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As Lou Tomososki and a friend walked home from Marshall High School in Oregon one afternoon in 1962, they gazed up at the sky. For weeks, everyone had been talking about the partial solar eclipse and the teens wanted to witness it. For a few seconds, they looked at the sun as a sliver of the moon slid over its surface.

While watching, he saw flashes of light, much like he would after having a picture taken with a camera with a flashbulb. He had no idea those flickers would lead to permanent damage.

We both got burned at the same time, Tomososki told TODAY. He got the left eye and I got the right eye.

During a partial eclipse in 1962, Lou Tomososki and his friend looked at the sun. They both experienced eye damage because of it.

While Tomososkis teachers warned him to use a pinhole projector box, which creates a reflection of the eclipse for safe viewing, he didnt heed the warning. Even today, the 70-year-old Oregon City man struggles to see if he relies only on his right eye.

We were just doing it for a short time, he said. I have a little blind spot in the center of my right eye.

Tomososki has been sharing his story because he worries people will look directly at the sun on Monday during the Great American Eclipse.

Millions of people out there are going to be looking out at it How many of them are going to say, Something happened to my eyes? he said. That makes me sick.

While his vision problem hasnt held him back, Tomososki wishes he would have known better than to look directly at a partially eclipsed sun.

Nothing has changed," he said. Its doesnt get any worse or better.

Fifty-five years after looking at the sun during a partial solar eclipse, Tomososki still has vision problems.

What Tomososki experienced is called solar retinopathy damage caused to the retina from looking at the sun. It's a pinpoint of blindness, often in the middle of the eye. People often experience it after looking at an eclipse because they mistakenly think that the suns rays arent as powerful since the sun is partially covered.

"Anyone who stares at the sun can get this blind spot, said Dr. Russell N. Van Gelder, a professor of ophthalmology at University of Washington School of Medicine and clinical spokesman for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. When you know that you have a problem is if that blind spot has not gone away (the next day)."

Eclipse fever: Cities along 'path of totality' prepare for flood of tourists Play Video - 2:50

Eclipse fever: Cities along 'path of totality' prepare for flood of tourists Play Video - 2:50

In half of patients with it, the blind spot diminishes. The other half experience the damage their entire lives. Thats why ophthalmologists urge people to never look at the sun even while wearing sunglasses.

It is never safe to look directly at the sun, Van Gelder said. The only way to treat solar retinopathy right now is to prevent it and not stare at the sun during the eclipse.

Those in areas experiencing the full eclipse can safely look directly at the sun at precisely one moment.

When the disc of the moon has completely blocked out the sun and the corona of the sun is visible, it is safe to look at the corona, Van Gelder said. The second the sun comes out, the eclipse glasses have to go back on.

Eclipse sunglasses warning: Beware fakes that won't protect your eyes Play Video - 4:01

Eclipse sunglasses warning: Beware fakes that won't protect your eyes Play Video - 4:01

Van Gelder recommends people refer to American Astronomical Associations website to find ISO-certified eclipse glasses.

He also stresses the light can damage a cell phone cameras sensors and says people need to use glasses over the sensor to take pictures of the eclipse.

You can burn out your camera in the cell phone just like your retina, he said.

For his part, Tomososki hopes people learn from his story and protect themselves.

I am just so concerned that somebody isnt going to listen, he said. I am going to be out in the eclipse, but I am not going to look at the sun at any circumstances, even in the totality."

The rest is here:
Man with eye damage from 1962 eclipse: Don't make the same mistake I did - Today.com

New York Daily News

Doctors warn New Yorkers not to be tempted to view solar eclipse with unprotected eyes New York Daily News As New Yorkers awaited the celestial wonder, experts were warning not to gaze at the sun with unprotected eyes or risk serious vision damage. The eclipse, where the moon covers the sun, is set to start at 1:23 p.m. and last until 4 p.m., peaking at 2 ...

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Doctors warn New Yorkers not to be tempted to view solar eclipse with unprotected eyes - New York Daily News

Just about everything we want and don't have is on the other side of what we fear.

The more money we want is on the other side of the thoughts of investing more hours and working harder. It's on the other side of asking for the order and the fear of being rejected.

The loving relationship we seek eludes us as we fear being laughed at and dismissed. That fear could come from asking the person we find attractive out on a first date.

The better health or more fitness we desire is on the other side of the fear of giving up the foods we enjoy, being uncomfortable during a workout, or subjecting ourselves to the critical scrutiny by others at the gym.

Unless we are willing to endure being uncomfortable for a period of time, to achieve what we really want, we won't do what it takes to get there and we slip into the trap of settling for what we don't really want.

To get what we desire we must develop a clear vision of what we truly desire for ourself. The more clear it is, the more we will find our way to trusting it will come about as we do what we must to make it happen.

We have all heard of the numerous obstacles that had to be overcome by people that accomplished great things. Nothing great was ever accomplished in a person's comfort zone. They had to endure hanging out outside of their comfort zone as they did what was needed to succeed. Where they found their comfort was in their vision that resided on the other side of whatever they feared.

The Wright Brothers, Walt Disney, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Martin Luther King, Jr., Mahatma Gandhi all had a vision or a dream of a what was possible for the world. Each of them and others that achieved greatness were willing to endure the failures and setbacks that would pave the way to the other side.

To have a vision you must be visionary. To be visionary you must know when to trust acting from your insight and not just your eyesight. To be short sighted is to only rely on your eyesight. It may not allow you to see past what you fear. To have a vision activates your insight and empowers you to see past your fear.

Rather than permitting your current fear to employ your power and hold you back, I invite you to make a committed decision, regardless of how difficult it may be for a period of time, to get a vision of what you desire and move through what you fear.

Make it up, make it fun, and get it done!

No. 1 bestselling author Machen P. MacDonad, CPCC, CCSC is a certified life and business coach with ProBrilliance Leadership Institute in Grass Valley. He helps business people gain more confidence and clarity to live their ideal life. He can be reached at coach@probrilliance.com and 530-273-8000

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Machen MacDonald: Trust your vision - The Union of Grass Valley

New research has revealed the world is going blind at an alarmingly fast pace.

There are currently 36 million blind people around the world, but that number is set to reach 115 million by 2050.

Optometrists say the numbers are shocking considering many of the conditions that lead to blindness, such as glaucoma, are preventable.

They call glaucoma the sneaky thief of sight because its painless, resident optometrist at Optometry Australia Luke Arundel told Starts at 60.

It can affect one eye at a time, but because we walk around with both eyes open we often wont notice it until its too late.

Similarly, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is the leading cause of blindness for over-55s in developing countries, can damage vision beyond repair if not properly treated in the early stages.

AMD affects the macular or centre of the eye and causes blurring of central vision, blind spots and distortion or warping of straight lines.

Arundel says that along with ageing, lifestyle factors can also have a profound effect on eyesight.

Some of symptoms are changes due to ageing, but there are also things that accelerate ageing changes, things like UV damage, smoking and diet, he says.

