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Zeiss has conducted a poll in partnership with Intelligent Instructor magazine to survey driving instructors on vision and driving, with a focus on the eyesight of learner drivers.

Conducted as part of Road Safety Week (November 16-22), the poll found that 75% of learner drivers have experienced problems with glare from headlights.

It also revealed that 71% of learner drivers have had problems with heavy rain and 91% have had problems with dazzling sunlight.

A total of 87% of driving instructors felt that learner drivers needed an eye test and 90% said they thought everyone should have an eye test before learning to drive.

Paul Hopkins, professional services manager at optometrist at Zeiss Vision Care UK, said: As we head into winter there is more likelihood of drivers facing these challenging conditions due to shorter days and worsening weather. Glare and dazzle caused by car headlights at night can be a real challenge when driving. Disability glare from headlights is of particular concern as this can affect visual performance which can seriously impact driving performance.

With this in mind eye care practitioners must take care to ensure we are fully meeting this challenge. Regular eye tests and lenses that support the visual needs of drivers are key for ensuring people feel confident when driving in all conditions.

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Survey reveals eyesight struggles of learner drivers - Optician Online

A WREXHAM optician is calling on drivers to take care of their eyes as part of a national safety campaign.

Five people die every day on the UKs roads on average and someone is injured every four minutes - with drivers eyesight often playing a contributory factor, according to Specsavers.

Research shows that poor vision increases a drivers risk of crashing as it limits their ability to recognise hazards and impacts reaction time.

That is why this Road Safety Week (November 16 to 22), road safety charity Brake has partnered with Specsavers to raise awareness of the importance of looking after our sight, particularly when driving.

John Kamaluddin, store director at Specsavers Wrexham, said: "Having good eyesight is one of the most basic requirements of safe driving.

"It means drivers will be able to spot potential dangers, see pedestrians and other vehicles, read road signs and judge speed, distance and movement. Without this, there can be catastrophic consequences on the road.

"While an eye test plays a part in being granted your drivers licence in that you must be able to read a number plate from 20 meters away eyesight can change over time, especially as we get older.

"This is why it is so important to have regular eye checks, not only to address any changes in short or long-sightedness but also because an optician can spot sight-threatening conditions that you may not be aware of, such as cataracts, macular degeneration or glaucoma."

Research during lockdown found that cyclists and pedestrians faced almost double the risk of being seriously injured on city roads, caused by drivers increasing their speed due to a decrease in congestion with the same effects potentially happening in other cities throughout the country.

Joshua Harris, Brake director of campaigns, said: Its self-evident that one of the fundamental for safe driving is good eyesight and being able to see the road ahead clearly.

"The earlier a driver can spot a hazard on the road, the quicker they will be able to stop and avoid a crash. When it comes to safe driving, good eyesight and safe speed go hand-in-hand, thats why were delighted to be partnering with Specsavers on Road Safety Week 2020 under the theme No Need to Speed."

Motorists are being encouraged to make sure to discuss any difficulties with their optician so that they can ensure they have the right lenses to suit their needs and lifestyle.

For more information visit https://www.specsavers.co.uk/glasses/glasses-lenses/anti-glare-driving-glasses-road-safety

Original post:
Opticians advise Wrexham residents to keep their eyes on the road - LeaderLive

A MONKLANDS optician has teamed up with a road safety charity to raise awareness of the importance of people looking after their sight, particularly when driving.

The link between Specsavers and Break comes as research revealed five people die every day on the UKs roads, and someone is injured every four minutes, with drivers eyesight often a contributory factor.

Specsavers Airdrie and Coatbridge director Laura Mullett said: Having good eyesight is one of the most basic requirements of safe driving. It means drivers will be able to spot potential dangers, see pedestrians and other vehicles, read road signs and judge speed, distance and movement.

Without this, there can be catastrophic consequences on the road.

While an eye test plays a part in being granted your drivers licence in that you must be able to read a number plate from 20 meters away, eyesight can change over time, especially as we get older.

This is why it is so important to have regular eye checks, not only to address any changes in short or long-sightedness but also because an optician can spot sight-threatening conditions that you may not be aware of, such as cataracts, macular degeneration or glaucoma.

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Monklands optician and road safety charity team up to tackle vision problems on the road - Daily Record

By Staff | on November 13, 2020

Dog owners take their furry friends health very seriously. Like their human companions, dogs can experience health problems that seemingly come out of nowhere. But unlike the men and women who take care of them, dogs cannot call the doctor when something is bothering them. That responsibility rests on the shoulders of their owners.

A dogs eyes can be a window into the animals overall health. According to the pet care professionals at Memphis Veterinary Specialists & Emergency, serious conditions such as liver disease, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases can all present indicators in a dogs eyes. The American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation says that dogs can experience physical and/ or behavioral problems when theyre experiencing eye trouble.

A host of factors can contribute to vision problems in dogs. Age is one such factor, but diseases such as diabetes and hereditary conditions, including progressive retinal atrophy, also can lead to visual impairment. Before dog owners can work with veterinarians to determine the cause of their furry friends vision loss, they must first learn to recognize signs of impairment. The AKC notes that some of these signs may be obvious while others are more subtle.

Bumping into walls or furniture: Thisis a clear indicator that a dog is experiencing vision problems. Dog ownerswho notice this is happening evenwhen theres nothing to obstruct theirdogs path should book a vet appointment immediately. Trouble locating food or toys: Mostdogs love to eat and drink and playwith their toys. So, a sudden inabilityto find food or water bowls or a favoritetoy could indicate the dog is havingvision problems. Reluctance to jump on or off acouch: This symptom can be less noticeable than bumping into furniture orhaving trouble finding food. Dogs that

once loved to jump on or off a couchbut now stick to the floor may be doingso due to impaired vision and the fearof not being able to see where theyrejumping. Clinginess: The AKC notes that somedogs cling to their owners as theyexperience vision loss. Aggressiveness: Dogs may begin toshow aggression as they experiencevision loss. Thats because the lossof their eyesight can make them feelvulnerable, leading some to act offensively as a defense mechanism. Physical indicators/behaviors: Dogowners should be on the lookout forred, puffy or swollen eyes. In addition, Memphis Veterinary Specialists &Emergency notes that some dogs maypaw at their face in response to visionloss.

