StemCell Therapy

Space blindnessthe loss of vision experienced in zero gravity (or microgravity) environmentsisnt just a dramatic plot point for Netflixs Mars odyssey, Away; space blindness (or rather impairment) is an actual documented phenomenon experienced by astronauts.

In fact, almost two-thirds of astronauts report problems with eyesight after months at the International Space Station. One astronaut reported that his impairment worsened so much that he couldn't read the words on a landing checklist.

Between 2015-2016, American astronaut Scott Kelly spent a year at the International Space Station. (His experience acts as the basis for Netflixs Away.) During that year, parts of Kellys retinas actually thickened. He also experienced swelling to the blood supply to the back of his eye. (Kellys strong vision was one of the reasons he was first selected as an astronaut.)

Former NASA Human Research Program Chief Scientist Mark Shelhamer noted in an interview with Air and Space that, for some, impairment has even lingered after returning from space and usually requires an astronaut being there for roughly six months. Stays in space longer than six months (and, for a hypothetical trip to Mars, longer than a year) present a lot of unknowns when it comes to vision impairment. Some research even now suggests that to prevent vision problems, astronauts may require artificial gravity.

NASAGetty Images

So Mishas being ordered to stay in his crew cabins to help restore his eyesight may not be an unlikely command on an extended space flight.

This content is imported from {embed-name}. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

Reasons for vision impairment arent known for certain, though researchers have several theories. One theory suggests that because zero gravity causes fluids in the body to rise (think of astronauts bloated-looking faces in space), all the extra fluid in the skull might create pressure on the back of the eye.

Testing the theory, researchers found oxidative stress caused by microgravity (or weak gravity) might be doing damage to blood vessels in the eye. If they can find a way to counter oxidative stress, perhaps they can protect astronauts vision.

In the universe of Netflixs Away, it doesnt seem like the problem was ever solved. The countermeasure instead was simply artificial gravity. But as it might take months for vision to return, locking a visually-impaired astronaut in his room doesnt seem like the best strategy for a 3-year-long mission to Mars.

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io

Read more:
Netflix 'Away' Space Blindness - Is It Real? - menshealth.com

Alice Lukacs tells of her trips to the eye doctor.Getty Images

At first glance, a trip to McDonalds comes to mind. But no, its all about my eye journal which I started writing eight years ago in 2012, detailing the progression of my AMD (Age-related Macular Degeneration).

It all started, of all places, in the Opera House in Budapest, Hungary. I was enjoying a performance of the opera Carmen, sung in the original French with surtitles in Hungarian (my native language) projected onto the top of the stage. To my surprise, those letters started performing a strange dance, jumping up and down. I could not read a thing.

Back home in Montreal I rushed to make an appointment with my ophthalmologist Dr. Barry Kattleman. After thorough testing, he said the two dreaded words: macular degeneration and promptly referred me to Dr. Julius Gomolin, a retina specialist working at the Jewish General Hospital.

Now this diagnosis brought many unpleasant memories to mind. Years ago, my mother had macular degeneration. In those days, no help was available. Mother, though legally blind, never completely lost her eyesight. But her vision slowly deteriorated, her handwriting became illegible, her chair moving ever closer to the TV set to watch her favourite program All My Children. But I am lucky. In the last decade or so, new medicines injected into the eye have made a big difference in the treatment of macular degeneration.

So here I was at the Jewish General Hospital in the presence of Dr. Gomolin. A tall, good-looking man who somehow immediately wins your confidence, he explained the results of tests taken, admonishing me not to interrupt him, as I had already done, but to let me finish.

And finish he did, explaining that yes, I had macular degeneration of the wet kind, that he proposes giving me injections monthly in both eyes with the aim of stemming the progress of the disease. There was no guarantee, there could be side effects. I agreed to start as soon as possible.

My research showed me that, indeed, there were two kinds of macular degeneration, dry and wet. Earlier stages are considered the dry form. In the more advanced wet form, abnormal blood vessels can bleed and leak fluids in the retina, affecting central vision. I started with the wet form right away.

So eight years ago I started injection treatments, first in both eyes, later only in one, as the other eye no longer needed them.

Once a month, I would sign in at the Ophthalmology Department. Next, technician Jamie would examine my eyesight, then administer drops that would dilate and disinfect. Soon after, I would be called for scans of the eyes. Then, the worst part began. All of us patients were sitting in a row in the waiting area, like birds on a twig, our eyes blurring from the drops. There was little talk. Most of us were seniors, some with walkers, others with someone accompanying them, all of us anxiously waiting for our name to be called.

Finally, my turn came. Dr. Gomolin checked the scans, briefed me on the situation. More drops in the eyes to numb and clean, an eyelid holder inserted so I wont blink, the prick of the injection needle in the eyeball and the ordeal was over. Having made the next appointment, I would go down to the main floor and out the door, eyes blurred, staggering to a taxi to take me home.

When people ask me, horrified, what it is like to have an eye injection, I tell them there is nothing to it. Of course, your vision is blurred for hours afterwards. And, for this experience to be bearable, you have to have someone like Dr. Gomolin performing the procedure.

On a recent visit, Dr. Gomolins news surprised me. I think I will stop the injections he announced.

So my Big Macular Adventure has a happy ending. I think Ill go to McDonalds to celebrate.

Alice Lukacs writes the Life in the 90s column

Visit link:
Senior Living: Time to celebrate after years of eye injections - County Weekly News

Sept. 15, 2020 05:30 UTC

PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Regulatory News:

GenSight Biologics (Paris:SIGHT) (Euronext: SIGHT, ISIN: FR0013183985, PEA-PME eligible), a biopharma company focused on discovering and developing innovative gene therapies for retinal neurodegenerative diseases and central nervous system disorders, today announced that it has submitted the Marketing Authorisation Application (MAA) for its lead product LUMEVOQ to the European Medicines Agency (EMA), seeking approval for the treatment of patients with vision loss due to Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON) caused by mutation in the ND4 mitochondrial gene.

This first regulatory submission for GenSight is a major milestone in our progression from a pure research organization to one with commercial capabilities. It validates a technology platform that has the potential to address the high unmet medical needs of patients suffering from a range of rare diseases. I would like to thank all GenSight employees and partners whose motivation, focus and effort made this submission possible, said Bernard Gilly, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of GenSight Biologics.

LHON is a rare, mitochondrial genetic disease, mainly affecting young males. The ND4 mutation results in the worst visual outcomes, with most patients becoming legally blind. There continues to be a high unmet medical need for the 800-1200 new LHON patients in Europe and the U.S. each year, particularly those who are struck blind in their prime working years.

Lenadogene nolparvovec (tradename: LUMEVOQ) is a recombinant adeno-associated viral vector, serotype 2 (rAAV2/2), containing a cDNA encoding the human wild-type mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase 4 protein (ND4), which has been specifically developed for the treatment of LHON associated with mutation in the ND4 gene. It received orphan drug designation status for the treatment of LHON from the EMA in 2011 and from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2013.

GenSight submitted the MAA based on the benefit-risk balance established by results from a Phase-I/IIa study (CLIN-01), two pivotal Phase-III efficacy studies (CLIN-03A: RESCUE, and CLIN-03B: REVERSE) and the long-term follow up study of RESCUE and REVERSE (CLIN 06 - readout at Year 3 post injection). To demonstrate the efficacy of LUMEVOQ in the context of a contralateral effect, the Company used a statistics-based indirect comparison methodology to assess the visual outcomes in LUMEVOQ-treated patients (from LUMEVOQ efficacy studies) against those in untreated patients from Natural History studies and GenSights REALITY Natural History Registry.

GenSight expects to submit the Biologics License Application (BLA) for LUMEVOQ to the FDA in H2 2021. First-in-human data from GenSights second clinical stage program, GS030, are expected to be available in H2 2021.