Its never too late to protect from UV, which also accelerates cataract formation and ageing at the macular.

We know smoking is bad for pretty much everything, but many people dont realise it also increases your risk of blindness.

And diet is very important. A diet rich in antioxidants not just carrots!

Arundel says the best way to avoid blindness is through regular eye checks.

Go out there and get an eye test. Its painless and its simple.

Both glaucoma and ADM can be treated with daily drops or injections that slow the process of the conditions and help prolong eyesight for longer.

Arundel says both conditions are easy to detect and treat, but it takes patients being vigilant enough to visit their optometrist regularly.

See the rest here:
Eye health warning as blindness set to triple worldwide - Starts at 60

The American Declaration of Independence claimed that certain basic human rights were obvious. Yet what is obvious to some is in reality obscure and unknown to many others. Because of this, the Torah emphasizes the obvious in this weeks Torah reading. The choice between death in this world and the next, and life eternal life, no less, should be obvious. The Torah in fact states that seeing this will lead to a correct choice. But one needs to see them objectively and rationally.

People, who make poor choices, do so on the basis of emotion, desire, foolishness and illusory hopes and false ideas. These are the products of distorted vision - the inability to see things clearly. Only clear vision can lead to wise and correct choices. The commandments that the Torah enjoins us to observe are a form of corrective lenses to aid us in seeing things clearly and accurately.

People have to pass an eye and vision test in order to be able to legally operate an automobile. How much more so is an eye and vision test necessary when life and death itself is in question?People have to pass an eye and vision test in order to be able to legally operate an automobile. How much more so is an eye and vision test necessary when life and death itself is in question? The Torah advises us to always choose life. This is the basis for all Jewish society throughout our long and sometimes very painful history. It is obvious that one should always choose life. But we must always be reminded even of the obvious. We should never underestimate the power of distorted vision which causes untold damage to our own selves.

The final gift, so to speak, that the Lord granted to our teacher Moshe was that he was able to see the Land of Israel and the story of the Jewish people throughout history. The Torah teaches us that imagination is a form of seeing. What we see from this is that seeing in the minds eye is also a legitimate form of sight.

The Jewish people survived on the basis of imagination for all of the centuries of our exile and dispersion. We always imagined Jerusalem and the Temple, the Land of Israel and the ingathering of the exiles to their ancient homeland. When imagination wanes, so does our hope and creativity. Of course imagined reality may not completely coincide with the actuality of the human condition and circumstance. But without the original power of imagination of seeing things in our mind and heart and not only with our actual physical eyes one will never advance to actually seeing the desired goal.

That is why the Torah emphasizes time and again the importance of seeing things correctly, both in imaginary and in actual sight. The prophets of Israel fired our imagination with their visions of the future redemption of the Jewish people and humanity generally. We have seen some of these visions fulfilled in our times and in front of our very eyes, if we are but wise enough to see things accurately. The importance of this kind of sight is never to be minimized.

Continue reading here:
Re'eh: Sight and vision - Arutz Sheva

In two short weeks, the moon will completely cover the sun and the suns atmosphere will be visible. Its a total eclipse, and its what NASA calls one of natures most awe-inspiring sights.

Although those in the Miami area will only see a 72 percent eclipse the path sprawls from Salem, Oregon, to Charleston, South Carolina looking into the partial eclipse can still be dangerous to the naked eye.

Dr. Harry Flynn, a 39-year ophthalmologist at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, said the sun rays can cause damage to the eye when it focuses on the retina, burns it and creates a permanent scar in the center of vision.

Flynn said the burn can damage all layers of the retina. The burn often results in permanent and irreversible loss of eyesight.

The reason for this emphasis on eye protection is that people who are uninformed or perhaps children may be fascinated by the event and look at the sun for a period of time without understanding the risk and the potential for damage to their vision, said Flynn, who also teaches about the retina and vitreous at University of Miamis Miller School of Medicine.

Solar damage wipes out macular pigments, which can cause permanent vision loss.

Read more:
Here's how you can protect your eyes from damage during the total eclipse - Miami Herald

A pregnant woman lost her vision after performing a downward pose during a prenatal yoga session.

Found to reduce the risk of developing anxiety and depression, as well as providing good preparation for breathing, yoga has long been hailed as a popular form of exercise for women during pregnancy.

But, if a new medical case report is anything to go by, in some cases it could actually do more harm than good.

Revealed in the BMJ Case Reports, a 35-year-old woman at 27 weeks gestation thought to be from Leicester experienced severalweeks of vision loss caused by straining as she stretched into a downward pose.

The position -which causes a rush of blood to the head -is said to be responsible for her valsalva retinopathy (VR).

And, while doctors confirm that VR has been linked with certain yoga exercises such as pranayama - controlled breathing to their knowledge a case like this has not been reported in the literature associated with yoga.

A condition associated with extreme straining, VR is known to occur during labour but can also strike from fairly harmless actions.

While its unclear where the patient attended her class, her VR symptoms are thought to have occurred almost immediately after striking the pose which saw her head being stretched downwards below her bottom.

She was taken to hospital at Leicester Royal Infirmary where doctors noticed a large floater in her left eye.

Fortunately, at a five month follow up it was revealed that the woman had undergone a healthy delivery and that her vision loss had resolved.

Doctors say that prognosis of the bizarre condition is variable, but that the majority of cases report excellent recoveries.

So, is it really safe to practice yoga while pregnant?

Well, according to the NHS keeping up your normal level of exercise during pregnancy is absolutely fine and can actually make it easier for you to adapt to your changing shape.

That being said, pregnant women are advised against contact sports such as scuba diving, judo and exercising at altitude.

More:
Pregnant woman loses vision after performing downward yoga pose - The Independent

While there is a lot of excitement surrounding the total solar eclipse that will cross into North Georgia on Aug. 21, many have expressed concerns about eye safety when looking directly at the sun during this once-in-a-generation event.

So is it really dangerous to look directly at an eclipse? Can it cause blindness? Actually, yes.

Its not going to make the vision go completely black as in black blindness, but it makes it to where it is a severe vision loss permanently, said Dr. Elizabeth Ellison, an optometrist with Gainesville Eye Associates. Blind is vision of 20-200 or worse for the state of Georgia for driving and such. ... Theyll just be able to see light.

Ellison and her husband, Dr. Stephen Ellison, also an optometrist at Gainesville Eye Associates, shared information and tips for those interested in watching the eclipse. The eye condition most associated with people who suffer damage from watching an eclipse is solar retinopathy.

Thats when a high amount of sunlight or UV can damage the retina, Stephen Ellison said. You can get that anytime just looking at the sun, but we see a spike in it around eclipses because everyones looking at the sun. Even just a few seconds can cause permanent damage.

The center part of our retina is called the macula and that is responsible for reading and seeing peoples faces and having 20-20 vision, Elizabeth Ellison said. Thats the part that gets affected in solar retinopathy. When you first look directly at the sun, what happens is it damages the center part. Its permanent. Theres no way we can treat it.