Vision loss in dogs can be caused by many things. The first step to helping dogs overcome diminished vision is recognizing its symptoms.

More here:
Signs that dogs are having vision problems - Hometown Focus

Is your eyesight worse since lockdown began (again)? Thanks to hours spent staring at Zoom and losing chunks of sleep to 3am procrastinating, my eyes have definitely been feeling the strain.

And interestingly Im not the only one, with leading online glasses retailer, Glasses Direct discovering 1 in 5 Brits believe their vision has declined during lockdown.

The brand's Vision Survey found that women are suffering the most; from the 28% battling tired and sore eyes, to the 24% experiencing headaches. Not to mention, the 28% of participants who've been having trouble falling asleep, most likely exacerbating all the other aches and pains.

Just before lockdown 2.0, I found myself at the opticians. My main issues being dry, tired eyes and a headache from scrolling Insta and replying to emails.

Optician and Head of Professional Services at Glasses Direct, David Hutchfield explains, It is no surprise that screen time has increased during the pandemic, whether it's working from home in front of a laptop all day, reconnecting with friends and family on video calls, or binging boxsets on Netflix. This increased screen time, and the added stresses of lockdown, has inevitably taken its toll on peoples eye health.

Obviously theres no way were giving up Netflix, so what would help?

David reckons there are simple steps we can take, to keep our eyes in tip top condition and prevent side effects like itchy eyes, headaches and blurry vision. Alongside taking a break from screens where possible and trying to get a good nights sleep, he recommends specialist digital blue light lenses.

Protecting your eyes from UV rays with good quality sunglasses is another eye health priority. A pair that blocks out at least 99% of UVA and UVB rays will protect your eyes from any sun exposure, which can both accelerate eye ageing and be a contributing factor in cataracts.

Another practical tip for minimising screen time strain is the 20/20/20 technique (in 2020, we know). Every 20 minutes look at an object at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to help relax your eyes. Itll give your eyes a mini break from concentrating and in turn, ease the eyesight tension causing headaches or blurred vision.

To be honest, were up for anything thatll tackle our Zoom fatigue.

Dry eyes can be the result of a few things, including not drinking enough water, lack of fresh air and not giving your eyes enough of a rest to rehydrate. (Guilty as charged.) It's an obvious one, but a good nights sleep will do wonders for your whole body, including giving your eyes a break, which helps to keep them hydrated. Failing that, invest in some eye drops. Ensuring you feel refreshed will prevent those creepy tired twitches too. Which lets face it, is a very weird sensation.

So arm yourself with the tips above to help shift the headaches ASAP. As for me? Im planning some digital blue light lenses so my online shopping habit can continue...

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How Lockdown Has Affected Our Eyesight And How To Fix It - GLAMOUR UK

WITH a white cane in hand and a little faith, Mohamad Khazaen Mat Nasir put on a blindfold and stepped into the world of the visually impaired.

The 28-year-old teacher gamely tried moving around on his own.

Mohamad Khazaen using a white cane to walk while blindfolded.

He was taking part in the World Sight Day 2020 celebration held at St Nicholas Home (SNH) in Jalan Bagan Jermal, Penang.

This is a whole new experience for me.

I never imagined that it would be this difficult to move around without eyesight.

It has definitely embedded an awareness in me that I have been taking my eyesight for granted all these while.

Visitors learning how the visually impaired use their sense of touch to handle currency notes.

Having a blindfold on does not only restrict movements but also takes away a lot of the experiences one can have, he said when met at the event.

Mohamad Khazaen, who experienced walking on raised pavements designed for the visually impaired within the home, said he learnt how the visually impaired navigated their surroundings.

This is new to me. I learnt a lot today.

During the event, some representatives from various schools and government agencies such as the police, Fire and Rescue Department, state Welfare Department and Penang Island City Council took part in station games and watched displays at the educational booths.

A visitor threading beads while blindfolded at a station game booth.

They wore blindfolds while trying to carry out activities like picking up rocks and stones, walking, drawing and feeling items in boxes.

SNH assistant general manager Elsey Akop said the theme for this years celebration was Hope in Sight.

This is the first time that we are holding this event through invitation only.

In previous years, it was always open to the public but due to Covid-19, we had to follow certain SOPs and thus scale it down.

As such, we invited only representatives.

The aim is to raise awareness on the importance of eye health.

Elsey: The aim is to raise awareness on the importance of eye health

We also invited an optometrist to give a talk.

We hope the representatives will benefit from the talk and share what they have learnt with those around them.

Association of Malaysian Optometrists Penang chapter president Khew Jong Mei, who gave the talk, said it was important for the public to be aware of eye health and how to prevent vision impairment.

It is best for children above the age of three to get an eye check-up annually so underlying issues can be detected and early treatments or vision therapy can be carried out.

The rest is here:
Walking in the shoes of the blind - The Star Online

Xulane is a brand-name prescription birth control patch thats applied once per week for 3 weeks each month. Each day, the patch releases 150 micrograms (mcg) of progestin and 35 mcg of ethinyl estradiol, a type of estrogen.

Like other forms of birth control, the patch is a highly effective form of hormonal contraception. But unlike oral contraception, where you take pills every day, Xulane works by delivering hormones through the skin via a bandage-like patch.