About GenSight Biologics GenSight Biologics S.A. is a clinical-stage biopharma company focused on discovering and developing innovative gene therapies for retinal neurodegenerative diseases and central nervous system disorders. GenSight Biologics pipeline leverages two core technology platforms, the Mitochondrial Targeting Sequence (MTS) and optogenetics to help preserve or restore vision in patients suffering from blinding retinal diseases. GenSight Biologics lead product candidate, LUMEVOQ (GS010; lenadogene nolparvovec), is in Phase III trials in Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON), a rare mitochondrial disease that leads to irreversible blindness in teens and young adults. Using its gene therapy-based approach, GenSight Biologics product candidates are designed to be administered in a single treatment to the eye by intravitreal injection to offer patients a sustainable functional visual recovery.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200914005857/en/

More:
GenSight Biologics Submits EU Marketing Authorisation Application for LUMEVOQ Gene Therapy to Treat Vision Loss Due to Leber Hereditary Optic...

A research team at Severance Hospital said Thursday that the hospital has begun to treat ocular cancer patients by introducing the Ru-106 eye plaque brachytherapy, which can preserve patients eyesight.

Ru-106 eye plaque brachytherapy removes tumors with irradiation by attaching a plate with ruthenium isotope that emits radiation to the patients' eyeball. The metal plate is removed within seven days after surgery, the hospital said.

The existing surgical methods had to remove the eyeball and replace it with a prosthetic eye. However, the Ru-106 eye plaque brachytherapy preserves the eye and keeps a certain level of vision. According to the research team led by Professors Kim Min and Cho Yeon-a, patients can return to their daily lives relatively quickly as the treatment only takes about a week.

Brachytherapy, a type of internal radiation therapy, is most effective in treating uveal melanoma. Uvea is a layer sandwiched between sclera and retina. It got the name uvea from its black grape-like appearance. Uveal melanoma, a malignant tumor in the uvea, had to be treated by removing the eyeball or external beam radiation.

"Patients with retinoblastoma, which is commonly developed in children, can also be treated with the Ru-106 to preserve eyesight with limited effect," said Professor Kim Min of the Department of Ophthalmology at Severance Hospital. Professor Kim completed his training for one year at Wills Eye Hospital, one of the world's leading eye cancer institutions, and treated about 10,000 patients with eye tumors.

Professor Cho of the Department of Radiology Oncology recently published a paper on the effectiveness of brachytherapy for eye tumors and the possibility of conserving the eye.

Read more here:
Severance uses radiotherapy to treat ocular cancer while saving eyesight - Korea Biomedical Review

Jon Becker, For the Daily News

Midland Eye Associates eying expansion plan

Midland Eye Associates has been serving the Mid Michigan community for more than 80 years and clearly has a vision for growing a practice that is recognized as a leader in its field. Already equipped with the latest and greatest in technology and led by two highly regarded optometrists, Dr. Carl Erickson and Midland native Dr. Paul Kimball, the practice is in a period of transition as it embarks on an ambitious expansion plan that will allow it to offer more services to more people.

A two-time Gold award winner in the Midland Daily News 2020 Readers Choice awards, Midland Eye Associates specializes in providing comprehensive primary vision care for all members of your family.

Our employees care about people, said Erickson. We have 10 people currently on staff that we feel strongly are second to none.

And its not just the technical knowledge of everything eyes that sets the practice apart. After a recent appointment, a senior citizen discovered it was pouring rain as she was about to exit the building. One of the staff members walked the woman out with an umbrella and held the doors open for her, a gesture that was very much appreciated.

We believe in customer service and being up-front and transparent with people, said Erickson, an honors graduate of the Michigan College of Optometry where he earned his doctorate of Optometry.

Midland Eye Associates is located at 217 N. Saginaw Road, an area that Erickson noted is ripe for investment. The practices plan to increase its physical footprint from 2,000 square feet to 5,500 square feet has been delayed but not derailed by COVID-19.

We should start demo in about two to three weeks, said Erickson. We now have three exam lanes. Once the project is completed, well have 9 exam lanes and will be able to increase services.

Erickson said the building expansion is an investment in the community that the City of Midland supports.

I think the city sees this corridor as the next area it would like to further develop, he said. It meets their criteria for an improved business corridor. Dr. Kimball was born and raised in Midland, so hes certainly happy to see whats in the works here.

Complete examinations at Midland Eye Associates include digital photo documentation of your eyes, testing for glaucoma, cataracts and other medical eye health issues. The eye doctors point out that conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes can affect eyesight.

We monitor and watch for changes in your eye health, and give you the best vision care possible, said Erickson. Routine eye exams are our bread and butter, but we offer a number of other services. Were a medically-oriented practice.

Glaucoma management care, macular degeneration care, cataracts (pre-op and post-op) diabetic management care and treating red-eyes and foreign bodies are among his specialties.

A new emerging trend is myopia contacts that are used for near-sightedness, he said. They reduce the risk for retina detachments and glaucoma. This is a service we have that is mainly kid-based.

Staying on the cutting edge of technology and a commitment to continuing education are hallmarks of a practice set in a welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere.

Our dedicated team is definitely what sets us apart, said Erickson. Customers tell Dr. Kimball and me all the time how much they appreciate our friendly and courteous service.

These customers certainly weighed in when it was time to rate local optometrists in the categories of best eyewear and best eye doctor.

Right now, with the pandemic still with us, these honors are kind of humbling, said Erickson. People are on edge and yet still took the time to recognize us. These are whole team awards.

Go here to see the original:
Midland Eye Associates eying expansion plan - Midland Daily News

A POLICE officer lost his eyesight overnight after leukaemia turned his blood to porridge.

George Attwood had been working a night shift when his vision became blurry.

7

The officer was unable to read number plates or see what was on his laptop screen - no matter how close he was.

The 29-year-old contacted his GP in Dorset who told him he should go and see an optician for an eye test.

The fit and active officer who serves with Wiltshire Police then booked an appointment at Specsavers.

He was unable to read just one letter from the top line of the opticians chart.

George was taken to Bournemouth Hospital and after undergoing blood tests, it emerged that George had suffered bleeds at the back of his eyes.

It was then that George was given the news that he was suffering from leukaemia.

Doctors explained to George that the bleed had caused a high blood count that made his blood thick and porridge-like.

7

Chances are the bleeds at the back of my eyes were caused by my blood, which they said was a bit like porridge and was so thick because of all the white blood cells

Within hours of being admitted to, George started a gruelling 10-day cycle of chemotherapy.

George is now set for three more rounds of treatment and has relived the horror of his ordeal.

George, from Verwood, Dorset, said: "After the optician told me I'd had a bleed at the back of my eyes I was quite tearful.

"I got back into the car and I broke down and told my girlfriend what they said.

"I remember thinking 'if I can't see, what can I do? Your eyes are so important, I can't drive or do my job'.

"When my GP contacted me asking to go in for some blood tests I assumed it was a routine check-up, but never in a million years did I consider it to be leukaemia.

He said that at first the news didnt sink in and added that he was in total disbelief.

What is Leukaemia?

Leukaemia is a type of blood cancer which effects cells in bone marrow and attacks the immune system.

The disease is often classified as what type of cell is affected (myeloid or lymphatic) and how it progresses (acute or chronic).

Acute leukaemia is when it is progressing aggressively and requires immediate attention.

The risk of developing acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) increases with age, with the cancer being most common in adults over 65.

Typically the symptoms of AML can become increasingly more severe over time.

According to theNHS website, the signs to look out for include:

Speak to a GP if you or your child have possible symptoms.

I didn't believe that this would happen to me.

"I've never been sick before, I've never had to go to hospital for anything.

"It wasn't until the Thursday when I woke up in hospital and the chemotherapy started that it really sank in, I was in a real state of shock."

George, who was previously a ministry of defence police officer, said he started to feel unwell at the start of July.

He said he suffered from a sore throat and had a coronavirus test to check he hadnt contracted the virus.

It came back negative and he was given penicillin, but when the course finished his sore throat came back and he started to suffer from sweating.

At this time he put it down to the hot weather.

7

On July 29 George started having issues with his sight and believed he had contracted the coronavirus - remembering Dominic Cummings notorious lockdown trip to Barnard Castle being sight-related.

During his eye test days later on July 31, opticians said he had a bleed behind the eyes.

On August 5, doctors called him and told him he had leukaemia.

George said: "It all started as a sore throat, which made it painful to eat or swallow, then I began to experience breathlessness.

"When I was at work and had to walk up a flight of stairs I would be out of breath at the top, which had never happened before.

"I brushed the breathlessness and sweating I was experiencing off, and just put it down to the hot weather, it was a series of unfortunate events.