Stephen Ellison added the condition affects the central spot in your vision and can also change your color vision overall.

If thats damaged, your color vision is going to be off, he said. It will definitely alter your color vision.

While Ellisons havent seen cases of solar retinopathy as a result of looking directly in the sun, they said some of their fellow eye doctors have. They have seen cases where welders suffered eye injuries that cause similar effects.

If they arent using their proper eye protection or shield and theyre trying to weld just closing their eyes or using their sunglasses, its the same effect, Stephen Ellison said. They have all that light coming in that can damage the retina.

With solar retinopathy, the effects come 12 to 24 hours after the event. The welders, when they have their eyes injured, its not right after theyre doing the welding; its that night or the next day that they notice it. You dont really know how much damage is being done at that moment, so thats why you have to be very careful.

While he said the safest option is not to look at the sun during an eclipse, Stephen Ellison said using approved eclipse glasses is a way to look at the sun during the event without damaging eyes. He said the glasses should meet the requirements for the ISO 12312-2 safety standard, which is approved by NASA. He said the glasses are darker than sunglasses and provide the needed eye protection.

The approved glasses are being sold both online and in stores, although several local stores said this week they were out of the glasses but may be getting more before Aug. 21. A public event about the eclipse is scheduled for Aug. 20 from 1-4 p.m. at the planetarium at the University of North Georgias Dahlonega campus where approved glasses will be given away until all are gone. In addition, the UNG Gainesville campus and Lanier Technical College will be giving away glasses to students Aug. 21 just before the eclipse starts.

Stephen Ellison said another way to watch is through a pinhole projector made from a two pieces of paper or stiff white cardboard. After cutting a pinhole in the paper or cardboard, he said a person can hold it toward the sun and it projects an image down on the ground. So, you can see the eclipse without actually looking at it, he said.

Both recommended against using a camera or binoculars to photograph or look at the sun during an eclipse.

The rest is here:
Don't eclipse your eyesight; take precautions to view celestial event - Gainesville Times

Opening our eyes each morning and seeing the shapes and colours around us is something we often take for granted. We neglect to appreciate good eyesight until those shapes and colours start to get blurry. Even then we tend to ignore the signs which can lead to much bigger problems, especially if were behind the wheel.

In fact, studies show that up to one in five middle-aged drivers are taking to the road knowing their eyesight is not as good as it should be.So, how do you know if youre one of them?

According to British law, you must be able to read the new-style number plate on a car from a distance of 20 metres. This can be done with glasses or contact lenses youre prescribed.

If you cant, youre not only endangering your own life and the lives of others on the road, youre also breaking the law. Driving with untreated vision is an offence and can cost you a fine of up to 1,000, plus penalty points and possible disqualification.

Even if you do pass the number plate test, loss of vision in one eye, loss of peripheral vision and double vision can severely affect your ability to drive. They can cause difficulty in reading road signs, maintaining lane position and driving at night.

To minimise dangers, the Royal National Institute of Blind People and Specsavers suggest everyone should have an eye examination at least once every two years.

As some eye disorders dont show symptoms in the early stages, initial diagnosis is the key to good eye health.

And thats not only to keep you safe on the roads, but also to detect any underlying eye condition such as cataracts or glaucoma.

Glaucoma is currently the leading cause of irreversible blindness across the world. But its more easily managed the earlier it is detected.

In addition, eye tests can also pick up on more serious medical problems including diabetes and high blood pressure, which with early diagnosis can be treated.

Developing an eye condition can occur at any age. However, some groups of people may be at a higher risk, depending on age (those over 60) or family history.

If you notice any changes in your eyesight, dont ignore the signs and have it checked out by an optician. Visit specsavers.co.uk/eye-health to book an appointment today

Read more from the original source:
Keep your eyes on the road and your sight in check - Evening Standard

by: Wendy CoronaUpdated: Aug 10, 2017 - 6:39 PM

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. - Community members in Cherokee County are coming together to help a girl who is losing her eyesight.

Earlier this year, doctors diagnosed 10-year-old Lucie Ray with Stargardtsdisease.

That was pretty crushing, said Lucies father, Beau Ray.

The condition damages the retina and leads to the deterioration of central vision.

Lucie Ray is a sixth-grader at ET Booth Middle School in Woodstock.

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Shes an avid softball player and a member of the Georgia Trouble traveling team.

At softball, the ball would just not be there, it would just be blacked out to me, said Lucie Ray.

Members of Lucies softball team, Cherokee County businesses and other members of the community now are raising money for a special, high-tech pair of glasses from the company E-Sight.

They can actually move the screens inside the visor so that it projects the image into the peripheral vision around the blind spots, Beau Ray said.

The father of one of Lucies classmates is organizing a fundraiser Thursday evening at Reformation Brewery in Woodstock from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

If you would like to donate to Lucies fund, click here.

2017 Cox Media Group.

Read more here:
Community raises money for special glasses for girl losing eyesight - WSB Atlanta

by: Casey McNerthneyUpdated: Aug 11, 2017 - 9:47 AM

A 59-year-old man is one of two people able to see again thanks to cornea donations from a man who died last month on Mount Rainier.

Michael Naiman was 42 when he died July 16, shortly after summiting Mount Rainier for a second time. Rangers descended approximately 150 feet to retrieve his body, but he died from the fall into a crevasse on the Emmons Glacier.

Naiman was taken to the Pierce County Medical Examiners office, where staff started the organ donation process.

It was comforting, relative Josh Trujillo said of receiving the notification letter Monday from SightLife, a global health organization. We knew that the donation was happening, but we didnt know wed be reached out to.

Naiman, family said, would be so proud to know his final gift was helping others.

The cornea is the clear part of the eye over the iris and pupil, and last year there were more than 82,000 cornea transplants, according to a government site about organ donation.

Corneas can be damaged by eye disease, injury or birth defects. Blood types with donors and recipients dont have to match, and age, eyesight, and eye color also arent factors, according to the site. The white part of the eye, called the sclera, also can be donated for operations to rebuild an eye.

Mike always put himself in places where he was seeing extraordinary things, Trujillo said. Whether he was diving with whales or climbing tall mountains or spending time with his family and friends. Whoever was gifted sight by Mikes donation should know that those eyes have seen many amazing things.

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Naiman grew up with his father in the mountains of northern New Mexico, often in a teepee or their sheltered truck. He was a woodsman from an early age, and Naimans father taught him how to fish and find sticks for their wood stove.

He graduated from Albuquerque High School in 1994 and after moving to Seattle lived on a 38-foot wooden yacht on Lake Union.

Naiman graduated from Seattle University in 2012 and worked as a diagnostic sonographer at Northwest Hospital. He also spent years as a professional photographer.

He was happy with little, he was happy with more, friend Michael Dietrich wrote on Facebook shortly after Naimans death. Natural confidence grants you that ability to enjoy life as is. And if you have that you will always shine, as Michael did more abundantly than most anybody I ever knew.

Naiman summited Mount Baker and Mount Adams and went to the crater of Mt. St. Helens. But the climb he loved more than all the others was Mount Rainier a place his parents also loved.