Hormonal contraception, including birth control patches, has evolved so much so that serious side effects are relatively rare.

However, theres still a risk for side effects while taking Xulane. Your chances of experiencing more serious ones depend on certain underlying risk factors. Some effects may be temporary, while others might be more long-term.

Make sure you understand all of the potential side effects associated with Xulane, and talk with your doctor to determine whether this form of birth control is best for you.

All types of hormonal birth control carry a risk of side effects. These are primarily related to estrogen.

At 35 mcg per day, Xulane contains about 60 percent more estrogen than the average oral contraceptive. Thus, you may be at an increased risk for estrogen-related side effects.

Some of the most common side effects of the Xulane birth control patch include:

Most of these side effects are temporary and usually go away within 3 months after your body gets used to the hormones in Xulane. You should call your doctor if the symptoms last longer than this or if theyre severe.

Its also possible to experience little to no side effects while using the birth control patch.

Xulane may increase your risk for serious but rare side effects. These include:

Your risk for rare or deadly side effects is greater if you take the patch while smoking and are over the age of 35. Obesity may also increase these risks.

There are also possible long-term side effects of Xulane to consider, such as:

Hormonal birth control, including the patch, can increase your risk for:

Xulane may increase such risks even more due to its higher estrogen content. You shouldnt use Xulane if you have a history or a risk for these conditions.

Your risk for serious side effects may also be greater if you have:

Being overweight and smoking may increase these risks, especially if youre over 35.

The makers of Xulane dont recommend their product for women who have a body mass index (BMI) of over 30. Using this patch may increase the risk for blood clots in such cases.

Also, this patch may not be effective in women who weigh 198 pounds or more. They may need to consider another method of birth control.

Xulane isnt recommended if you have any of the following health conditions:

If youre having surgery, stop taking Xulane 4 weeks beforehand. This will help decrease the risk of blood clots. You may need to wait at least 2 weeks after surgery to start taking your patch again.

You shouldnt take Xulane if you currently use certain hepatitis C medications that contain:

These medications can increase certain liver enzymes in your blood that indicate liver damage.

Ask your doctor about Xulane if you take thyroid hormone replacement medications or antiseizure drugs. These may interfere with the hormones in the patch, making them less effective overall.

Certain herbs may also interact with the birth control patch, such as St. Johns wort. Talk to your doctor about all herbal supplements youre currently taking before using Xulane.

All forms of birth control carry the risk of side effects, but the estrogen content in Xulane may increase such concerns if you already have certain risk factors. A doctor can help you determine which is the safest and most effective form of birth control for you.

You should also talk with a doctor before taking Xulane if youre nursing. Its possible for the patch to decrease milk production. Small amounts of Xulane may also be present in breast milk, which may be passed on to your baby.

If youre interested in taking Xulane after delivering a baby, you must wait at least 4 weeks and must not be breastfeeding.

Xulane is a progestin- and estrogen-containing birth control patch you wear every day for 3 weeks. You change out the patch for a new one each week.

Like other birth control methods, Xulane carries a risk of side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but you should be aware of the more serious risks and call your doctor right away if you experience any unusual symptoms.

Dont stop taking Xulane without talking with a doctor first.

See original here:
Xulane Side Effects: Common, Rare, and Long-Term - Healthline

It shouldnt really need to be stated that your eyesight of the utmost importance when youre on the road. Driving primarily relies on your ability to see around you and to react to changes in your environment by picking up on them visually. There are a lot of drivers who have to wear glasses or contacts in order to do it effectively, but you might feel a little less confident about getting the wheel if you dont have 20/20 vision. Here are a few tips that can help you feel a little safer.

Image CC0 License

Get your vision tested

First of all, if youre worried that your vision has changed since the last time you have gotten behind the wheel, or that it has shifted gradually over the past months, then its important to get to the truth of the matter. Arrange a vision test with your optometrist and they can give you definitive answers on whether or not any such changes have occurred. Most importantly, they will be able to inform you as to whether or not you can safely drive on the road. If they say you cannot, then take that as a rule of law, as you can get in trouble if you ignore their advice.

Choose the right glasses

A good eye test will be able to help you get your prescription down, but you still need to pick a good pair of glasses. You can find a store and quickly pick up a pair of frames without issue, but you should take the time to make sure that theyre right for driving with. For one, its a good idea to make sure youre not using frames with chunky edges and choose larger lenses so that youre better able to keep your peripheral vision while driving. You might even want to choose a pair of glasses that use transparent elastic bands to hold frames in place, though they can cost a little more and might not be essential.

Always be prepared

You should always ensure that you have a spare pair of glasses in the glove compartment of your car. That way, should your glasses fall off of your forget to bring them with you, you can make sure that you can hop right back into action. You dont want to be fishing around the floor of your car looking for glasses on the side of the road. Similarly, keep a pack of glasses cleaning wipes at hand so that you can keep your vision clear without too much hassle. Otherwise, if you want to make sure that you have a little added protection on the road, then choose a car that has great safety options just to offer you some peace of mind.

Beware the glare

Its a problem that many glasses wearers are already aware of but, if you havent driven in glasses before, you might be surprised just how much of a headache it can be, literally and metaphorically. For people with issues like astigmia, the glare caused by sunlight hitting your glasses (and the windshield) can cause headaches that can distract you while youre driving. Most people are going to have trouble driving with the sun glaring in their eyes, anyway. There are anti-reflecting coats that can help you, however. These coatings can protect your eyes from the sun, as well as other sources of light, such as taillights, street lamps, and more. That way, you can make sure that youre driving free of distraction.

