, or injury. The virus payload is turned on or off via injection of a selective inducer molecule.

This cell reprogramming method could lead to future disease therapies, but previous studies showed it is tough to safely rein in the rapid cell growth and tumor development triggered by Yamanaka factors. The Harvard team found a way to keep the beneficial effects and weed out the dangerous ones by leaving out one of the four factor genes, called MYC, that is closely related to cancer and can shorten the lifespan of mice when it is expressed.

First working in lab cell cultures, the team was able to rejuvenate damage to retinal ganglion cells, a type of neuron found at the rear of the eye. Later in a mouse model, the same techniques seemed to protect some optic nerve cells from damage and caused others to grow fresh connections to the brain. A third experiment had similar success reversing some vision damage in a mouse model of glaucoma, a leading cause of age-related blindness in humans.

In lab tests, the glaucoma model mice who received the injection treatment gained back roughly half of their previously lost visual ability. In other experiments, middle-aged mice who received the injection scored similar to younger mice in visual tests, plus their DNA showed expression and methylation (epigenetic patterns of common chemical groups that attach to DNA at different life stages) signatures that resembled the genetic material of younger mice. They have also found that these recovered functions require two DNA methylation enzymes that could be responsible for these epigenetic changes during the reprograming.

While the researchers are encouraged by this progress, they caution that epigenetic reprogramming techniques are still very complex and still harbor risk of abnormal cell growth or cancer. They plan to conduct many further studies to test the gene therapy technologies in larger animals, explore how the restorative factors impact other types of cells and tissues, and verify that the youthful changes seen are not fleeting.

This research was funded by NIA grants R01AG019719, R37AG028730, R01AG067782, R01AG065403, K99AG068303, and T32AG023480.

Reference: Lu Y, et al. Reprogramming to recover youthful epigenetic information and restore vision. Nature. 2020;588(7836):124-129. doi:10.1038/s41586-020-2975-4

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Gene therapy techniques restore vision damage from age and glaucoma in mice - National Institute on Aging

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New Delhi: A 78-year-old man was able to regain his eyesight after 10 years, with the help of synthetic cornea that has been developed by an Israeli startup.

According to a report in the Israel Hayom, the patient, who has not been identified, is the first to be implanted with artificial cornea by Israeli firm CorNeat Vision.

The CorNeat KPro implant has been designed to replace deformed, scarred and opacified corneas (loss of normal transparency of cornea). The procedure was conducted by Irit Bahar, head of the ophthalmology department at the Rabin Medical Center in Petah Tikva.

The surgical procedure was straightforward and the result exceeded all our expectations, Bahar said.

The patient was able to recognise his family and read text once the bandages were removed from his eyes.

The moment we took off the bandages was emotional and significant. Moments like these are the fulfillment of our calling as doctors. We are proud of being at the forefront of this exciting and meaningful project which will undoubtedly impact the lives of millions, Bahar added.

The implant has been designed in such a way that it can restore the vision of blind patients right after it is administered. It easily integrates within the eye walls and doesnt rely on donor tissue. Dr Gilad Litvin, chief medical officer at CorNeat Vision, said the procedure is relatively simple and takes less than an hour.

We expect it will enable millions of blind patients around the world, even in areas where there is no corneal practice nor culture of organ donation, to regain their sight, Dr Litvin added.

Also read: A Norwegian startup wants to build affordable housing from 100% recycled plastic

In August 2019, Israels health ministry had approved trials of the CorNeat implant to be run on 10 patients suffering from corneal blindness.

In a statement Tuesday, Aley-Raz, CorNeat Visions co-founder, said, Given the visual performance of our device, the expected healing time and retention, and the fact that it cannot carry disease, we plan to initiate a second study later this year with broader indications to approve our artificial cornea as a first line treatment, displacing the use of donor tissue used in full thickness corneal transplantations.

Corneal diseases are among the major causes of blindness among humans. In 2011, the National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB) in India had estimated that there were at least 1,20,000 corneal blind people in the country. It had also estimated an addition of 25,000 to 30,000 cases of corneal blindness in India each year.

Also read: Do you trust your doc-bot? Here are three ways AI-driven healthcare can succeed post-Covid

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A deaf cat with poor vision has melted hearts on social media after an adorable video emerged of him playing with a paper box.

Reddit user Decabria shared the footage of her white short-haired cat, Thomas, on a sub group where it has been upvoted more than 5,000 times in just 24 hours.