Naiman is survived by a large family including his parents, Mark Naiman and Sheila Bjeletich, and brothers Aryn and Dan Daly. Aryn Daly is planning a trip to summit Mount Rainier next year.

Family asked that in lieu of flowers, friends donate to Mount Rainier search and rescue operations. To sign up as an organ donor in any state, follow this link.

Naiman, family said, would love to see others have that same smile he had on the summit.

Finally realizing the longtime goal of climbing the tallest volcano in the contiguous U.S. was made even sweeter by sharing it with two great friends, Naiman wrote to his climbing partners after their first summit.

Thank you both for helping me realize a major dream.

2017 Cox Media Group.

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Eye donations from man who died on Mount Rainier restores vision for 2 people - KIRO Seattle

Although three in four respondents (76 percent) said sight is the most important sense, findings from the survey of 1,000 US parents revealed their attitudes don't match their actions for themselves and their kids. According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), kids should have a first comprehensivevision assessment at six months to ensure the eyes are working together and to detect any vision problems early; followed by a comprehensive eye exam at three years old, five years old, and annually throughout the school years. However, one in five parents (21 percent) did not take their kids to the eye doctor for the first time until they were school age (at least five years old). Additionally, one in 10 (13 percent) has never taken their child(ren) to the eye doctor.

"It may seem surprising, but kids who can't read or even speak yet can still have a comprehensive eye exam. The connection between eyes and the brain starts early. As an optometrist and a mom of school age children myself, I encourage parents to prioritize back-to-school eye exams, the same way you wouldn't miss a dentist or pediatrician visit," said Dr. Mary Anne Murphy, OD, owner and practitioner of Front Range Eye Associates in Denver and Board member at VSP Global. "Kids don't know what's normal and what's not when it comes to eye health. When vision problems aren't identified early, kids will be at a disadvantage before they even start kindergarten."

The survey uncovered other key barriers that prevent parents from getting an annual eye exam for their children.

Parents incorrectly assume school or pediatric vision screenings are the same as a comprehensive eye exam. More than one-third (37 percent) of moms said they skipped eye exams because their kids already have their eyes checked in school. Vision screenings only test for distance vision and visual sharpness, and can miss up to 80 percent of vision problems, including serious conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye), which can lead to vision loss if not treated. A child can easily pass a vision screening, but not be able to see well enough to read a book. During a comprehensive eye exam, optometrists look at things a school vision screening will not, such as family medical history, the overall health of the eyes, how the eyes work together, and their ability to focus. Additionally, an annual eye exam can improve more than just eyesight. Optometrists can detect other health problems including diabetes and hypertension.

Parents are delaying eye exams and vision insurance until kids start school.One in four parents surveyed didn't take their children to the eye doctor until they were at least five years old, and vision insurance may have something to do with it. For 23 percent of moms surveyed, obtaining visioninsurance is the biggest barrier to taking their kids for an eye exam. However, 30 percent said having vision insurance would motivate them to change that. Only 11 percent of kids join the family's vision insurance plan at birth according to VSP claims data. Even though many common vision problems are detectable from infancy, most parents start using their vision benefits for their kids when they reach school age. VSP findings show 45 percent of kids have had an eye exam above the age of six, compared to 10 percent for those between ages zero and five. This is a missed opportunity given that 90 percent of brain development occurs between birth and five years old. Long before most kids step foot into a classroom, the foundation is being laid for a lifetime of learning, and without proper vision, that foundation is weaker than it should be.

They're more apt to take kids to the eye doctor when something is wrong, instead of going proactively. Among parents who do not bring their children to the eye doctor annually, 72 percent of moms and 48 percent of dads said they would be motivated to do so if their child complains of discomfort or changes in vision. Just like the rest of the body, a child's eyesight can change in just a year in some cases it can mean the difference between needing glasses or not. Yearly eye exams can help parents and their children stay on top of vision and prescription changes.

"You don't have to wait for back-to-school season to get your child an eye exam. But if your kids haven't had their annual eye exam this year, or at all, now is a great time to do so," said Dr. Murphy. "Kids use their vision throughout the school day, while doing homework and during sports and games. Optometrists are here to partner with parents, teachers and school nurses to stay on top of vision changes and make sure kids have the resources they need to do their best in school."

How Parents 'See' Eye Health, by the Numbers

About VSP GlobalAs a doctor-governed company, VSP Global exists to create value for members and opportunities for VSP network doctors. VSP Global's complementary businesses include VSP Vision Care, the only national not-for-profit vision benefits company, which provides access to eye care for its 84 million members around the world through a network of 40,000 eye doctors; Marchon Eyewear, Inc., one of the world's largest designers, manufacturers and distributors of high quality eyewear and sunwear; VSP Optics Group, industry leaders in ophthalmic technology and lab services, providing custom lens solutions for the vision and lifestyle needs of patients; Eyefinity, the eye care industry's largest electronic health records and practice management software company, and VSP Omni-Channel Solutions, which creates connected consumer experiences designed to strengthen the relationship between VSP members and their eye doctors. To date, VSP network doctors have provided eye exams and eyewear at no-cost to over a million people in need through a partnership with VSP Global's Eyes of Hope.

About YouGovYouGov is a leading international full-service research and consulting company and a pioneer in the use of technology to collect higher-quality, in-depth data for the world's leading businesses and institutions so that they can better serve the people that sustain them. With offices throughout the US, UK, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, YouGov leverages its online sampling, research expertise and consulting experience to provide clients with sophisticated market strategy, market analytics, and survey and forecasting services.

Survey Methodology All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov. Total sample size was 1011 adults. The sample was split into three groups, with one being 256 women age 30-55, with children under 18, household income between $50,000 and $150,000, and with at least some college education; the second being men with the same qualifications; and the third being parents who did not fit into those categories. Fieldwork was conducted between June 16-23, 2017. The survey was carried out online.

Maryam Brown Maryam.Brown@vsp.com C: 949.230.8735

View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/half-of-us-parents-skip-back-to-school-eye-exams-for-their-children-survey-says-300501365.html

SOURCE VSP Vision Care

http://www.vspglobal.com

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Half of US Parents Skip Back-to-School Eye Exams for Their ... - PR Newswire (press release)

RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif., Aug. 8, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --As much as 80 percent of learning a child does is visual, with children spending most of the school day reading, looking at a blackboard, and using laptops and tablets. However, come back-to-school season, parents overlook one of the most critical learning tools their child's eyes. Half (50.1 percent) of US parents do not bring their school-age children for a back-to-school eye exam, according to a VSP Vision Care and YouGov survey, "How Parents 'See' Eye Health."

Although three in four respondents (76 percent) said sight is the most important sense, findings from the survey of 1,000 US parents revealed their attitudes don't match their actions for themselves and their kids. According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), kids should have a first comprehensivevision assessment at six months to ensure the eyes are working together and to detect any vision problems early; followed by a comprehensive eye exam at three years old, five years old, and annually throughout the school years. However, one in five parents (21 percent) did not take their kids to the eye doctor for the first time until they were school age (at least five years old). Additionally, one in 10 (13 percent) has never taken their child(ren) to the eye doctor.