Use your night driving tools

If youre worried about your vision, then perhaps the tip that will put you best at ease is to simply not drive at night. However, in some cases, it might not be that easy so you should at least be prepared. To that end, you should consider getting a pair of night vision glasses specifically made for people who experience night blindness. Otherwise, make sure that youre relying on the tools that are already at your disposal, such as aiming your car forward at the road accurately. Before you go out driving in the evenings, take care to clean your headlights, too, as grime from the road can build up to obscure them and diminish their ability to light the road ahead properly.

If your vision is really that bad, you wont be allowed to drive on the road and that will be that. Otherwise, keep the tips above in mind to ensure youre always taking the best care of yourself.

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Feel Safer When Driving With Bad Eyesight - The Intelligent Driver

Over 3 crore individuals suffer from blindness globally, with India being home to nearly one-third the total figure. While 80 percent of vision impairment can be prevented by early detection and timely intervention, lack of access and awareness has been a major deterrent in individuals seeking eye care. Also Read - Kangana Ranaut Looks Resplendent in Rs 1,35,000 Pastel Blue Chanderi Lehenga, Pearls for Cousin's Wedding in Manali

Reduced eyesight is caused by multiple factors, including diseases like diabetes, eye trauma, cataracts, or glaucoma. Also Read - Weight Loss Tip: Brain, Not Willpower, Decides if You Will Lose Weight Or Not

Over 5 crore people in India have moderate to severe vision impairment which has impacted their personal and professional lives, says Ramesh Pillai, Chief Optometrist & Head of Training, Titan Company Ltd, Eyewear Business. The onslaught of COVID-19 has also led to an increase in screen-time for people across ages and this has been a major factor in declining eye health. Eye care and eye health have become more of a necessity, he adds. Also Read - Second Wave Of COVID-19 in India, Experts Say Possibility of it Cannot Be Ruled Out in Winters

He suggests five simple and effective ways to ensure good eye health:

Right Glasses

Wearing branded Sunglasses that offer 100 percent UV protection while outdoors can help protect your eyes from the harmful impact of UV rays and Cataract formation. Wearing the right spectacles for screen usage like anti-reflection lenses with Blue Coating is extremely important. The Blue coating helps in blocking the harmful blue-violet and allows the essential blue turquoise to help the circadian rhythm and thereby maintain the sleep-wake cycle.

Right Diet

Eating leafy green vegetables such as spinach, kale and broccoli contain Lutein and zeaxanthin to help prevent cataracts. Lutein also stimulates the growth of pigments that help block out harmful UV rays. Food rich in Vitamins C and E and zinc, reduce the risk of developing a condition called Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD). Antioxidants protect against sun damage. Good sources of antioxidants include egg yolk, yellow peppers, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, carrots, blueberries. Onions, shallots, garlic, capers contain sulphur, cysteine, and lecithin, which help against cataract formation.

Keep Eyes Moist

Dry eyes are a major irritant, especially as the pollution gets worse day by day. Resting the eyes often and blinking moistens the eyes, reducing dryness and irritation. One can also use drops to help keep your eyes moist in case of excess dryness.

Screen Protection

With an increase in screen-time becoming an inevitable reality, taking good care of your eyes is paramount. Use the 20-20-20 rule, by taking a 20-second screen break every 20 minutes to look at objects 20 feet away from you. Increase font size when reading on-screen, so that devices dont need to be too close to your eyes, and you dont have to squint. A clean screen boosts visibility, wipe your screen over at least once a day.

Get tested

Getting your eyes tested by a qualified Optometrist or an Eye Doctor once every year is very important. Regular eye examinations help find any symptoms associated with eye strains and provide solutions for the same. Titan Eyeplus on the occasion of World Sight Day has introduced an initiative online screen testing. Take out 60 seconds and take a simple online eye screening test that will give you an indication of whether you suffer from eyesight problems. Basis screening results, the brand requests all to visit an ophthalmologist or optician.

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Eye Health: Follow These 5 Tips To Take Care of Your Eyesight - India.com

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of adults and children have increased screen time on computers, tablets and phones. This prolonged screen time can lead to eye discomfort, fatigue, blurred vision, headaches, and dry eyes. Low lighting, glare, improper workstation set-up and undiagnosed visual problems can make things worse. When we look at a screen for a prolonged period without a break, this can lead to eye irritation and dry eyes, due to reduced blinking, with accommodative problems (difficulty focusing near and far). Children tend to ignore these symptoms, which can lead to excessive eye strain.

Ways to reduce these symptoms:

Take a scheduled 10-minute break for every hours work;

Adjust the computer to the childs body, using an adjustable chair height and footstool to help;

Check the lighting on the computer and avoid direct light on to the screen. Use dinner lighting instead of bright overhead lights;

Treat dry eyes and do eye exercises;

An annual eye examination will help diagnose refractive errors that need correction.

The following populations need additional preventative measures:

All patients 12 years and older with diabetes mellitus should have their eyes checked at least once a year. Interventions include putting eye drops in the eyes by a trained person, screeners, optometrists and ophthalmologists. An examination of the back of the eye (the retina) will detect diabetic retinopathy early. We encourage all people with diabetes to take along their clinic passports so we can make a note. You can reduce diabetic retinopathy by controlling your glucose levels and keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol levels at normal levels.

Glaucoma is common in our population. Persons can have normal vision in early and moderate glaucoma because the outer (peripheral) vision is affected first. One may not appreciate this visual loss until it is late, because when we open both eyes, they each help with peripheral vision. The reading vision is usually affected in advanced glaucoma (end-stage). All patients over 40 years should have their eyes screened for glaucoma. Risk factors apart from your heritage include patients with a family history. Short-sighted persons (high myopes) may need screening before age 40.

Patients around the age of 40 years may notice difficulty with seeing the fine print or have blurred vision while looking at their phone screens and may need to push the reading material some distance away to see. This condition is called presbyopia and is a normal phenomenon that usually requires glasses to improve near vision.