"That week I did my annual fitness test for the police and I almost collapsed but still powered on. I've aced all of those in the past and pretty much had 20/20 vision.

7

George added that he was worried it was Covid, but said that being a front line police officer made him feel as though it was inevitable that he would catch it.

"I just hoped I wouldn't catch it horrifically and that youth and fitness was on my side.

"I had two night shifts to work and on the Wednesday [July 29] I lost my vision, it went all blurry, to the point where I couldn't read a number plate while stood next to it let alone 20 metres away.

"The optician said I'd suffered bleeds to the back of the eyes, in the centre field, which was why my vision was all blurry.

"I assumed it was to do with Covid as I'd seen in the papers about Dominic Cummings saying he'd driven to a castle because of eye issues.

"The optician referred me for an urgent referral to the hospital, and because of that my GP did some blood tests.

"As my girlfriend and I were cooking dinner I got a call from the GP saying 'sorry I'm the bearer of bad news, it looks like you've got leukaemia and you need to go to hospital'.

"The doctors at Bournemouth Hospital were amazing, they sat me down and explained what leukaemia was and why I was feeling the way I was."

7

It was at the hospital that doctors told George that the breathlessness had been caused by low blood levels.

George added: "A normal person should have a red blood count of about 120, mine was about 55.

"They then said a normal person should have a white blood count of about 10-20 and mine was 550.

"Chances are the bleeds at the back of my eyes were caused by my blood, which they said was a bit like porridge and was so thick because of all the white blood cells."

George said his sight is slowly improving but added that the chemo has taken a toll on his body.

George said: "At the end of the chemo cycle, I felt very tired but generally felt better.

7

"I could only walk short distances before I had to sit down and I couldn't stand for a full shower was feeling very tired.

"Going from such a fit and active role to that was a real shock to the system."In my old job in the MOD police we were allowed to work out on shift and my girlfriend and I would go for long walks.

"We loved going up Snowdon and were planning to go up Ben Nevis this year as we're really into long-distance walking and hiking.

"I did the Salisbury half marathon in 2018, I've always been a person who can keep going mind over matter.

"Doing that and now suddenly having your body physically shutting down rather than mentally is a big change.

He added that specialists say his eyesight will take months to get better.

"I'm able to watch TV but I'm unable to read books or do puzzle books.

"There's no history of cancer or leukaemia in my family, doctors still don't understand why certain people get it.

"They said the only way to describe it was as bad luck, my family and girlfriend were absolutely distraught.

"I have an amazing support network around me, which is a big help."

George is now keen to raise funds for the ward he has been treated on and praised the staff at Bournemouth Hospital.

7

George said: "The hospital staff have been absolutely phenomenal, from day one they've put me at ease.

"I really want to give back to the ward and the staff because they've been absolutely amazing.

"I noticed some of the fitness equipment was outdated and they have a box full of arts and crafts to give people on the ward.

"I started using some of the stuff and I thought it was a great idea.

"I set up the GoFundMe page for the ward so I could focus on it between treatments and also because I was also getting loads of fundraising offers from people.

"As a police officer you always put yourself out there first, you're there on the front line trying to save people and be there for them. I think people like to give back to people that have done the same.

"I wanted to share my story to inspire people and remind everyone that during these tough times we still need to be focused and thankful for people."

BONUS BALLBBC stars' salaries REVEALED as Zoe Ball gets 1m more after gender pay-gap row

BIG MAC AND FLU2 McDonald's hit by Covid as staff test positive - but branches stay open

PEST AND TRACEWoman shocked as 'creepy' tour bus driver uses test-&-trace data to text her

WARNING SIGNBoozing too much? Take this test to find out if you've got an alcohol problem

'YOU'RE RUINING SPOONS!'Wetherspoons chef shows how they really make curry and breakfasts

EARLY DOORSPubs face 9pm curfew if 'rule of 6' fails to stop rise in Covid infections

Specsavers' clinical services director Giles Edmonds said: "There are several changes we may notice in our vision which could be a sign of a wider health condition, as demonstrated by George's story. If you are experiencing any sudden eye health or vision changes, it's imperative you book an eye appointment so an optician can conduct a thorough examination.

"Your optician will ask if you are experiencing any concerns. Diagnostic testing will then look at the overall health of the eye to reveal any changes or concerns that are not visible to the naked eye.

"With George, swelling in the optic nerves and changes to the appearance of blood vessels behind the eye indicated something serious so he was referred to his local hospital to ensure he was seen quickly and by the right consultant. This is a common unknown fact that an optician can ensure a customer is seen by the right consultant at a hospital when an anomaly is identified.

"At a time when GPs and the NHS are under immense pressure, our opticians remain open to care for urgent cases like George's and to help people avoid busy A&E departments."

Read the original:
I went blind overnight at the age of 29 it turned out to be leukaemia that had turned my blood to - The Sun

Washington Albert Bourla, the head of pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, which is among the companies developing a coronavirus vaccine, said Sunday there is a good chance the company will know whether its vaccine works by the end of October.

In an interview with Face the Nation, Bourla said its not yet known whether Americans will be able to receive a coronavirus vaccine before 2021, as issuance of a license depends on federal regulators. But studies from Pfizer indicate we have a good chance that we will know if the product works by the end of October.

Still, Bourla said Pfizer is preparing for approval from the federal government and distribution of a vaccine before the end of the year.

We started already manufacturing and we have already manufactured hundreds of thousands of doses, so just in case we have a good study readout, conclusive and FDA, plus the advisory committee feels comfortable that we will be ready, he said.

Pfizer, which has partnered with BioNtech on its coronavirus vaccine, has begun enrolling 30,000 people in its phase three vaccine trial but is looking to expand its enrollment to 44,000. Bourla said the decision to increase the number of participants stems from its desire to expand to more vulnerable populations.

We go to younger people. Right now, the study recruits from 18 to 85. Now we will go to 16 years old, he said. Also, we will go to people with special conditions, chronic conditions like HIV patients, but also we will try to use it to increase the diversity of the population.

While Pfizer is one of several companies currently enrolling participants in its phase three vaccine trial, it is the only U.S.-based pharmaceutical company that has rejected federal dollars for its vaccine candidate.

Bourla acknowledged that if its coronavirus vaccine fails, Pfizer will absorb the financial hit. But he said he decided not to accept government funding for vaccine development to shield the pharmaceutical giant from politics.

I wanted to liberate our scientists from any bureaucracy, he said. When you get money from someone that always comes with strings. They want to see how we are going to progress, what type of moves you are going to do. They want reports. I didnt want to have any of that. I wanted them basically I gave them an open checkbook so that they can worry only about scientific challenges, not anything else. And also, I wanted to keep Pfizer out of politics.

While Bourla stopped short of predicting when Americans may be able to receive a coronavirus vaccine, Dr. Scott Gottlieb, former commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration and a member of Pfizers board of directors, has stressed he does not believe a vaccine will be widely available until 2021.

This is likely to be a very staged market entry, he said on Face the Nation. I think thats what people should expect. But for most people, they will not have access to a vaccine until 2021. I think maybe the first quarter of 2021, probably the first half of 2021. And thats assuming that these vaccines are demonstrated to be safe and effective in these large trials.

If any population in the U.S. is to receive a coronavirus vaccine this year, Gottlieb predicted it will be those who are at a high risk of becoming very sick from the virus or frontline workers who are at a high risk of contracting it.

What were going to be doing is targeting the vaccine to select groups of people who are at very high risk of a bad outcome from COVID to try to reduce their risk, he said. But its not going to be used to achieve broad-based immunity, at least in 2020, perhaps in 2021.

Go here to read the rest:
20% increase in people with heart complications amid Covid: Report - WeForNews

We are in front of computer screens more than ever before. What does that mean with staying eye healthy?

August is Children's Eye Health and Safety Month, perfectly positioned for parents as a reminder to add a visit to the optometrist to your back-to-school checklist. Only this year, eye safety is more important than ever before.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, kids and adults alike are spending more time in front of a computer screen than ever before. Children are taking school classes at home virtually, while many parents are still working from home. That means increased screen time, and the potential for eye damage if you're not careful.

"Any time youre spending more than two hours continuously staring at a screen, we are worried about digital eyestrain and discomfort," said Dr. Katherine White is an optometrist with Kirn Family Eye Care in Susquehanna Township, Dauphin County.