"It may seem surprising, but kids who can't read or even speak yet can still have a comprehensive eye exam. The connection between eyes and the brain starts early. As an optometrist and a mom of school age children myself, I encourage parents to prioritize back-to-school eye exams, the same way you wouldn't miss a dentist or pediatrician visit," said Dr. Mary Anne Murphy, OD, owner and practitioner of Front Range Eye Associates in Denver and Board member at VSP Global. "Kids don't know what's normal and what's not when it comes to eye health. When vision problems aren't identified early, kids will be at a disadvantage before they even start kindergarten."

The survey uncovered other key barriers that prevent parents from getting an annual eye exam for their children.

Parents incorrectly assume school or pediatric vision screenings are the same as a comprehensive eye exam. More than one-third (37 percent) of moms said they skipped eye exams because their kids already have their eyes checked in school. Vision screenings only test for distance vision and visual sharpness, and can miss up to 80 percent of vision problems, including serious conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye), which can lead to vision loss if not treated. A child can easily pass a vision screening, but not be able to see well enough to read a book. During a comprehensive eye exam, optometrists look at things a school vision screening will not, such as family medical history, the overall health of the eyes, how the eyes work together, and their ability to focus. Additionally, an annual eye exam can improve more than just eyesight. Optometrists can detect other health problems including diabetes and hypertension.

Parents are delaying eye exams and vision insurance until kids start school.One in four parents surveyed didn't take their children to the eye doctor until they were at least five years old, and vision insurance may have something to do with it. For 23 percent of moms surveyed, obtaining visioninsurance is the biggest barrier to taking their kids for an eye exam. However, 30 percent said having vision insurance would motivate them to change that. Only 11 percent of kids join the family's vision insurance plan at birth according to VSP claims data. Even though many common vision problems are detectable from infancy, most parents start using their vision benefits for their kids when they reach school age. VSP findings show 45 percent of kids have had an eye exam above the age of six, compared to 10 percent for those between ages zero and five. This is a missed opportunity given that 90 percent of brain development occurs between birth and five years old. Long before most kids step foot into a classroom, the foundation is being laid for a lifetime of learning, and without proper vision, that foundation is weaker than it should be.

They're more apt to take kids to the eye doctor when something is wrong, instead of going proactively. Among parents who do not bring their children to the eye doctor annually, 72 percent of moms and 48 percent of dads said they would be motivated to do so if their child complains of discomfort or changes in vision. Just like the rest of the body, a child's eyesight can change in just a year in some cases it can mean the difference between needing glasses or not. Yearly eye exams can help parents and their children stay on top of vision and prescription changes.

"You don't have to wait for back-to-school season to get your child an eye exam. But if your kids haven't had their annual eye exam this year, or at all, now is a great time to do so," said Dr. Murphy. "Kids use their vision throughout the school day, while doing homework and during sports and games. Optometrists are here to partner with parents, teachers and school nurses to stay on top of vision changes and make sure kids have the resources they need to do their best in school."

How Parents 'See' Eye Health, by the Numbers

About VSP GlobalAs a doctor-governed company, VSP Global exists to create value for members and opportunities for VSP network doctors. VSP Global's complementary businesses include VSP Vision Care, the only national not-for-profit vision benefits company, which provides access to eye care for its 84 million members around the world through a network of 40,000 eye doctors; Marchon Eyewear, Inc., one of the world's largest designers, manufacturers and distributors of high quality eyewear and sunwear; VSP Optics Group, industry leaders in ophthalmic technology and lab services, providing custom lens solutions for the vision and lifestyle needs of patients; Eyefinity, the eye care industry's largest electronic health records and practice management software company, and VSP Omni-Channel Solutions, which creates connected consumer experiences designed to strengthen the relationship between VSP members and their eye doctors. To date, VSP network doctors have provided eye exams and eyewear at no-cost to over a million people in need through a partnership with VSP Global's Eyes of Hope.

About YouGovYouGov is a leading international full-service research and consulting company and a pioneer in the use of technology to collect higher-quality, in-depth data for the world's leading businesses and institutions so that they can better serve the people that sustain them. With offices throughout the US, UK, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, YouGov leverages its online sampling, research expertise and consulting experience to provide clients with sophisticated market strategy, market analytics, and survey and forecasting services.

Survey Methodology All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov. Total sample size was 1011 adults. The sample was split into three groups, with one being 256 women age 30-55, with children under 18, household income between $50,000 and $150,000, and with at least some college education; the second being men with the same qualifications; and the third being parents who did not fit into those categories. Fieldwork was conducted between June 16-23, 2017. The survey was carried out online.

Maryam Brownrel="nofollow">Maryam.Brown@vsp.com C: 949.230.8735

View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/half-of-us-parents-skip-back-to-school-eye-exams-for-their-children-survey-says-300501365.html

SOURCE VSP Vision Care

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Half of US Parents Skip Back-to-School Eye Exams for Their Children, Survey Says - Markets Insider

Shutterstock/meyerandmeyerYoure typing at your desk like any normal work day, and you happen to glance away from the screen. As you do, a cluster of grey-ish dots appears out of nowhere, drifting along wherever you turn your gaze. You clean off your glasses and check for eye boogers, but that doesnt help. Its like the dots are somehow stuck on your eye.

Thats because they are. Those annoying shapes are called eye floaters, and they can look like black or grey spots, squiggles, or cobweb-like strings. They drift around your field of vision and dart away when you try to look at them directly, eventually settling the bottom of your eye and out of your sightline. Floaters appear when the vitreous, the gel-like substance that gives your eye its round shape, shrinks and forms clumps or strands. So what youre seeing is actually the shadow of those clumps on your retina.

Almost everyone experiences eye floaters over their lifetimes, and theyre more annoying than anything. The people most at risk are those who are diabetic, have had cataract surgery, are very nearsighted, or are over 50. (Visiting your eye doctor is only one important health tweak you need to make when you turn 50.) In rare cases, floaters can also be a sign of retinal tear or retinal detachment, which could cause you to lose your eyesight permanently. If you see a lot of new floaters, flashes, or a shadow in your peripheral vision, contact your doctor immediately.

However, a new study published in JAMA Ophthalmology shows that YAG lasers (the same lasers used for cataract surgeries) may be a viable solution for these floating annoyances that dont pose major health risks. In a randomized clinical trial, 52 patients either received the laser treatment or a sham one. Of those who received the real treatment, 54 percent saw their floaters decrease over the next six months.

Researchers say more studies will need to be done before this option becomes available to the public. For now, most people learn to ignore them. These tips can help you be temporarily rid of those nuisances:

Surprised that eye floaters could be such a huge warning sign? We were,too. Check out more serious health problems that cant wait and read up on their subtle symptoms.