Patients with sickle cell disease (HbSS, HbSC) and patients on certain medications such as hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) should also have their eyes checked every year. We encourage patients, young and old with no medical conditions or other risk factors that may affect the eye to have at least a check on their eyes every two years. A healthy diet includes dark green and purple vegetables, and yellow/orange vegetables and fruits are good for your eyes. Remember to keep your eye appointments during this time, unless advised otherwise by your eye doctor.

Routine eye examinations can often detect and reduce the impact of visual impairment due to uncorrected refractive errors (the need for glasses and/or contact lenses), a significant cause of visual impairment. In children, a vision screen can detect treatable conditions, including refractive errors, strabismus (squint), eye cancers (retinoblastoma), congenital cataracts, and glaucoma. Undetected refractive errors can lead to the development of amblyopia, an irreversible visual loss in an otherwise healthy eye. Amblyopia can be treated if detected early. It is, therefore, essential that all preschool children (ages five to six) have an eye examination. Subsequently, children should have an eye examination every two years, if all else is healthy

Dr Amoy Ramsay is a consultant ophthalmologist at the Cornwall Regional Hospital.

Originally posted here:
Watch your eyes! - Taking care of your sight during the COVID-19 pandemic - Jamaica Gleaner

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Eyesight of five of eight cataract op patients irreversibly damaged (Updated) - Cyprus Mail

(PRESS RELEASE) CINCINNATI, OH From October 8 10, OneSight, the leading global vision care nonprofit, teamed up with partner Fresh Air Fund and sponsors Fidelity Security Life Insurance, LCA Vision, Anthem and Wachter to provide eye exams and glasses to 200 New Yorkers.

The three-day charitable clinic, which kicked off on World Sight Day, Oct. 8th, addressed unresolved vision care needs for New Yorkers who may otherwise lack access. Leveraging OneSights proven clinic model and manufacturing capabilities, most participants in need of glasses received their newly prescribed eyewear on-site.

Caring for vulnerable populations has to be about more than just immediate need, said K-T Overbey, president and executive director at OneSight. Clear sight opens windows to the future it improves long-term educational, professional and social prospects. Our work improves quality of life, especially for individuals in need. Were extremely proud of the work we did on the ground in New York with our vision clinic.

On World Sight Day, OneSight also teamed up with other leading global vision nonprofits Clearly and IAPB to shine a light on the 230 million+ kids worldwide that need glasses, but dont have access to get them. They did this by launching the free digital childrens book Through the Looking Glasses: Stories About Seeing Clearly, which features 30 childrens stories and illustrations about seeing clearly by authors and artists from 17 countries.

The global initiative also included Bedtime Stories where celebrities, athletes and authors, such as Tennis Legend Billie Jean King; Restaurateur David Chang; Celebrity Michelle Yeoh; and TV Star Jo Frost, read stories from the book on World Sight day as tens of thousands participated around the world.

To learn more about OneSight, World Sight Day, and download the free digital book Through the Looking Glasses, visit http://www.onesight.org/worldsightday

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Onesight Provides Vision Care to 200 New Yorkers at NYC Vision Clinic on World Sight Day - InvisionMag

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New generation CRISPR technology could pave the way for therapeutics to treat inherited retina diseases, researchers report.

In this proof-of-concept study, we provide evidence of the clinical potential of base editors for the correction of mutations causing inherited retinal diseases and for restoring visual function, says Krzysztof Palczewski, chair and a professor in the Gavin Herbert Eye Institutes ophthalmology department at the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine. Our results demonstrate the most successful rescue of blindness to date using genome editing.

Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are a group of blinding conditions caused by mutations in more than 250 different genes. Previously, there was no avenue available for treating these devastating blinding diseases. Recently, the FDA approved the first gene augmentation therapy for Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), a common form of IRD which originates during childhood.

As an alternative to gene augmentation therapy, we applied a new generation of CRISPR technology, referred to as base editing as a treatment for inherited retinal diseases, says first author Susie Suh, assistant specialist in the ophthalmology department.

We overcame some of the barriers to the CRISPR-Cas9 system, such as unpredictable off-target mutations and low editing efficiency, by utilizing cytosine and adenine base editors (CBE and ABE). Use of these editors enabled us to correct point mutations in a precise and predictable manner while minimizing unintended mutations that could potentially cause undesirable side effects, says co-first author Elliot Choi, also an assistant specialist in the ophthalmology department.

Using an LCA mouse model harboring a clinically relevant pathogenic mutation in the Rpe65 gene, the researchers successfully demonstrated the therapeutic potential of base editing for the treatment of LCA and by extension other inherited blinding diseases.

Among other results, the base editing treatment restored retinal and visual function in LCA mice to near-normal levels. Base editing was developed at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard in the lab of David Liu.

After receiving treatment, the mice in our study could discriminate visual changes in terms of direction, size, contrast, and spatial and temporal frequency, says Palczewski.

These results are extremely encouraging and represent a major advance towards the development of treatments for inherited retinal diseases.

Gene therapy approaches to treating inherited retinal diseases are of special interest given the accessibility of the eye, its immune-privileged status, and the successful clinical trials of RPE65 gene augmentation therapy that led to the first US Food and Drug Administration-approved gene therapy.

Now, as demonstrated in this study, base-editing technology can provide an alternative treatment model of gene augmentation therapy to permanently rescue the function of a key vision-related protein disabled by mutations.

The new paper appears in Nature Biomedical Engineering.

Support for the research came from the National Institutes of Health; the Research to Prevent Blindness Stein Innovation Award; Fight for Sight; the Eye and Tissue Bank Foundation (Finland); the Finnish Cultural Foundation; the Orion Research Foundation; the Helen Hay Whitney Foundation; US Department of Veterans Affairs; and a Research to Prevent Blindness unrestricted grant to the Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine.