Dr. White suggests good eye health starts with a comfortable workspace. A chair with good back support will help prevent neck strain. A flat surface slightly below eye level for a laptop or computer kept about an arm's reach away will prevent digital eye strain, and ultimately keep you from getting headaches.

White recommends everyone working from home subscribe to the '20-20-20 rule': That's every 20 minutes, you should look across the room, at least 20 feet away, for about 20 seconds. If you can get outside, Dr. White says simply taking a break away from your screen will help eye sight. If not, try to rest your eyes for 15 minutes every two hours with no other screens around.

For kids, it is recommended they stop using electronics at least an hour before bed time. Doctor White says studies have shown the more screen time closer to bed, the tougher it is to fall asleep.

Symptoms such as dry eyes, irritation or burning, or headaches should be responded with a call to an optometrist and a visit to the eye doctor.

More here:
Eye health in a pandemic: Keeping vision safe with increased screen time - 13newsnow.com WVEC

The Subaru 2020 Levorg mid-size touring wagon was made available for pre-order last month and introduced a range of features such as a new 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine and continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). But perhaps the most exciting feature is on the safety front, as the car is the first in the Subaru fleet to contain the companys next-generation EyeSight ADAS technology.

The EyeSight stereo-based vision system assists with passenger safety with three key feature sets. Adaptive cruise control (ACC) optimizes vehicle speed during highway driving; lane keep assist (LKA) helps prevent cars from swerving out of their lane; and auto de-acceleration, pre-collision braking, and hands-off driving functionality monitor surrounding traffic and provide mechanisms for avoiding unintended acceleration, head-on collisions, and other serious accidents (Figure 1).

Figure 1. The EyeSight platform consists of two stereo cameras and accepts inputs from four radars positioned around the vehicle.

The EyeSight platform consists of two color stereo cameras mounted on the inside of the Levorgs windshield near the cars rearview mirror. The cameras, as well as four external radars, capture images of cars, pedestrians, lane dividers, traffic, etc., which the system then analyzes and, if needed, sends signals to various control systems like steering or brakes to take corrective action (Figure 2). These actions could include accelerating, decelerating, changing direction, flashing lights, honking, and other methods of alerting drivers of possible danger.

Figure 2. Subarus EyeSight Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) uses stereo vision to help motorists avoid collisions, pedestrians, and other road hazards.

By being able to monitor traffic and take action in dangerous driving situations, the next-generation ADAS subsystem is essentially an extra pair of eyes on the road.

In developing its latest stereo vision-based ADAS technology, Subaru enlisted programmable processing vendor, Xilinx. The main compute engine on the Eyesight system is an ASIL-rated, 16 nm Zynq UltraScale+ multi-processor system-on-a-chip (MPSoC), which integrates a 64-bit Arm Cortex-A53 core, two Arm Cortex-R5 real-time cores, and programmable logic that provides hardware flexibility for a range of functions (Figure 3).

Figure 3. The Subaru EyeSight ADAS system is based on a Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC with multiple Arm cores and programmable logic fabric.

In the EyeSight system, the Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC fuses data from four radar sensors on the Levorg; performs image detection, classification, and perception operations; and delivers that information to the Levorg braking system. The MPSoCs 16 nm process technology provides the performance needed for stereo processing of radar data and the conversion of that data into 3D point clouds (Figure 3).

Figure 3. The MPSoC in the EyeSight ADAS system process radar data and convert them into point clouds so that object detection algorithms can be applied.

The Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoCs Cortex-A53 subsystem handles real-time video, graphics, waveform, and packet processing, while the R5 cores and video codec unit (VCU) execute motor control, sensor fusion, wireless communication, and other multimedia tasks. Available as an automotive-grade platform with multiple power domains, the MPSoC delivers exceptional performance per watt operation as well as functional safety and security features.

Unlike common approaches, the image processing technology adopted in our new generation system scans everything captured by stereo cameras and creates high-precision 3D point clouds, enabling us to offer advanced features such as pre-collision braking at an intersection and assisting with hands-off driving in traffic congestion on a highway, says Tetsuo Fujinuki, CTO at Subaru. Because Xilinx automotive devices contain built-in capabilities that allow us to meet strict ASIL requirements, they are unquestionably the best technology to implement Subarus new ADAS vision system.

Subarus Eyesight technology received the highest IIHS rating in 2019-20, and is designed to provide drivers with safe and tested technology that can accurately react to driving scenarios. Of course, none of this is possible without advanced computational capabilities afforded by the automotive-grade Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC.

The MPSoC is doing all of the detection, classification, and perception on the EyeSight, and providing input to the braking system. Its also doing sensor fusion of the radar inputs, says Willard Tu, Senior Director of Automotive at Xilinx. Everybody realizes that the more sensors you put on cars, the richer the fusion of data you get.

This is a super opportunity for programmable logic, he adds.

For more information, visit Xilinx website.

Tiera Oliver, edtorial intern for Embedded Computing Design, is responsible for web content edits as well as newsletter updates. She also assists in news content as far as constructing and editing stories. Before interning for ECD, Tiera had recently graduated from Northern Arizona University where she received her B.A. in journalism and political science and worked as a news reporter for the university's student led newspaper, The Lumberjack.

Read more from the original source:
Guess What's Under the Hood of the Subaru Levorg? ADAS and Programmable Logic - Embedded Computing Design

Vision Care Market analysis on the global market is an in-depth study that provides an arrangement of efficient market authenticities. The study shows statistics on the market status of the leading market players and offers key trends and opportunities in the market. The analysis of the global market begins with an industry-based framework and outlines the current information of the global market, complemented by current status records.

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.

Ask for Sample Copy of This Report: https://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPRE00011953/

Top Key Players Profiled in This Report:

Alcon, Bausch and Lomb, Carl Zeiss, CooperVision, Essilor, Johnson & Johnson, LUXOTTICA GROUP, Rodenstock, Safilo Group, ZEISS

The key questions answered in the report:

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.

Get Discount on This Report: https://www.theinsightpartners.com/discount/TIPRE00011953/

This research report represents a comprehensive overview of the competitive landscape of the Vision Care Market. Furthermore, it offers massive data relating to the recent trends, technological advancements, facts and figures, and methodologies. The research report analyzes the global market in a detailed and concise manner for better insights into the businesses.

Research studies have taken the help of graphical presentation techniques such as information graphics, charts, tables and diagrams. This Vision Care provides guidelines for both established players and new entrants in the market.

A detailed expansion of the Global Vision Care Market has been provided by applying industry analysis techniques such as SWOT analysis. Collectively, this research report provides a reliable assessment of the global market to present the overall structure of the businesses.

Interested in Purchasing this Report Click @ https://www.theinsightpartners.com/buy/TIPRE00011953/

Some Points of Table of Contents:

Chapter 1. Introduction

Chapter 2. Vision Care Market Key Takeaways

Chapter 3. Research Methodology

Chapter 4. Global Vision Care Market Market Landscape

Chapter 5. Global Vision Care market Key Market Dynamics

Chapter 6. Vision Care Market Global Analysis

Chapter 7 to 9. Detail Market Segmentation

Chapter 10. Impact Of COVID-19 Pandemic On Global Rare Neurological Diseases Treatment Market

Chapter 11. Vision Care Market Industry Landscape

Chapter 12. Company Profiles

Chapter 13. Appendix

About Us:

The Insight Partners offer our clients an opportunity to customize our off the shelf syndicated reports at no additional cost. This provides our clients with precise intelligence they require in turn saving them thousands of dollars in commissioning large consulting studies. The Insight Partners specialize in industries such as Semiconductor and Electronics, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Biotechnology, Healthcare IT, Manufacturing and Construction, Medical Device, Technology, Media and Telecommunications, Chemicals and Materials.

Contact:

Contact Person: Sameer Joshi

Phone: +1-646-491-9876

Email ID: [emailprotected]

Website: http://www.theinsightpartners.com

Read the rest here:
Vision Care Market Covid-19 Scenario, Growth Opportunities, And Forecast 2027 | Alcon, Bausch and Lomb, Carl Zeiss, CooperVision, Essilor - Scientect

11-year-old George has found a new family.

11-year-old George was rescued when he was a young stray.

Sadly, his owner died and he was taken to Cats Protection on Gildersome Lane in Morley.