Read more:
Those Random Spots in Your Vision Are Eye FloatersHere's What to Do About Them - Reader's Digest

MANILA, Philippines - Over two million people nationwide are blind or suffering from poor vision, the Department of Health (DOH) reported yesterday.

As of this year, the DOH said an estimated 332,150 people in the country are bilaterally blind while the current number of persons with bilateral low vision has already reached 2,179,733.

Of the total number of bilaterally blind, 33 percent or about 109,609 cases were due to cataract while 25 percent was caused by error in refraction (EOR). Fourteen percent was due to glaucoma.

About 937, 285 or 43 percent of those suffering from bilateral low vision was due to EOR, 34 percent or 741,109 was caused by cataract while the rest was attributed to glaucoma and other eye diseases.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 285 million people worldwide are visually impaired, with 39 million blindand 246 million with low vision.

Cataracts remain the leading cause of blindness globally followed by glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration asthesecondary causes.

Headlines ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1

Health experts said blindness or severe visual impairment results in reduced functional ability and loss of self-esteem and contributes toward the reduction of quality of life.

The disability from visual impairment has considerable economic implications with loss of productivity and income and can lead to poverty and social dependency, experts said.

To address the problem, the government drafted anew National Policy on the Prevention Program onBlindness that is more responsive tochanging trends in the prevalence of eye diseases.

The DOH also spearheaded yesterday the annual observance of theSight Saving Month with the themeUniversal Eye Health: No More Avoidable Blindness.

Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial said this years theme is aimed at strengthening public awareness on the importance of proper eye care andpromote theprevention of avoidable blindness, which is now considered aserious public health issue of global magnitude.

Ubial said early detection and preventive care can help keep the eyes healthy and avoid common causes of blindness.

Thus, the DOHs current thrust isto integrate eye care into public health programs at thelocal government unitlevel for continued advocacy and promotion of comprehensive eye care with focus on avoidable blindness.

She said the development of the Community Eye Health Program (CEHP), particularly at the primary level, district and provincial settings will be able to make most of the shared referral and service delivery network from barangay health stations, rural health units up to tertiary hospitals.

Aside from several provinces in the regions that have adopted the CEHP,the model isbeing expanded to the poorest provinces like Eastern Samar, Leyte andSurigao.

Population and individual eye care services focusing on the prevention and management of avoidable blindness (cataract, EOR, childhood blindness, other emerging eye diseases) at each stage of the life cycle shall be provided through the functional service delivery network (SDN).

Through the SDN, families especially the poor and marginalized are profiled, navigated, referred and arrangements made with health providers at the different levels of care.

I would like to assure the public that DOH is serious in its mandate and commitment to ensure that every Filipino, particularly the poor, indigent and marginalized has access to affordable and quality eye care, Ubial stressed.

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Over 2 million Pinoys blind, sight-impaired - Philippine Star

Dubliner's medtech in focus to save eyesight

Independent.ie

Irish-founded and backed biometric technology business Compact Imaging plans to use its advanced medical imaging technology to reduce sight loss from macular degeneration and diabetes.

http://www.independent.ie/business/technology/dubliners-medtech-in-focus-to-save-eyesight-36003948.html

http://www.independent.ie/incoming/article36004106.ece/6dcd7/AUTOCROP/h342/Depositphotos_12204209_xl-2015.jpg

Irish-founded and backed biometric technology business Compact Imaging plans to use its advanced medical imaging technology to reduce sight loss from macular degeneration and diabetes.

The firm was co-founded in 2003 by Dublin-born UCD graduate and physicist Dr Josh Hogan and is backed by a number of Irish investors, including US-based Irish serial entrepreneur and tech investor John Ryan, as well as the Galway University Foundation and the University of Limerick Foundation, which have small stakes.

To date, the firm has raised around 8m from a group of 24 angel investors plus the two universities. Among its advisors are Prof Martin Leahy at NUI Galway - where groundbreaking research and scientists have been instrumental to its success - and James L Taylor, a former ceo of Carl Zeiss Meditec, a medtech business.

It is talking with potential partners about commercialising the technology, which will likely result in it being incorporated in devices that look similar to virtual reality goggles, ceo Don Bogue said.

People with diabetes, who are at risk of diabetic retinopathy and others at risk of macular degeneration, usually visit their optometrist every month for a test to detect a change in the thickness of their retinas.

However, Compact Imaging's technology would see them use low-cost goggles at home every day.

These devices will record a result and upload it over the internet for the specialist to review. This will save time for both the patient and the specialist as neither will need to attend appointments unless there has been a change, the company claims, resulting in cost and efficiency savings for healthcare systems.

It will also enable any problems to be detected earlier, at which point medical intervention may be able to save people's vision, Bogue added.

The number of people with age-related macular degeneration is forecast to reach 196million by 2020, rising to 288m in 2040, according to research published in The Lancet medical journal.

The numbers at risk of diabetic retinopathy are even greater, with 145m people, out of 415m diabetics having some form of it in 2015. This is projected to rise to 215m out of 642m by 2040, according to figures from the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness.

The plans have emerged after the company recently became a partner with Stanford University R&D offshoot SRI International in a 10m ($12.5m) contract awarded by IARPA in the US, the advanced R&D wing of its intelligence agencies.

The partnership involves the firm building on its cost and size advantages in multiple reference optical coherence tomography (OCT), considered the world's fastest growing medical imaging technology.

It will apply this to next generation biometric security - fingerprint scanning - for identity authentication. The technology will be incorporated in small, low-cost devices and works by being able to detect deeper fingerprints, known as sub-dermal ones, by looking at the tiny blood vessels that make up the fingerprint, where changes in heart rate, sweating and blood flow can be seen.

According to the US Department of Homeland Security, in 2015 the US Customs and Border Protection Agency processed nearly 400 million people entering the US, of whom almost 40 million required a secondary inspection because of suspicious behaviour or adverse information in the primary screening process when their fingerprints were scanned.

Prof Leahy said: "The security of personal data is a pressing global concern as we are using fingerprints for everything from phone unlocking to security checks.

"Technology developed at NUI Galway is supporting businesses and governments to verify identities more rigorously to make our personal data more secure."

Bogue emphasised the advantages the company has found in working with Prof Leahy at NUI Galway and the availability of PhD researchers to work on its technology, in contrast with Silicon Valley, where it is headquartered.

He said: "For the last two years I've served on the Industry Advisory Board at the Insight Centre for Data Analytics, a Science Foundation Centre of Excellence that brings together the data analytics research capabilities of DCU, NUIG, UCD and UCC.

"Serving on this board has provided a great opportunity for us, as a small and still emerging company, to get into the room with world-class data analytics scientists and researchers, as well as strong commercial players, such as Cisco, IBM, Intel and others.

"In the fields of both biometric security and medical monitoring, these connections ultimately will prove invaluable."

Sunday Indo Business

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Dubliner's medtech in focus to save eyesight - Independent.ie

Cataract is one of the main reasons for blindness and there are a lot of misconceptions about it. Unawareness can be dangerous leading to permanent loss of vision. It is imperative to educate the public about various facts related to cataract. As per World Health Organisation , today there is an estimated 180 million people worldwide who are visually disabled.