Source: UC Irvine

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Therapy restores vision in mice with retina disease - Futurity: Research News

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Eye Health: 5 ways to take care of your eyesight

Reduced eyesight is caused by multiple factors, including diseases like diabetes, eye trauma, cataracts or glaucoma. Over 3 crore individuals suffer from blindness globally, with India being home to nearly one-third the total figure. While 80 percent vision impairment can be prevented by early detection and timely intervention, lack of access and awareness has been a major deterrent in individuals seeking eye care.

Over 5 crore people in India have moderate to severe vision impairment which has impacted their personal and professional lives, says Ramesh Pillai, Chief Optometrist & Head of Training, Titan Company Ltd, Eyewear Business. "The onslaught of COVID-19 has also led to an increase in screen-time for people across ages and this has been a major factor in declining eye health. Eye care and eye health have become more of a necessity," he adds.

He suggests five simple and effective ways to ensure good eye health:

Wearing branded Sunglasses which offer 100 percent UV protection while outdoors can help protect your eyes from the harmful impact of UV rays and Cataract formation. Wearing the right spectacles for screen usage like anti-reflection lenses with Blue Coating is extremely important. The Blue coating helps in blocking the harmful blue violet and allows the essential blue turquoise to help the circadian rhythm and thereby maintain the sleep-wake cycle.

Eating leafy green vegetables such as spinach, kale and broccoli contain Lutein and zeaxanthin help prevent cataracts. Lutein also stimulates the growth of pigments that help block out harmful UV rays. Food rich in Vitamins C and E and zinc, reduce the risk of developing a condition called Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD). Antioxidants protect against sun damage. Good sources of antioxidants include egg yolk, yellow peppers, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, carrots, blueberries. Onions, shallots, garlic, capers contain sulphur, cysteine, and lecithin, which help against cataract formation.

Dry eyes are a major irritant, especially as the pollution gets worse day by day. Resting the eyes often and blinking moistens the eyes, reducing dryness and irritation. One can also use drops to help keep your eyes moist in case of excess dryness.

With an increase in screen-time becoming an inevitable reality, taking good care of your eyes is paramount. Use the 20-20-20 rule, by taking a 20 second screen break every 20 minutes to look at objects 20 feet away from you. Increase font size when reading on-screen, so that devices don't need to be too close to your eyes, and you don't have to squint. A clean screen boosts visibility, wipe your screen over at least once a day.

Getting your eyes tested by a qualified Optometrist or an Eye Doctor once every year is very important. Regular eye examinations help find any symptoms associated with eye strains and provide solutions for the same. Titan Eyeplus on the occasion of World Sight Day has introduced an initiative -- online screen testing. Take out 60 seconds and take a simple online eye screening test that will give you an indication whether you suffer from eyesight problems. Basis screening results, the brand requests all to visit an ophthalmologist or optician.

Fight against Coronavirus: Full coverage

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Eye Health: 5 ways to take care of your eyesight - India TV News

TENDRING has been revealed to be one of the worst areas for sight loss in the country, according to the latest data from the NHS.

Opticians website Book An Eye Test has compiled a list of the Top 10 places in the UK in which people have the poorest eyesight.

Sight loss is defined as being full or partial loss of sight, and temporary or permanent blindness, in one or both eyes.

North Norfolk tops the lists, with 5.45 per cent of people living with sight loss, but Tendring has also crept into the list with nearly 7,200 people with sight loss.

This makes the district the 9th worst area in the country for sight loss, with 4.84 per cent of its 145,000 residents living with poor vision.

Commenting on the findings, Katie Memory, director and managing partner at Memory Opticians, believes the results are not surprising given the average age of residents.

She said: The research shows that the places with the highest levels of sight loss are mainly situated in rural or coastal areas.

This is not surprising, as these areas are typically home to ageing populations, who often show higher rates of sight loss compared to younger generations, as sight loss increases gradually as we get older.

This also explains why, at the other end of the scale, large cities with younger populations such as London and Manchester contain fewer people suffering from sight loss.

You can view the full list by visiting bookaneyetest.co.uk/post/britains-vision.

Original post:
Here's the worst place in Essex for sight loss - Clacton and Frinton Gazette

UpMarketResearch publishes a detailed report on Eyesight Test Equipment market providing a complete information on the current market situation and offering robust insights about the potential size, volume, and dynamics of the market during the forecast period, 2020-2026. This report offers an in-depth analysis that includes the latest information including the current COVID-19 impact on the market and future assessment of the impact on Global Eyesight Test Equipment Market. The report contains XX pages, which will assist clients to make informed decision about their business investment plans and strategies for the market. As per the report by UpMarketResearch, the global Eyesight Test Equipment market is projected to reach a value of USDXX by the end of 2026 and grow at a CAGR of XX% during the forecast period.

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EyeNetraBhavana MDCEssilor InternationalAlcon Inc.HeineHeidelberg Engineering GmbHSeiko Optical Products Co. Ltd.Nidek Co. Ltd.Carl Zeiss AGHoya CorporationAbbott Medical Optics.Inc.Johnson & Johnson Vision Care.Inc.Shenzhen Certainn Technology

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Eyesight Test Equipment Market 2019 | Analyzing The Impact Followed By Restraints, Opportunities And Projected Developments | UpMarketResearch -...

Prevent Blindness launches new awareness campaign, "Screen Time-Out," to help reduce the risk of digital eye strain.

CHICAGO (PRWEB) October 21, 2020

In response to increased virtual activity during the coronavirus pandemic, Prevent Blindness, the nation's leading volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight, today launched Screen Time-Out, an awareness campaign to encourage Americans, especially parents of young children, to introduce regular screen breaks into their daily routines.