While there he had a routine vet appointment where they found cancer in his eye.

Unfortunately, his eye had to be removed.

Luckily, George has now found his forever home.

He has been adopted by Kate, from Gildersome, who is partially sighted due to her Usher syndrome diagnosis.

Usher syndrome is a degenerative condition that causes hearing and vision loss.

Kate said: I saw George on the Cats Protection website and, having begun to lose part of my sight in the past few years, I immediately fell in love with this gorgeous chap.

Having only one eye certainly hasnt held him back.

He loves joining us for story time with my five-year-old daughter, and, while he prefers to stay close to home, hes been out walking along fences and climbing trees.

Due to coronavirus restrictions, Kate could not visit George before he was adopted, instead getting to know him through videos.

She said: George was delivered directly to our door and he settled in straight away, following us around and giving us cuddles."

Cats Protection rehoming and welfare assistant Diane Armer said: George was particularly popular with everyone at the centre, he has such a fantastic personality.

It is so lovely to hear that George has settled in so well.

A message from the Editor: Leeds has a fantastic story to tell - and the Yorkshire Evening Post has been rooted firmly at the heart of telling the stories of our city since 1890. We believe in ourselves and hope you believe in us too. We need your support to help ensure we can continue to be at the heart of life in Leeds. Subscribe to our website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe. For more details on our newspaper subscription offers click here.

Here is the original post:
Cat who lost eye to cancer finds forever home with partially sighted owner in Leeds - Yorkshire Evening Post

A HEALTHY 11-year-old girl can no longer string a sentence together after being diagnosed with dementia.

Molly Ingham was diagnosed with a rare form of childhood dementia in May last year after she started to lose her eyesight, memory and mobility.

5

5

The normal outgoing little girl started having seizures when she was just six-years-old.

Batten disease robs children of their speech and sufferers of the disease rarely make it to adulthood.

Mum Adele Ingham, 39, said Molly can become confused because of the condition and now has to use a wheelchair as she no longer has any balance.

She said: "It's been devastating to watch the most outgoing little girl that could do everything every other six-year-old could do go into this situation.

It's soul destroying. It affects short term memory so she won't take in new things.

She started a special school last September and made lots of friends but she can't remember any of their names now.

What is Batten disease?

Batten disease, otherwise known as Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses, is a fatal disorder that affects the nervous system.

The condition, which typically begins in childhood, can manifest itself in vision problems and seizures.

It can then worsen, with children suffering from cognitive impairment, worsening seizures, and progressive loss of sight and motor skills.

It is often fatal by late teens or early 20s.

According to BDFA UK, an estimated 1 3 children are diagnosed with an infantile form of the disease each year, meaning there are probably between 15 and 30 affected children in the UK.

There are other variations of the genetic disease, with 14 strains so far diagnosed.

There is currently no cure

5

The family live in Stalybridge, Greater Manchester and Adele said Molly has started to ask her when she can go home, but she asks the question when they are already home.

She added: There's a lot of confusion.

"My dad died two and a half years ago and she still wants to go in when we drive past his flat.

She used to know every word to every Disney song now she can't even string a sentence together.

"She can't see anymore. I just bought her a new Olaf toy and she didn't know what it was until she felt his carrot nose.

5

Molly used to be able to ride scooters, go to the park and use the climbing frames - like any other child, but now things have changed.

"Everything just started becoming more difficult so now she's in a wheelchair because she's got no balance and she'll fall and hurt herself.

I might have only a few years left with her and that's being positive.

Adele said Molly was a perfectly healthy child until she turned six when teachers started to notice her zoning out and she began having seizures.

Soon after Molly was taken to see a paediatrician who suggested ADHD or a low IQ but after a second opinion, she was diagnosed with absence epilepsy until the condition progressed and her seizures became more frequent.

5

CLASS ACTBack-to-school with the Radfords as they share how to get 22 kids organised

Exclusive

ALL WHITEI wed in a 20 dress which I found stained on the shop floor - a wash sorted it

PLASTIC PRIVATESWe saved up for 'Barbie surgery' because we hated how we looked down below

FROZEN IN TIMEI've been looking after my '10-month-old' daughter for the last 19 years

NO KIDDINGI get viciously shamed for dumping my kids on my parents- but I need the break

THAT'S RADMum-of-22 Sue Radford jokes about Millie's 'mum tum' as they pack hospital bag

Adele worries she doesn't have much time left with Molly and is currently waiting to find out if her daughter has been accepted for a treatment trial in the US.

The mum and daughter would have to travel to Dallas to a centre called Taysha Gene Therapy.

The cost would be covered by the company as its a trial but the spaces are limited.

Adele added: "The treatment won't bring her eyesight back but it might help her to say the odd sentence instead of the odd word so there's still hope and a lot of fighting to do but I won't stop."

Read the original:
Our perfectly healthy daughter can no longer string a sentence together after being diagnosed with dementia - The Sun

"CooperVision received FDA-approval of the MiSight 1 day contact lens on Nov. 15, 2019, making the United States our 18th market worldwide. This reinforced CooperVision as a leader in the myopia management category," said Daniel G. McBride, President of CooperVision. "In this particular moment in time, with so many children learning virtually and spending less time outdoors, the topic of myopia management is more relevant than ever before. As category creators and leaders in the myopia management sector, we believe it is our responsibility and privilege, alongside the optometric community, to educate parents and offer them tools to help their children who may be struggling with myopia. Our decision to make this sizable investment in educating parents is consistent with our view that addressing myopia early is vitally important."

This new, multichannel direct-to-consumer advertising campaign featuring Gellar will highlight the importance of annual comprehensive eye exams in monitoring the progression of myopia in children. The campaign will include national and regional broadcast segments, content across digital and social media, and influencers who will be sharing their personal experiences with myopia. In addition, CooperVision will be collaborating with the National Association of School Nurses(NASN) to engage in meaningful unbranded conversations about myopia with the organization's members. While the NASN does not endorse products, school nurses are often the first to observe the signs of myopia in affected children and are therefore important myopia management advocates.

"My husband and I are both nearsighted and our myopia has continued to worsen over time," said Gellar. "We want our kids to have a chance for better vision and lower their risk for future eye health issues. While regular eyeglasses or contacts help children see a whiteboard or tennis ball today, MiSight 1 day lenses offer children the benefits of clear vision while slowing myopia progression during their growing years*. That is why I am thrilled to be partnering with CooperVision on this campaign."

"CooperVision has always been committed to eye health innovation," said Jerry Warner,Executive Vice President, Americas and Global Commercial Functions of CooperVision. "The goal of this campaign is to help build awareness of the short and long term effects of myopia. More than just vision correction, CooperVision's myopia management program can help build a brilliant future for our children."

To learn more, visit https://coopervision.com/practitioner/myopia-management

* Indications for use: MiSight 1 day (omafilcon A) soft (hydrophilic) contact lenses for daily wear are indicated for the correction of myopic ametropia and for slowing the progression of myopia in children with non-diseased eyes, who at the initiation of treatment are 8-12 years of age and have a refraction of -0.75 to -4.00 diopters (spherical equivalent) with 0.75 diopters of astigmatism. The lens is to be discarded after each removal.

Compared to a single vision 1 day lens over a 3 year period.

References:1Chamberlain P, et al. A 3-year randomized clinical trial of MiSight lenses for myopia control. Optom Vis Sci. 2019; 96(8): 556-567.2Holden BA, et al. Global Prevalence of Myopia and High Myopia and Temporal Trends from 2000 through 2050. Ophthalmology. 2016;123(5):1036-42.3Cooper Y. (2019, May 1). With Childhood Myopia Rates on the Rise, the American Optometric Association Highlights the Importance of Early Intervention through Annual Eye Exams. Retrieved from https://www.aoa.org/newsroom/myopia-rates-on-the-rise-syvm.4CooperVision data on file 2019. Myopia Awareness, The Harris Poll online survey 6/27/19 to 7/18/19 of n=313 ECPs (who see at least 1/month myopic child, age 8-15) in U.S. Slightly or significantly increased.5CooperVision data on file 2019. Myopia Awareness, The Harris Poll online survey 6/27/19 to 7/18/19 of n=313 ECPs (who see at least 1/month myopic child, age 8-15) in U.S. ODs (89%) and MDs (68%) strongly/somewhat agree.6Xu L, Wang Y, Wang S, Wang Y Jonas JB. 'High Myopia and Glaucoma Susceptibility: The Beijing Eye Study. Ophthalmology, 2007;114(2):216-20.7Flitcroft DI. The complex interactions of retinal, optical, and environmental factors in myopia aetiology Prog Retin Eye Res. 2012;31(6):622-660.8Chen SJ, et al. Prevalence and associated risk factors of myopic maculopathy in elderly Chinese: the Shihpai eye study. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2012;53(8):4868-4873.9Chen SJ, et al. High myopia as a risk factor in primary open angle glaucoma. Int J Ophthalmol. 2012; 5(6):750-753.10 Younan C, et al. Myopia and incident cataract and cataract surgery: the blue mountains eye study. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2002;43(3625-3632).