Of these, between 40 and 45 million persons are blind and approximately 50 per cent of the worlds blind suffer from cataract. In order to make a concerted worldwide effort, who and a task force of international NGOs have prepared and launched a common agenda for global action: VISION 2020 The Right to Sight - A global initiative for elimination of avoidable blindness.

Cataract nowadays can be treated with advance technology and surgery options. Some of the misconceptions about cataract as a disease are:

Misconception 1: Cataract occurs only among aged people.

Fact: Cataracts can occur even on a year old baby. India is home to around 400 million blind children. But the important fact is that this is preventable. Lack of awareness amongst parents and society at large leads to late diagnosis and therefore poor visual outcomes in these children. The first six months after birth are crucial for development of vision and sight centre in the brain.

During this period, if a child is deprived of vision due to reasons like cataracts, glaucoma or refractive errors which goes unnoticed and untreated, the vision development can be hampered for life.

Modern lifestyles, food choices, sedentary lifestyles and lack of exercise are leading to earlier diabetes and this is the most significant factor that has caused this demographic shift.

Misconception 2:Cataract cures with time.

Fact:This is the most dangerous misconception. Once cataract has occurred, total lens will be affected. If the patient stops smoking, maintains a balanced diet or wear sunglasses to get protection from UV rays, cataract will grow slowly. But there is no chance that it will be cured on its own with time.

Misconception 3: Eye-drops, antiinflammatory drugs and vitamins restrict chances of cataract.

Fact: No drug or eye drops to prevent or restrict cataract has been invented as yet. It is a progressive disease. Surgery is the only effective treatment option for it.

Misconception 4: Fear of losing eye sight post-surgery

Fact: Only surgery can protect from losing eye sight permanently. Modern cataract surgery technology, Femto Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS), has automated some of the most critical steps in cataract procedures bringing new levels of safety, accuracy, predictability and has gained worldwide acceptance since its inception. The Femto-laser system enhances safety by improving a surgeons performance, and reducing chances of human error. The computer-controlled incisions made by the laser are more accurate than manual incisions, especially in terms of the depth and architecture.These bladeless incisions result in better wound sealing and fewer chances of infections.

Misconception 5: For best surgery results, cataract must develop fully

Fact: A cataract does not have to become ripe before it can be removed. With modern advances, they can now be removed from the eye at any stage of development. The longer a cataract develops, the more it hardens. At advanced stages, it can become difficult to remove. In certain situations, it is safer to remove it sooner rather than later.

Misconception 6: Cataract surgery should be done only in winter

Fact:There is no seasonal difference in the success of surgery.Waiting till the next winter will only harden and advance the cataract further, causing more vision loss and more difficulty in its removal.

Misconception 7: Cataract surgeries are all of the same kind

Fact: The operation of cataract usually ranges up to Rs.1.5 lakh. Most people believe that the pricing is different, but the surgery is the same. Pricing depends on various factors like the type of lens or the kinds of technology being used, to mention a few.

Misconception 8:Cataracts can come back

Fact: In most cases, cataract does not return post surgery. Sometimes a secondary cataract can develop due to cell growth in the artificial intra ocular lens, resulting in blurred vision. But this condition may be corrected with normal laser.

Misconception 9: The eye remains absolutely healthy after cataract surgery

Fact: The eye lens and its problems are one of the most difficult ones; therefore it cannot be assumed that the eye will remain healthy post the surgery. Retinarelated or infection-related problems can occur anytime. Therefore, regular checkup is necessary after the surgery.

(The writer is MBBS, DOMS, MS (IPGMER), Susrut Eye Foundation & Research Centre)

See the article here:
Growing awareness on cataracts - The Statesman

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A California startup has created smart glasses that let blind users "borrow the eyesight" of those who can see, said Arielle Pardes at Wired. Aira headsets consist of "tricked out Google Glasses" that beam a visually impaired user's field of vision to a remote Aira agent, who describes the user's environment through smartphone-connected earbuds. So far, the 400 subscribers to the paid service mostly use it for "help with ordinary tasks," like reading a menu at a restaurant, navigating the grocery store, or checking the expiration date on food in the fridge. "One woman regularly calls in to read comic books out loud to her son"; another user relied on Aira for help running the Boston Marathon.

(Courtesy image)

Aira, which charges $199 for 400 minutes of agents' time a month, plans to use AI-powered responses in the future to help clients with sensitive situations, like when doing finances or using the bathroom.

Original post:
These tricked out glasses help blind people 'borrow' eyesight - The Week Magazine

Updated: Saturday, August 5 2017 3:20 PM EDT2017-08-05 19:20:18 GMT

A motorcyclist died after a collision with a truck Saturday afternoonat the intersection of Bell Road and Stewarts Ferry Pike. The police have not released the identity of the motorists involved. Police say the motorcyclist was driving recklessly and passed into the bike lane, hitting the truck as the truck was making a U-turn.

A motorcyclist died after a collision with a truck Saturday afternoonat the intersection of Bell Road and Stewarts Ferry Pike. The police have not released the identity of the motorists involved. Police say the motorcyclist was driving recklessly and passed into the bike lane, hitting the truck as the truck was making a U-turn.

Updated: Saturday, August 5 2017 11:36 AM EDT2017-08-05 15:36:04 GMT

A joint investigation byTBI Special Agents and the Cheatham County Sheriff's Office resulted in the arrest of Angel Scrubbs, 35, of Cheatham County. Scrubbs shot and killed Christopher White, 44, just before midnight on August 4.

A joint investigation byTBI Special Agents and the Cheatham County Sheriff's Office resulted in the arrest of Angel Scrubbs, 35, of Cheatham County. Scrubbs shot and killed Christopher White, 44, just before midnight on August 4.

Updated: Saturday, August 5 2017 11:21 AM EDT2017-08-05 15:21:02 GMT

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has released information on a missing child. Nathaniel Brown, 3, of Lafayette, Tennessee has been missing since August 3 when his mother was notifiedvia court orderto place Nathaniel in DCS custody.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has released information on a missing child. Nathaniel Brown, 3, of Lafayette, Tennessee has been missing since August 3 when his mother was notifiedvia court orderto place Nathaniel in DCS custody.

Updated: Friday, August 4 2017 11:10 PM EDT2017-08-05 03:10:09 GMT

At Vanderbilt Eye Institute in Nashville, doctors are passing out glasses and spreading the word on how to safely view the eclipse.

At Vanderbilt Eye Institute in Nashville, doctors are passing out glasses and spreading the word on how to safely view the eclipse.

Updated: Friday, August 4 2017 10:40 PM EDT2017-08-05 02:40:45 GMT

At least 200 bags at the Nashville International Airport were soiled after an overflowing toilet leaked through the floor.

At least 200 bags at the Nashville International Airport were soiled after an overflowing toilet leaked through the floor.