She found out the rescue cat was completely deaf after seeing his reaction to loud noises, keys, singing birds and even other meowing cats.

Thomas showed no response to any of those, but he changed when the owner gave him a card box.

In the clip, the owner throws the packaging box of a handheld vacuum cleaner on the floor and the next second, the curious moggie hops onto the box and fits his head inside.

Thomas gets so excited that he keeps pushing the box as he tries to snuggle in.

The owner, who brought him home three weeks ago, wrote: "It turns out the cat we recently rescued is 100% deaf. This does not stop him from being a 100% cat."

She also explained that Thomas was on the streets for eight months.

"He does have heterochromia (odd eyes), his visuals don't work as well," she added. "I let him smell treats and then he tries to jump on my hand and steal them instead of going to his bowls."

The video has won over the hearts of viewers, and some commented that Thomas' disability makes him much more lovable and special.

One animal lover wrote: "He is one beautiful charmer."

Another penned: "Who needs ears when you are the greatest kitty ever?"

The owner added that Thomas is very vocal as he purrs and meows so loud that she could hear him "two metres away".

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Deaf rescue cat with poor eyesight is still '100% feline' when he spots a cardboard box - Daily Star

Your eyes play a crucial role in how you move through the world and enjoy your life, from the moment you wake up to the moment you go to sleep.

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services.Policy

They do the important job of capturing light. Then, different parts of the eye system (or ocular system) work together, connecting with neurons that translate and deliver messages to the brain as visual images.

For this reason, its important to keep your eyes healthy. Follow these simple measures to maintain good vision and enjoy lifelong eye health.

Eye specialists are trained to determine and improve your vision with eyeglasses, contact lenses and eye exercises. They can provide total eye care, from examinations and vision correction to the diagnosis and treatment of eye disease, says ophthalmologist Michael Millstein, MD.

You should visit your optometrist or ophthalmologist for an eye exam once every year, or if you experience eye infections or symptoms of disease such:

Eye disease is the No. 1 cause of blindness. Most diseases that cause blindness, likeglaucomaanddiabetes, can be treated or slowed down if theyre diagnosed and managed properly, Dr. Millstein says.

While theres no cure for some eye disorders, there have been major medical advances for age-relatedmacular degeneration andcataracts. By getting regular exams and discussing your family history, you and your doctor will be better able to anticipate, prevent and treat eye disease.

Not wearing your prescribed eyeglasses or contacts wont cause disease, but it can create discomfort from eyestrain,headaches or possibly even injury brought on by the lack of safe vision.

If you find wearing prescriptive lenses to be uncomfortable, ask your doctor about alternatives, like switching from eyeglasses to contact lenses or exploring corrective surgery.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation comes from sunlight, tanning beds, black-light lamps and some other forms of light. If youre frequently exposed to UV rays, this can lead to an increased risk of cataracts or yellow raised spots on the surface of the white of the eye, such as pingueculas and pterygiums. Eye diseases such as macular degeneration, solar retinitis and corneal dystrophies have all been linked to UV exposure.

Your eyes may be more sensitive if theyre a light color, or if youre taking specific medications. You can protect your eyes while youre out in the sun by wearing prescription sunglasses, clip-on sunglasses or UV-blocking contact lenses.

Wearing safety glasses and protective goggles when you play sports or work with hazardous materials lowers your risk for eye injury, vision damage and complete loss of sight.

Being actively involved in your eye health and working with your optometrist and ophthalmologist increases your chances for maintaining good eye health and eyesight throughout your life, Dr. Millstein says.

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5 Ways to Maintain Good Vision and Healthy Eyes - Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic

The COVID-19 virus has the chilling ability to invade different body organs and cause serious damage that can last for years. It can damage your body organs, affect your skin and even cause neurological problems. The damage it causes to your lungs can be permanent. This virus can also affect your eyes and give you conjunctivitis and sore eyes. Now, it has come to light that the novel coronavirus may trigger inflammation of the eyes that can lead to vision loss. Three COVID-19 patients in the US developed keratitis, an inflammation of the cornea. This is serious because this condition can lead to a sight-threatening infection of the tissues or fluids inside the eyeball called endophthalmitis. Also Read - COVID-19 vaccine: Aurobindo Pharma Inks Pact With Covaxx to develop a vaccine for India

According to a new study at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, this is a rare development, but it can happen. Having three cases of endophthalmitis in such a short time is exceedingly rare, and because they were all tied to COVID-19 infection it needed to be investigated, say researchers. They added that the whole point is to alert people of the association, though they cannot say specifically that COVID causes it. However, it cannot be ruled out. Also Read - Can COVID-19 vaccines bring the pandemic under control?