During work, school and even personal downtime, people spend as much as 12 hours a day in front of a digital screen. This amount of screen time exacerbates the risk of digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, especially for children whose eyes are still developing. Symptoms may include tired, burning or itching eyes, dry eyes, blurred vision and/or headache. The risk of digital eye strain has recently risen to a mounting level in the United States during the coronavirus pandemic, with 53 percent of respondents in a recent survey feeling burnout on screens over the last few months.

"At Prevent Blindness, we are concerned about people spending more and more time in front of our screens," said Jeff Todd, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness. "As an organization dedicated to ensuring everyone has a lifetime of healthy vision, the Screen Time-Out campaign is meant to educate people and reduce the risk of eye strain, starting with the youngest among us.

The Screen Time-Out campaign will live on social media Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest where device users are already spending a lot of their recreational screen time.

According to a recent survey of American eyecare professionals, 64 percent of respondents have seen an increase in patients having issues due to more screen time. Sixty-eight percent said they have seen those issues in both children and adults.

"Digital eye strain has been a rising modern threat to people of all ages, and it is linked to myriad issues, including eye development and nearsightedness," said Dr. Linda Chous, pediatric optometrist. "It is important now more than ever to be mindful of how much time we spend with screens and take steps to reduce the impact of digital eye strain."

To reduce eye strain, Prevent Blindness recommends children and adults take regular breaks using the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, shift eyes away from the screen to look at an object at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

Other tips to avoid eye strain from the American Academy of Ophthalmology include:

For more information about Screen Time-Out and Prevent Blindness, visit http://www.preventblindness.org/screen-time-out.

About Prevent BlindnessFounded in 1908, Prevent Blindness is the nation's leading volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight. Focused on promoting a continuum of vision care, Prevent Blindness touches the lives of millions of people each year through public and professional education, advocacy, certified vision screening and training, community and patient service programs and research. These services are made possible through the generous support of the American public. Together with a network of affiliates, Prevent Blindness is committed to eliminating preventable blindness in America. For more information, or to make a contribution to the sight-saving fund, call 1-800-331-2020. Or, visit us on the Web at http://www.preventblindness.org or http://www.facebook.com/preventblindness.

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Prevent Blindness Encourages Everyone to Take a Screen Time-Out - PR Web

By Puja Gupta

New Delhi Reduced eyesight is caused by multiple factors, including diseases like diabetes, eye trauma, cataracts or glaucoma.

Over 3 crore individuals suffer from blindness globally, with India being home to nearly one-third the total figure. While 80 percent vision impairment can be prevented by early detection and timely intervention, lack of access and awareness has been a major deterrent in individuals seeking eye care.

Over 5 crore people in India have moderate to severe vision impairment which has impacted their personal and professional lives, says Ramesh Pillai, Chief Optometrist & Head of Training, Titan Company Ltd, Eyewear Business. The onslaught of COVID-19 has also led to an increase in screen-time for people across ages and this has been a major factor in declining eye health. Eye care and eye health have become more of a necessity, he adds.

He suggests five simple and effective ways to ensure good eye health:

Right Glasses

Wearing branded Sunglasses which offer 100 percent UV protection while outdoors can help protect your eyes from the harmful impact of UV rays and Cataract formation. Wearing the right spectacles for screen usage like anti-reflection lenses with Blue Coating is extremely important. The Blue coating helps in blocking the harmful blue violet and allows the essential blue turquoise to help the circadian rhythm and thereby maintain the sleep-wake cycle.

Right Diet

Eating leafy green vegetables such as spinach, kale and broccoli contain Lutein and zeaxanthin help prevent cataracts. Lutein also stimulates the growth of pigments that help block out harmful UV rays. Food rich in Vitamins C and E and zinc, reduce the risk of developing a condition called Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD). Antioxidants protect against sun damage. Good sources of antioxidants include egg yolk, yellow peppers, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, carrots, blueberries. Onions, shallots, garlic, capers contain sulphur, cysteine, and lecithin, which help against cataract formation.

Keep Eyes Moist

Dry eyes are a major irritant, especially as the pollution gets worse day by day. Resting the eyes often and blinking moistens the eyes, reducing dryness and irritation. One can also use drops to help keep your eyes moist in case of excess dryness.

Screen Protection

With an increase in screen-time becoming an inevitable reality, taking good care of your eyes is paramount. Use the 20-20-20 rule, by taking a 20 second screen break every 20 minutes to look at objects 20 feet away from you. Increase font size when reading on-screen, so that devices dont need to be too close to your eyes, and you dont have to squint. A clean screen boosts visibility, wipe your screen over at least once a day.

Get tested

Getting your eyes tested by a qualified Optometrist or an Eye Doctor once every year is very important. Regular eye examinations help find any symptoms associated with eye strains and provide solutions for the same. Titan Eyeplus on the occasion of World Sight Day has introduced an initiative online screen testing. Take out 60 seconds and take a simple online eye screening test that will give you an indication whether you suffer from eyesight problems. Basis screening results, the brand requests all to visit an ophthalmologist or optician.(IANS)

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5 ways to take care of eye health - India New England

(STL.News) With World Sight Day, there has been an effort to increase awareness of how important it is to look after our vision. We all know that we should take regular breaks when it comes toworking on laptops and stop being on social media all the time. It is essential that our eyes get a rest.

Of course, more people are working from home now than ever before. This means it is difficult to get away from technology. So, you have to think of other ways you can adjust your lifestyle so that you can boost your eye health. In particular, eating a well-balanced diet can really help your eyes. There are vitamin-rich foods that you should incorporate into your meals every day.