Updated: Friday, August 4 2017 10:21 PM EDT2017-08-05 02:21:36 GMT

Authorities in Dickson County and the TBI are investigating a person with a gunshot wound was found in the driveway of a burning home.

Authorities in Dickson County and the TBI are investigating a person with a gunshot wound was found in the driveway of a burning home.

Updated: Friday, August 4 2017 9:48 PM EDT2017-08-05 01:48:58 GMT

The total population of White House is 12,000 people. In just over two weeks, 30,000 visitors are coming for the total solar eclipse.

The total population of White House is 12,000 people. In just over two weeks, 30,000 visitors are coming for the total solar eclipse.

Updated: Friday, August 4 2017 9:47 PM EDT2017-08-05 01:47:18 GMT

Surveillance video shows the hallway of St.Bethlehem Elementary School in Clarksville. Kindergarten teacher Bonnie Conn dragged a little boy out of her classroom by the arm. She then usedher foot to keep out the child with special needs.

Surveillance video shows the hallway of St.Bethlehem Elementary School in Clarksville. Kindergarten teacher Bonnie Conn dragged a little boy out of her classroom by the arm. She then usedher foot to keep out the child with special needs.

Updated: Friday, August 4 2017 8:35 PM EDT2017-08-05 00:35:55 GMT

Tennessee Highway Patrol are investigating a fatal crash involving a car and a motorcycle in Montgomery County.

Tennessee Highway Patrol are investigating a fatal crash involving a car and a motorcycle in Montgomery County.

Updated: Friday, August 4 2017 7:30 PM EDT2017-08-04 23:30:03 GMT

Classes are delayed two days for students at John Overton High School after construction on a $40 million renovation fell behind.

Classes are delayed two days for students at John Overton High School after construction on a $40 million renovation fell behind.

Two city workers thought something was amiss when they saw five children getting into the back of a U-Haul truck at a gas station.

Two city workers thought something was amiss when they saw five children getting into the back of a U-Haul truck at a gas station.

Updated: Friday, August 4 2017 9:48 PM EDT2017-08-05 01:48:58 GMT

The total population of White House is 12,000 people. In just over two weeks, 30,000 visitors are coming for the total solar eclipse.

The total population of White House is 12,000 people. In just over two weeks, 30,000 visitors are coming for the total solar eclipse.

A 4-month-old girl was found dead in Oklahoma after she was left inside an SUV for most of the day, the Oklahoma County sheriff's office said.

A 4-month-old girl was found dead in Oklahoma after she was left inside an SUV for most of the day, the Oklahoma County sheriff's office said.

Updated: Wednesday, August 2 2017 7:26 AM EDT2017-08-02 11:26:05 GMT

A Texas woman shot and killed an intruder during a home invasion, authorities said.

A Texas woman shot and killed an intruder during a home invasion, authorities said.

If you see something, say something. A woman on a Seattle-to-San Jose flight this week took thatlaw enforcement mantrato heart when she spotted a fellow passenger allegedly texting about sexually molesting children, the San Jose police said.

If you see something, say something. A woman on a Seattle-to-San Jose flight this week took thatlaw enforcement mantrato heart when she spotted a fellow passenger allegedly texting about sexually molesting children, the San Jose police said.

Updated: Friday, August 4 2017 4:42 PM EDT2017-08-04 20:42:47 GMT

The 911 call came in just before 4 a.m. Friday ata home on Donald Street.Police said the victim, who has not been identified, died inside the house.

The 911 call came in just before 4 a.m. Friday ata home on Donald Street.Police said the victim, who has not been identified, died inside the house.

Updated: Friday, August 4 2017 6:22 PM EDT2017-08-04 22:22:29 GMT

A Nashville party bike company has cycled its way into a lawsuit. Nashville Pedal Tavern says competitor, Sprocket Rocket Tours ripped off its branding.

A Nashville party bike company has cycled its way into a lawsuit. Nashville Pedal Tavern says competitor, Sprocket Rocket Tours ripped off its branding.

Updated: Friday, August 4 2017 9:47 PM EDT2017-08-05 01:47:18 GMT

Surveillance video shows the hallway of St.Bethlehem Elementary School in Clarksville. Kindergarten teacher Bonnie Conn dragged a little boy out of her classroom by the arm. She then usedher foot to keep out the child with special needs.

Surveillance video shows the hallway of St.Bethlehem Elementary School in Clarksville. Kindergarten teacher Bonnie Conn dragged a little boy out of her classroom by the arm. She then usedher foot to keep out the child with special needs.

Updated: Friday, August 4 2017 10:21 PM EDT2017-08-05 02:21:36 GMT

Authorities in Dickson County and the TBI are investigating a person with a gunshot wound was found in the driveway of a burning home.

Authorities in Dickson County and the TBI are investigating a person with a gunshot wound was found in the driveway of a burning home.

When 4th grader Jack Davis sent NASA a letter responding to their newest position, Planetary Protection Officer, he told them he was a perfect fit.

When 4th grader Jack Davis sent NASA a letter responding to their newest position, Planetary Protection Officer, he told them he was a perfect fit.

"+r+"

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Vanderbilt doctors urging eye protection, warn of vision loss during eclipse - WSMV Nashville

Mahikeng - A North West man who was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer last year and then lost all vision in his one eye this year, has hope for the future again after a R17m Lotto jackpot win.

It couldnt have come at a better time, Netwerk24 reported, because he got his last pay cheque in June this year as he had no sick leave left.

Lotto operators Ithuba said in a statement on Thursday that the winner had spent R45 and as luck would have it, won the Lotto jackpot of more than R17m on July 26.

The winner has been through a difficult time since being diagnosed with the cancer in February last year.

"After finding out that I had an aggressive form of prostate cancer, it felt as if my whole life had come to an end," the man said, according to the statement.

"I started treatment and could just hope for the best."

Then, on May 18 this year, just as he thought the worst was behind him, disaster struck again while he was on his way to work.

"I have to travel a lot for my work and on that day I realised that the vision in my one eye was blurring. I was finding it difficult to see the road.

"I saw a doctor and he arranged for emergency surgery. However, it wasnt successful and I lost all vision in my left eye."

Struggling

He couldnt work anymore and received his last salary in June.

"We were already struggling financially because I wasnt receiving my full salary.

"It was difficult without a stable income and, as the breadwinner, I thought we were going to lose everything."

Then, on July 26, he bought Lotto tickets to the tune of R45 and his belief that he would one day win the Lotto was realised.

Another bit of good news came from the doctor, who said there were no more signs of the cancer.

"Just imagine how I felt! I have the courage to go on again."

The first person he shared the Lotto news with was his wife.

"We both started crying, because we couldnt really believe it."

With the winnings, he can afford to go for a second eye operation.

He plans on enjoying his "retirement", and will be investing some of the money, giving some to his children, and will buy his grandson the car hes long been promising him.

Ithuba helped the winner with financial advice and counselling.

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Man battles cancer, loses sight in one eye... then wins R17m Lotto jackpot - News24