Of the three patients, one died from COVID-19, another had to have an eye removed despite heroic efforts to save the eye, and a third lost all sight, said researchers. All the patients were in their 60s and were treated at Northwell Healths Ophthalmology Department. Also, the three patients had underlying health problems that may have made their COVID-19 worse and made them more susceptible to other associated health conditions. The only other eye condition linked to COVID-19 has been conjunctivitis, also called pink eye, which is a minor infection. Also Read - Has new strain of Covid-19 virus already entered India? This is what health ministry says

Endophthalmitis is very rare, but it can be caused by a virus. According to one of the researchers, other cases of endophthalmitis linked to COVID-19 patients have also been reported. One of them is in Boston and another in Australia. Usual symptoms of endophthalmitis includes pain, redness and discharge from the eye. You must also be alert to swelling of the eyelids and you may experience reduced vision. If you notice any of these symptoms, consult a doctor immediately. Early treatment of this associated complication can save your vision.

According to researchers, it is unusual for keratitis to progress to endophthalmitis. A 2012 study says that only 27 of around 10,000 eyes over 15 years developed endophthalmitis because keratitis. One expert thinks that because keratitis progressing to endophthalmitis is so rare, its not possible from these findings to say that the connection between these conditions is anything but coincidental. According to them, while it is possible that the keratitis was related to COVID-19, there are very few reports to suggest this is at all common. They agree that further research is needed to confirm the findings.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Published : December 22, 2020 6:36 pm

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COVID-19 may trigger endophthalmitis, a rare eye infection that causes vision loss - TheHealthSite

PITTSBURGH, Dec. 23, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --Vision Benefits of America, Inc. (VBA), a commercial group benefits organization, today announced donations totaling $500,000 to the Pennsylvania Vision Foundation in 2020. The donations will support the foundation's mission to preserve human eyesight.

"VBA is committed to the Pennsylvania Vision Foundation and those in need of high-quality eye care," said Jeff Hollowood, CEO and President at VBA. "We are proud to increase our annual contribution to the foundation and support our Pittsburgh neighbors."

By partnering with many local, community-based non-profit organizations, the Foundation's primary Vision Benefit Program provided routine vision exams, prescription lenses and frames to approximately 685 uninsured Pennsylvanians this year. In 2020, the Foundation also granted a total of $52,000 to a host of non-profit agencies that partner and support programs serving its mission.

"The foundation is deeply appreciative of VBA's generous contribution," said Andrew Leitzel, O.D., Executive Director. "As a non-profit organization, these funds are critical to advancing our impact across the state. VBA truly supports our community and exemplifies neighbors helping neighbors."

VBA made charitable donations to organizations including Allegheny Cleanways, Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh, Boys and Girls Club of Carnegie, Carnegie Police Department Toys for Tots, Carnegie Salvation Army Food Pantry, Community Kitchen Pittsburgh, Jeremiah's Place, Mt. Nittany Health Foundation, Outreach Teen and Family Services, Reading Ready Pittsburgh, Sarah Heinz House Association, Storehouse for Teachers and 412 Food Rescue.

VBA has been a proud partner of the foundation since its inception in 2007.

About VBAFounded in 1965 as one of the first preferred provider organizations (PPO) in the nation, VBA has proudly offered group vision benefits to corporations, municipalities, schools, health and welfare funds, hospitals and health maintenance organizations for over 50 years. Seeking to capitalize on its experience and expand its offerings beyond vision, VBA also provides cost-effective dental solutions across the nation through plans administered and underwritten by the TruAssure Insurance Company. Some plans may not be available in all states. For information, please visit http://www.vbaplans.com.

About the Pennsylvania Vision Foundation

The Pennsylvania Vision Foundation, an affiliate of VBA, was founded in 2007 as a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation. Its mission is to provide essential eye care through vision exams, prescription lenses and frames to those in need. Its purpose is to conduct and finance projects that will help foster and preserve human eyesight through the science of optometry. It strives to help support advancement in optometry through education and technology. To date, the Foundation has proudly assisted more than 6,055 uninsured Pennsylvanians.

Media Contact

Contact: Emily ShraderTelephone: 412-881-4900 x 232Email: [emailprotected]

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Vision Benefits of America Grants $500,000 to the Pennsylvania Vision Foundation - PRNewswire