About CooperVisionCooperVision, a division of CooperCompanies (NYSE:COO), is one of the world's leading manufacturers of soft contact lenses. The Company produces a full array of daily disposable, two-week and monthly contact lenses, all featuring advanced materials and optics. CooperVision has a strong heritage of solving the toughest vision challenges such as astigmatism, presbyopia and childhood myopia; and offers the most complete collection of spherical, toric and multifocal products available. Through a combination of innovative products and focused practitioner support, the company brings a refreshing perspective to the marketplace, creating real advantages for customers and wearers. For more information, visitwww.coopervision.com.

About CooperCompaniesCooperCompanies ("Cooper") is a global medical device company publicly traded on the NYSE (NYSE:COO). Cooper operates through two business units,CooperVisionandCooperSurgical. CooperVision brings a refreshing perspective on vision care with a commitment to developing a wide range of high-quality products for contact lens wearers and providing focused practitioner support. CooperSurgical is committed to advancing the health of women, babies and families with its diversified portfolio of products and services focusing on medical devices and fertility & genomics. Headquartered in San Ramon, Calif., Cooper has a workforce of more than 12,000 with products sold in over 100 countries. For more information, please visitwww.coopercos.com.

Media Contacts

Consumer Media: EvolveMKD, [emailprotected] or +1-646-517-4220

Eyecare, Medical and Science Media: McDougall Communications,[emailprotected] or +1-585-478-4338 (mobile)

SOURCE CooperVision

https://coopervision.com

Visit link:
CooperVision Announces Sarah Michelle Gellar as Spokesperson to Increase Awareness of Myopia Management and the Brilliant Futures Program with MiSight...

(PRESS RELEASE) PLEASANTON, CA IrisVision, the leader in digital vision technologies, today announced it has partnered with the Seva Foundation to develop new technology that will democratize vision healthcare around the world.

Seva Foundation is a global non-profit organization that provides eye care services to underserved communities across the globe. Since 1978, Seva has provided sight-saving surgeries, medicine and other eye care services to more than 40 million people globally.

In the first phase of this unique public-private partnership, Seva will provide IrisVision with a grant of $200,000 to help create new technologies to treat vision impairment, and even prevent blindness, in less privileged parts of our world. IrisVision, which is best known as the creator of an award-winning VR solution that restores sight for those with vision impairments and is currently developing new telehealth applications for its vision care platform, will contribute its extensive R&D talent, leadership and resources to the initiative.

This partnership with IrisVision will help Seva to continue delivering cutting-edge science and technology in eye health and vision care to the worlds underserved communities, said Seva Executive Director Kate Moynihan. One of our key tenets has been to continue investing in technology that advances eye care for affected and at-risk communities, wherever they may be. When we saw the ground-breaking work IrisVision is already doing in low vision aids, virtual vision diagnostics and remote delivery of eye care, we knew they have the scientific, technical and leadership talent to take our work even further.

According to IrisVision CEO and Co-founder Ammad Khan, Partnering with such a respected and prestigious organization as the Seva Foundation is an honor. They have established the pathways over their 40 years of hard work to restore sight to more than five million people in communities across the globe. In turn, our technology can help these communities regain the life-changing gift of sight. Together, we can truly make a difference in the world.

Here is the original post:
Seva Foundation Partners with IrisVision to Democratize Vision Care Through Innovation - InvisionMag

A new study shows vision loss is almost twice as common among military veterans than among civilians and was independently associated with self-reported illicit drug use.

The results should trigger increased awareness among both behavioral and eye health specialists, study author Justin Tyler McDaniel, PhD, associate professor of Public Health at Southern Illinois University's School of Human Sciences, Carbondale, told Medscape Medical News.

"As behavioral health folks routinely screen for alcohol misuse and drug use, they potentially could do some vision screening and refer folks to an optometrist if necessary," McDaniel said.

Conversely, ophthalmology professionals "perhaps could begin to implement screening for drug use during routine visits for eye checkup," and refer those who screen positive, he said.

The paper was published online August 13 in BMJ Military Health.

Studies have uncovered numerous associations between substance abuse and ocular injuries. For example, some have linked cocaine and methamphetamine with corneal injuries, and others have tied opiates, cocaine, methamphetamine and "bath salts," synthetic recreational stimulants, to iris injuries.

Justin Tyler McDaniel, PhD

Vision impairment has been associated with other health behaviors and conditions as well, the researchers note, including HIV, hypertension, smoking, diabetes, poor diet, physical activity, cancer, depression, gum disease, and socioeconomic status.

The new study aimed to more closely assess these streams of research "to see if there's any association between drug use and vision loss," said McDaniel.

The study included 1578 randomly selected participants (1472 civilians and 106 military service members or veterans) in the 2013 to 2018 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). NHANES is a nationally representative survey of health and nutrition status among US residents.

Since NHANES doesn't interview institutionalized individuals, which would include those in active military service, "we assume that all our sample was veterans," who were retired from active duty and living in the community, said McDaniel.

Survey questions determined use of cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin, and of injection drug use. In addition to illicit drug use, study covariates included age, gender, race/ethnicity, education level, household income, blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, diet, sedentary time, health insurance, cancer history, depression, HIV status, and oral health.

The dependent variable was self-reported vision loss, which was obtained from the disability module in the NHANES. Respondents were asked if they are blind or have serious difficulty seeing even when wearing glasses.

The analysis showed that compared to civilians, veterans had a significantly higher prevalence of HIV-positive status (1.89% vs 0.41%; P = .038) and illicit drug use (20.75% vs 13.62%; P = .041).

While active military members tend to have lower rates of illicit drug use compared with civilians because of a "zero tolerance" policy and random drug testing, veterans retired from service may be dealing with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that "may be connected to beginning of illicit drug use," said McDaniel.

The rate of 1 in 5 veterans using illicit drugs seems high, but should be taken in context, said McDaniel, noting that the measure of illicit drug use in the survey is "quite broad."

"It could be someone who chronically uses illicit drugs or someone who just tried it one time," he noted.

More veterans in the study (8.49%) reported vision loss than civilians (4.48%). The higher prevalence of vision loss among veterans could be because of exposure to combat explosions, said McDaniel, but veterans also had more risk factors possibly linked to vision impairment.

For example, they had higher mean values of systolic blood pressure (125.8 vs 122.5 mm Hg), more pack years of cigarette smoking (8.29 vs 4.25), and more sedentary minutes per day (379.15 vs 337.07 min).

On the other hand, civilians had a higher prevalence of poor dietary habits; only 7.61% reported trying the MyPlate diet plan, which highlights elements of a healthy diet, vs 13.21% of veterans (P = .032).

In a model that adjusted for risk factors of vision loss including physical inactivity, diabetes, socioeconomic factors, and other health behaviors and conditions military service status (adjusted coefficient [aB] 0.91; P = .04) and illicit drug use (aB 0.72; P = .02) were associated with increased risk for vision loss. The next strongest predictor was HIV-positive status.

McDaniel stressed that the study shows only an association between drug use and vision loss, without determining from which direction the association is occurring.

"We have no way of inferring causation here," he said. "It could be that vision loss is a stressor that results in drug use, or it could be that a history of drug use leads to vision loss down the road."

McDaniel would like future research projects to determine where in the US veterans are most prone to illicit drug use and to vision loss. "Then we can begin to really refine and target some public health programming in those areas," he said.