Everybody knows that vitamins and minerals are good for our bodies. In particular, vitamin C is beneficial for your eyesight. It is an antioxidant that can lower the risk of macular degeneration developing, as well as cataracts. So, you are going to want to incorporate coriander into your diet. It is a herb that is full of vitamin C, as well as vitamin A, which is great for protecting the cornea.

There has been a lot of progress when it comes to treating eye conditions. For example, you can find out about what the Tej Kohli Foundation is doing to help cure blindness around theworld. But in the meantime, there are some foods you can add to your diet to help protect your vision and avoid becoming a patient of the foundation. For example, fish contains a lot of omega-three fatty acids that may help alleviate dry eye symptoms.

A portion of easy food that you can eat more of is eggs. They are packed full of vitamin A, zinc and lutein, which are all amazing for your vision. Together, they can help look after your eyes and lower the risk of problems developing later in life. For example, zinc is beneficial for helping your eyes to see better in the dark. Since you can enjoy eggs in a variety of ways, there is always going to be a way you can eat them. This could be for your breakfast, in a sandwich for lunch or as part of your evening meal.

There was probably one food that you already knew was beneficial for eye health. Of course, this would be carrots. The rumors you have heard are true and they contain vitamin A and beta carotene. Together, there are nutrients that reduce the risk of eye conditions, as well as fight off infections. Again, carrots are versatile and you can sneak them into your meals if you do not like the taste. But they do make a refreshing snack on a hot day.

Nuts and seeds are known as nutrient-rich foods. Indeed, almonds are said to be very good for maintaining good eyesight. This is due to almonds containing vitamin E. This is a nutrient that can help to safeguard your eyes from macular degeneration, and cataracts, which can lead to blindness. Almonds are an easy snack that you can enjoy when you are at home or work, as well as mixing them into your breakfast and lunch meals.

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Vitamin-Rich Foods that May Protect Your Eyesight - STL.News

The survey, held by Johnson & Johnson Vision, found a disconnect between how the public views the importance of eye health and how regularly they attend an eye examination

Research conducted by Johnson & Johnson Vision has found that, while most UK adults acknowledge that eye examinations are important for their overall health, only a third are having their eyes examined once a year.

The most common reason for putting off appointments was because respondents felt their vision hadnt changed, while the impact of COVID-19 played a significant role in delays to appointments, Johnson & Johnson Vision found.

The company held the survey of 1002 UK adults ahead of World Sight Day on 8 October as part of Johnson & Johnson Visions Prioritise Your Eyes campaign, which aims to raise awareness of eye health.

Those surveyed appeared to recognise the importance of eye health and its impact on overall wellbeing, with results indicating that 86% of respondents view an eye exam as important for their overall health. Meanwhile 70% acknowledged that healthy vision improves quality of life, and 67% recognised that an eye exam can help prevent vision problems.

However, only 34% of those surveyed confirmed that they get an eye exam each year, something Johnson & Johnson Vision recommends to help patients to Prioritize your eyes. Just over half of respondents felt they did enough to protect their eyes.

Johnson & Johnson Vision suggested the survey results revealed a disconnect in the publics views around the importance of eye health and how they prioritise their own eye care.

Commenting on the survey, Jakob Sveen, managing director for Northern Europe and general manager for the UK & Ireland, Johnson & Johnson Vision, emphasised the companys commitment to fulfilling unmet needs in eye health, especially around awareness and access the two biggest barriers to care.

This survey has uncovered new insights and opportunities around how we, as an eye health community, can help people to prioritise their eyes by getting an annual eye exam, Mr Sveen added.

Providing reasons for why they do not get an eye exam once a year, a third of respondents explained that they put off appointments because they feel their vision hasnt changed.

The second biggest factor behind why eye care has been delayed this year was the impact of COVID-19. The survey found that 18% of adults had their appointment cancelled due to the pandemic, while 19% of respondents said they were reluctant or unable to schedule a sight test due to the pandemic. Meanwhile, 18% of survey respondents suggested cost represented a barrier for them.

Reflecting on the challenges that COVID-19 has posed in balancing the backlog of appointments, Dr Ioannis G. Tranoudis, senior director EMEA professional education solutions at Johnson & Johnson Vision, noted the agility that eye care professionals (ECPs) have shown in communicating with, and supporting, patients.

What weve seen is that emergency cases are prioritised first, so there may be a delay in being able to get everyone in quickly, Dr Tranoudis told OT. He emphasised that any patient experiencing a change in vision or with concerns should reach out to their optometrist, adding: As with all healthcare professionals in this time, ECPs have put in place new safety protocols so that patients can still receive quality care.

Moving forward, the companys focus will be in working with eye care professionals to get patients back into practice safely, he continued.

Asked what initial steps practices could take to enhance patient awareness around regular eye examinations, Dr Tranoudis highlighted: Through lockdown, I saw a lot of eye care professionals increase their communications with patients through digital channels including email updates, newsletters, through their websites, and social media.

I would encourage that, when a practice is ready and has capacity, they communicate to patients the importance of an annual eye exam, Dr Tranoudis said. Even if a patient thinks they have good vision, an annual eye exam can be one of the best things they can do for health and wellness.

Dr Tranoudis also suggested optometrists continue to reassure patients that it is safe to book an appointment if they have concerns about their eyes.

We have heard a few stories of patients being afraid to reach out during lockdown despite having a serious vision issue. ECPs can help provide reassurance by reaching out to patients proactively, suggesting that they get in touch if they have any concerns, Dr Tranoudis concluded.

The AOP recommends patients should have an eye test every two years, or more if recommended by an optometrist, and hosts a variety of resources for patientsincluding advice on regular sight tests.

Share your story

As the coronavirus pandemic transforms optometry across the UK, wed like you hear your experiences. If you, or a colleague, is interested in sharing your story, please get in touch: [emailprotected]

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Survey finds UK adults underestimate the need for regular eye examinations - AOP