"We could then maybe look at screening and brief interventions for service members who use drugs. And for vision loss, we could implement some sort of screening and vision rehabilitation programs."

Commenting on the study for Medscape Medical News, Kate Hendricks Thomas, PhD, from George Mason University's Department of Global and Community Health, Fairfax, Virginia, said the current study is a continuation of McDaniel's "interesting research" on the links between service experiences, behavioral health trends, and health outcomes among active military and veterans.

"The results of the present study are interesting in that they outline key predictor variables' influence on eye health," said Thomas.

"The study does a nice job of demonstrating empirically what we know about risk behaviors in military veterans," that they can lead to poorer health outcomes, said Thomas.

While substance abuse isn't the only behavior that can be correlated to poor eyesight, "in the present study, it demonstrated a strong enough link that screening veterans for addictive behaviors is warranted in the clinical setting."

The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. McDaniel and Thomas have disclosed no relevant financial relationships.

BMJ Mil Health. Published online August 13, 2020. Abstract

For more Medscape Psychiatry news, join us on Twitter and Facebook

Go here to see the original:
Illicit Drug Use Tied to Vision Loss - Medscape

Sunu Band on wrist

Foresight is wonderful in business but when robotics engineer Marco Trujillo and legally blind chemist and serial entrepreneur Dr. Fernando Albertorio launched the Sunu Band in 2018, they couldnt possibly have imagined the new normal lurking just around the corner.

The Sunu Band is an advanced mobility aid for the blind and severely sight impaired.

Worn like a watch or wristband, the device uses sonar and echolocation to detect objects in the wearers path and then provides haptic vibrations to supply information on proximity. The closer the object, the more frequent the vibrations, which then fade when the object is further away.

During the coronavirus pandemic, maintaining social distancing has been a major challenge for those with severe vision impairments, leaving many fearful of leaving their homes.

In the event that an emergency global hackathon for medical engineers was organized to identify a technological solution to this complex challenge, the device to emerge might well closely resemble the Sunu Band.

Via a paired mobile app, Sunu even allows the user to select the distance at which they wish to be alerted, which ranges from 1.5 to 5 meters.

The band has been likened to a radar or flashlight for those with sight loss, identifying objects when the sensor is angled in their direction. It may also be understood as a form of sense enhancing augmented reality with a tactile overlay, rather than the visual one commonly seen in mainstream AR devices.

As the pandemic wore on, the company began to receive an increasing number of reports from its customers about how helpful the band is for maintaining social distancing.

Social distancing is the use case that all our customers have been telling us about, says Albertorio.

They find it particularly helpful for standing in a queue and being alerted when the person in front is starting to move forward, as well as the avoidance of people and obstacles in the supermarket.

Resembling a Fitbit, the Sunu Band also features a lightweight, cosmetically acceptable form factor, a design challenge that appears to have perpetually dogged manufacturers of low vision wearables.

Sunu Band on Wrist

The device also offers safety benefits by allowing users to operate their smartphone directly through the band, while the phone itself is tucked away snugly.

Sunu Band began life in Guadalajara, Mexico in 2013 after Trujillo undertook a community project at a school for the blind. During this time, he developed a keen interest in the way in which blind children learn to navigate and noted the upper body injuries they often sustain bumping into obstacles.

Trullijos path was to cross with Albertorio a year later when Albertorio was a mentor at the 2014 MassChallenge, a Boston-based global accelerator and competition for innovative start-ups.

The Sunu Band went on to win a Gold Award there and also won the Perkins School for the Blind Technology Sidecar Prize, later winning a Global Elevate Award in 2016.

Prior to its market launch in 2018, Sunu also went through Y Combinator, a highly competitive Silicon Valley-based accelerator program.

Albertorio joined up with the fledgling company, not just as a serial tech entrepreneur but in his capacity as a legally blind individual.

He has albinism, which, in his case, results in severe light sensitivity and eye movement disorders.

The band is not envisaged as a replacement for a white cane or a guide dog but as an additional novel layer of sense enhancement.

The original use case considered was the avoidance of raised or overhead obstacles, anything not being picked up by a regular sweep of the cane.

Chris McNally, a low vision technology enthusiast, who was born with a form of Retinitis pigmentosa that severely impairs his ability to see in low light, is a dedicated user of the device and offers up some fascinating insights on how the band has remapped his senses.

When navigating, it feels like my brain has been so starved of information that when something new and useful is incorporated, it latches right on to it, he says.

Feedback from the band is now integrated so deeply into the way I move around; Im not even consciously thinking about the new input coming in anymore.

As I sweep back and forth, he continues, Im sensing walls and doorways. If I feel it pulsing faster, I know its a person coming at me, which is awesome, particularly because of the situation with Covid.

This sense enhancing aspect is something which Katrina Best, an Orientation and Mobility Specialist based in Collier County, Florida working with school children and adults living with sight loss has also noted.

I was working with a client in his fifties who is now totally blind and I wanted to try out the Sunu Band with him, she says.

We walked to a restaurant and I put it on him and he chuckled because he could suddenly tell when the waitress was walking past and ignoring us. The wearer can really feel when people are walking around them.

I feel like its a tool for independence, she continues. Too often, students I see in grade schools and older adults tend to just rely on others.

In terms of a future pipeline, the interoperability of the hardware with a dedicated smartphone app means the opportunities to expand functionality are limitless.

This may include more granular mapping and guidance for blind people, even down to a street furniture level, and as a platform technology, further integration with third-party apps, such as Be My Eyes or even Uber.

As a company, we want to challenge certain societal perceptions where people with disabilities are viewed as helpless, says Albertorio.

We believe wearable technologies that can augment human abilities have a big role to play in creating equity for disabled people through bridging the information gap and empowering and enhancing the senses.

Over the socially distanced shorter term, the company is exploring other use cases for the Sunu Band. This could include individuals with suppressed immune systems seeking an extra level of protection when out and about.

There may also be mainstream applications for employees wishing to monitor distancing in closed or crowded working environments, such as in the hospitality sector, or for certain leisure activities where vision is reduced, like caving.

The Sunu Band may not quite yet feature all the bells and whistles of the Apple Watch but priced at $299 (three quarters of the price of the tech giants device), it offers those who could benefit so much more.

After all, innovative assistive technology devices are more than just cool gadgets to enjoy. They hack the human operating system at a fundamental level and can, thereby, promote unique and personalized modalities for independence.

Excerpt from:
Sunu Band The Smart Wearable Helping Blind People Maintain Social Distance - Forbes

Age-old advice on how to look after your heart also applies to staving off eye disease and sight loss, a new study claims.

US researchers have linked good cardiovascular health from a healthy diet, regular exercise and not smoking with lower odds for ocular diseases.

This includes diabetic retinopathy, a condition caused by high blood sugar levels damaging the retina that can lead to blindness and cataracts, when the lens develops cloudy patches.

Earlier studies have observed associations between eye diseases and individual lifestyle factors such as smoking, obesity or hypertension, said study author Duke Appiah at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in the US.

It is known that these metrics of ideal cardiovascular health do not work alone and may interact additively to result in diseases.

However, prior to our research, no other studies have comprehensively evaluated the association of all of the metrics of ideal cardiovascular health with ocular diseases.

Globally, about 2.2 billion people suffer from ocular diseases leading to vision impairment or blindness, but aroundhalf of these cases could have been prevented.

The leading causes of vision impairment or blindness are diabetic retinopathy, cataract, age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma.

Most ocular diseases show few symptoms at early stages and many people may not seek medical care despite readily available treatments.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation between the American Heart Associations prescription prescription for health metric, known as Lifes Simple Seven (LS7), and the occurrence of ocular diseases

LS7 is based on the status of seven cardiovascular disease risk factors not smoking, regular physical activity, healthy diet, maintaining normal weight and controlling cholesterol, blood pressure and blood glucose levels.

Following healthy lifestyle and behaviour habits can all contribute to good cardiovascular health as assessed by LS7.

Investigators evaluated data from 6,118 adults aged 40 or more years old who took part in the 2005-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

The average age of participants was 57 years old, 53 percent of whom were women.

Scores were summed for a maximum of 14, which indicated the most ideal level of cardiovascular health.

A one-unit increase in LS7 scores was associated with reduced odds for age-related macular degeneration by 95 per cent, diabetic retinopathy (68 per cent), cataracts (94 per cent) and glaucoma (94 per cent).

Individuals with optimal cardiovascular health had 97 percent lower odds for diabetic retinopathy compared to individuals with inadequate cardiovascular health.

Overall, we believe that primary prevention and early detection approaches of ocular diseases are important, considering that over half of all deaths from ocular diseases and cardiovascular diseases are known to be preventable, said co-investigator Noah De La Cruz at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.

Since there is a overlap of the risk factors for ocular diseases and cardiovascular disease, the investigators recommended that screening for ocular diseases be incorporated into existing screenings for cardiovascular diseases.

We hope that our study findings will encourage adherence to healthy lifestyles in order to prevent these age-related diseases while also leading to increased collaborations between cardiologists, optometrists, and ophthalmologists in order to better prevent cardiovascular and ocular diseases, said Dr Appiah.

The study has been published in The American Journal of Medicine.

Visit link:
Healthy heart linked with low risk of eye disease and sight loss - Brinkwire

A man who has been told he may be permanently blinded in one eye after he was struck with glass in Lincoln fears he may also be left homeless.

Kane Lilleyman suffered a serious injury to his eye after he was allegedly attacked in Baggholme Road close to the junction with Croft Street in the Monks Road area at around 11pm on July 28.

And if the thought of never regaining his vision in one eye wasnt enough to comprehend, the 29-year-old is now seriously concerned that he could soon be without a roof over his head.

Mr Lilleyman owns and lives on a houseboat, but is what he calls a continuous cruiser meaning he has to keep moving the boat because he doesnt have a place to permanently moor the vessel.

However, the loss of his sight means he no longer feels able to move the boat safely and it is has also meant he has had to give up his job of jewellery making.

As a result of not moving the boat, he is infringing the terms of his boating licence and because he can no longer do his job, he doesnt have the income to be able to fund the money needed for a permanent mooring.

He told Lincolnshire Live : I am too scared to move it [the boat] because I cant tell how far the bank is from my boat, so when it comes to parking I cant tell if Im close enough to jump off or if I am too close to risk sinking via crashing.

I could face losing my boat because Ill be breaching the terms of my licence and now that Ive lost all forms of my income, I cannot afford to get a home registered mooring for the boat.

I am stuck in an extremely anxious catch 22 position and I cant see any way out of this mess.

Mr Lilleyman says it is hard not to get down as his injury has completely changed his life.

He said: I am depressed and very anxious because I am unable to move my houseboat and I have to move it by law to keep in accordance with my licence.

I am unable to continue with my jewellery making because I have no depth perception.

I cant ride my motorcycle anymore either because it is my traffic side that has been damaged.

On the whole I am pretty depressed. This has ruined most aspects of my life.

Friends have stepped in to help and have set up a Gofundme page to raise the money needed to pay the licence fees and avoid the boat being confiscated as well as then the funds for a permanent mooring.

Mr Lilleyman says he is praying the situation can be sorted as he cant bear the thought of having to give up his dream life on the water.

He said: If I cant get a permanent mooring, Ill be forced to sell the boat.

I cant face living on land. Ive been here for eight years and the water means absolutely everything to me.

Police are investigating the incident that led to Mr Lilleymans injury.

A man has been arrested on suspicion of GBH with intent but has been released pending further investigation.

A force spokesperson said: A 29-year-oldmanwas struck by a glass on Baggholme Road at the junction with Croft Street at 11pm on July 28.

The victim sustained an injury to his eye and it is thought he will not regain his sight.

This is an active police investigation and a 19-year-oldmanwas arrested. He has since been released under investigation.

Any witnesses to this incident should call 101 quoting incident 513 of July 28. To make an anonymous report, please contact CrimeStoppers.

To view the Gofundme page click here

Continue reading here:
Man fears he could be left homeless as well as blind in one eye after 'attack' in Lincoln - LincolnshireLive

AN opticians is advising residents to look after their eyesight as a socially distanced work and social life means more time spent looking at screens.

Scrivens Opticians and Hearing Care, in Dovercourt, is encouraging locals to get their eyes tested after 57 per cent of people it surveyed said eye strain has been a side effect from living a virtual life during the coronavirus pandemic.

The study - carried out by OnePoll - also found many people aged 55 and over needed to re-evaluate their approach to looking after their vision.

Results showed just a fifth of those in this age group were concerned about the possible side effects of blue light on their vision - compared to half of those aged 18 to 24.

Blue light is a colour in the visible light spectrum that can be seen by human eyes - it is all around us.

The light produces higher amounts of energy and can cause eye strain, physical and mental fatigue and headaches for prolonged use of electronic devices or computers.

Claire Lethbridge, branch manager, said: As we are spending much more time using screens to communicate with colleagues, friends and family, the strain on our eyes is intense, so its vital that we give as much priority to booking an eye test as we do to taking up half price meal offers.

The same study revealed that half of the 2,000 people polled are apprehensive about booking an appointment in the wake of the pandemic.

Ms Lethbridge added: We have taken every possible precaution to make sure our store is safe for customers and for staff too.

Its so important that we take care of our eyesight and go for regular checks every two years, as they are the window to our general health too, as an eye test can detect so much more than a deterioration in our vision.

Tips for avoiding eye strain:

View post:
Why we are suffering more from eye strain, and how to help prevent it - Clacton and Frinton Gazette

Xilinx Automotive-Qualified (XA) Zynq UltraScale+ Multi-Processor System-On-A-Chip (MPSoC)

Auto makers have been continually updating and augmenting their vehicle line-ups with new, leading-edge technologies as they lay the foundation for future, fully-autonomous vehicles. Though the field is advancing rapidly, were not quite there yet. Technologies being introduced today, however, inch us ever closer to that fully-autonomous future and enhance current vehicles with additional capabilities to improve safety, comfort, or both.

Such is the case with Subaru and its upcoming Levorg. Subaru just announced that it has partnered with Xilinx to enable the Levorg with a leading-edge, vision-based ADAS system (Advanced Driver Assistance System) using stereo cameras, dubbed EyeSight. Subarus EyeSight system will enable new features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist and pre-collision braking to name just a few.

At Subaru, we continuously strive to make the Subaru brand prominent in our customers hearts and minds by focusing our efforts on providing Enjoyment and Peace of Mind, and we believe ADAS is one of the technologies that will help us achieve that goal, said Tetsuo Fujinuki, chief technology officer, Subaru Corporation. Stereo cameras are at the heart of Subarus ADAS applications. Unlike common approaches, the image processing technology adopted in our new generation system scans everything captured by stereo cameras and creates high-precision 3D point clouds, enabling us to offer advanced features such as pre-collision braking at an intersection and assisting with hands-off driving in traffic congestion on a highway. Xilinx technology plays an important role in this. Because Xilinx automotive devices contain built-in capabilities that allow us to meet strict ASIL requirements, they are unquestionably the best technology to implement Subarus new ADAS vision system.

The Automotive Safety Integrity Level, or ASIL, is a risk classification system defined by the ISO 26262 standard for the functional safety of road vehicles.

Xilinx ADAS And AD Features

Subarus EyeSight system is built around the Xilinx Automotive-qualified (XA) Zynq UltraScale+ multi-processor system-on-a-chip (MPSoC). The XA Zynq UltraScale+ is a 16-nanometer product that enables high-speed data aggregation, pre-processing, and distribution (DAPD), as well as compute acceleration for L2+ to L4 ADAS and autonomous driving (AD) applications. The XA Zynq UltraScale+ is capable of processing stereo images and data captured by the Subaru EyeSight systems cameras and sensors into 3D point clouds with the low latency, which are used to dynamically react to the environment.

Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+ High-Level Block Diagram.

We are excited to see Xilinx automotive devices enabling the new generation of automotive safety for Subaru, said Yousef Khalilollahi, vice president of sales, Asia-Pacific region, Xilinx. Subarus name has long been synonymous with road safety and reliability, and were proud that our XA products have been selected to continue our shared vision of providing drivers with the most advanced safety features on the market.

The Subaru Levorg, featuring the auto makers next-gen EyeSight ADAS system will be available for pre-orders in Japan starting tomorrow (August 20).

Read more from the original source:
Subaru Taps Xilinx For Its New EyeSight Vision-Based Advanced Driver-Assistance System - Forbes