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KAWARTHA LAKES-68-year-old Tony Hodge spent 30 years driving back and forth from Lindsay to Toronto to work at the Campbells Soup Factory. Thats when his eyesight was good.

Now, Hodges glasses dont work as well as they used to and after the arm fell off he rigged up a straw to help keep them on. Hewas recently diagnosed with diabetes and says his doctor told him its important to have an eye exam to look for any sign of diabetic eye disease.

Diabetic eye disease is a group of eye problems that can affect people with diabetes. These conditions include diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, cataracts, and glaucoma.Over time, diabetes can cause damage to your eyes that can lead to poor vision or even blindness.

So he was shocked when the optometrist called on Monday to cancel his appointment.

I guess it really hit home when they called and said it was cancelled. With the diabetes, its kind of frightening not to know whats going on, to be able to check and see if its impacting my eyes, which I know it is. Hodge told Kawartha 411 News.

Hodge says he can no longer enjoy his bird feeder because he cant see it properly, he lets his wife do the driving now, he has to sit within a few feet of the television to be able to watch it and when he is looking at people he cannot see them clearly.

Im worried about my eyes, not being able to tell if they are getting worse and not being able to confirm that and to see if I need new lenses.We need to get people back to work as soon as possible.

In March 2021, the Ontario Optometrists Association (OAO) announced that optometrists would be withdrawing services for OHIP-insured patients effective September 1, 2021. OHIP currently covers standard eye exams for those age 19 and younger, age 65 and older, and for those with specific medical conditions.

The OAO says after more than 30 years of underfunding, the government now covers an average of 55 per cent of the cost of an OHIP-insured eye exam, leaving optometrists clinics to absorb the other 45 percent. With more than four million services delivered annually under OHIP and clinics under severe financial strain, the system is no longer sustainable according to the OAO.

Government neglect has jeopardized access to eye care for those who need it most, undervaluing the eye health of Ontarians, said Dr. Sheldon Salaba, President of the Ontario Association of Optometrists (OAO).Optometrists are being fair and reasonable: we ask only that government commit to cover at least the cost of service delivery, and were giving them lots of notice to avoid any impact on patients.

Unlike other health care providers under OHIP, optometrists say they have never been given a formal negotiation process with the government. Despite multiple direct requests to the Minister of Health to address this chronic underfunding, the budget again ignored the dire warnings from eye care stakeholders of the impending crisis.

Vision is our most important sense, and our political leaders must help us protect it, said Dr. Salaba. After almost three years in office, its time for action from Premier Ford and Minister Elliott. They must ensure Ontarians continue to receive the quality eye care they depend on and deserve.

The Ontario government says it has tried to resolve the issues with the OAO

Our government has made every effort possible to lay the foundation for a long-term relationship with the Ontario Association of Optometrists, said Deputy Minister of Health Christine Elliott in September. This includes engaging a third-party mediator to assist us in reaching an agreement and offering a one-time lump sum payment as well as an immediate OHIP fee increase. This represents a significant and sustainable increase in todays highly-constrained fiscal environment.

In 1989 the Ontario government paid $39.15 for an eye exam. In 2021, 43 years later they pay an average of $44.65 Meanwhile in Alberta the government pays $137 per eye exam.The government has offered Ontario optometrists an 8.48% increase. For a seniors eye exam that would provide them with $51.00 but the OAO says still well under the next lowest-paid province of Manitoba.

Hodge says he has his own private insurance which would foot the bill but was told that isnt allowed.Provincial law prevents anyone from paying for any OHIP-insured service, even if you have alternate insurance or wish to pay independently for insurance.

As far as we know there are no negotiations taking place currently and none planned for the future.

I think they should get together have a meeting and get something set up for the seniors at least find a way around this for now, it just cant go on like this. says Hodge.

Originally posted here:
Lindsay Senior With Worsening Eyesight Urges Government And Optometrists To Resume OHIP Eye Care - Kawartha 411

The impact of alcohol on vision and broader health can extend beyond what we feel in the moment.The blurred and double vision characteristic to drunkenness happens because the alcohol slows the communication between the eyes and the brain.Lesser known is the impairment to colour vision.Specific shades of colour become more difficult to differentiate when under the influence.

Lenstores expert optometrist Roshni Patel explained: Longer-term effects of excessive drinking can cause more serious problems, including a decreased peripheral vision as well as decline in your overall sight, chronic dry eye disease, and can even see you develop eye conditions such as cataracts and AMD (age-related degeneration).

Twitching and dryness of the eyes can result in discomfort if left without treatment.

Alcohol consumption is also associated with a great many short term risks.

Drinking is often associated with vehicle crashes, violence, and sexual risk behaviour.

When taken in moderation, the harm can be avoided or minimised.

Alcohol does the most harm to our body when taken in binges.

For this reason there are two key points of advice: to track your consumption and establish a reasonable pace where you can enjoy the buzz without becoming intoxicated.

There are helpful methods for controlling our alcohol intake that can help us to pace ourselves and track our units.

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These range from using mobile apps that count alcohol units and how quickly we drink, with multiple apps able to convert between different forms of alcohol and warn you when you are going over the limits you set for yourself.

Other methods take the form of life hacks like buying your own drinks when with friends instead or ordering rounds.

We all react differently to various levels of alcohol consumption so its important to consider what your own recommended units are.

It is also important to eat well before drinking, and remember to stay hydrated throughout.

Alcohol can also be very dense in calories, meaning that people looking to improve their diets and fitness can often benefit from cutting back.

Scientific research that previously argued in favour of mild to moderate alcohol consumption has also been contested by new scientific evidence.

The American Centre for Disease Control states: While some studies have found improved health outcomes among moderate drinkers, its impossible to conclude whether these improved outcomes are due to alcohol consumption or other differences in behaviours or genetics.

The recommended threshold set by the CDC is two units for a man and one for a woman.

Many alcoholic support services have seen an increase in patients during the coronavirus pandemic.

Alcoholism can both result in and result from poor states of mental health.

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol, you can find NHS supported services in your area or receive anonymous support from trained advisors online or over the phone.

Common warning signs of alcoholism include a lack of interest or enjoyment in other activities and needing to drink increasing amounts to achieve the same effect.

Continued here:
Optometrist warns of the long-term effects drinking can have on your eyes - Daily Express

Ever seen a teeny, furry spider scampering across the floor? There's a good chance you've glimpsed a jumping spider.

Jumping spiders are the largest family of spiders, with more than 6,380 species identified by science, according to the World Spider Catalog. The scientific name for the jumping spider family is Salticidae. With so many species, it's no surprise that jumping spiders vary widely in appearance, habitat and preferred prey. The largest, Hyllus giganteus, can be 0.98 inches (2.5 centimeters) in length, while smaller species, like the colorful Habronattus pyrrithrix, range from 0.19 to 0.3 inches (5 to 8 millimeters) in length.

But what jumping spiders do have in common is their impressive eyesight. These arachnids always have four pairs of eyes, including a large, forward-facing principle pair that make the spiders look rather Muppet-like and cute. These large eyes make jumping spiders a standout among spiders.

"They make their living on foot," said Nathan Morehouse, a biologist at the University of Cincinnati who studies jumping spider vision. "They have to stalk and jump to capture their prey. To do all of that, they need really exceptional vision. And their vision, depending on how you measure it, is the best for anything as small as they are."

Jumping spiders are a diverse bunch. Some are drab, while others sport a dazzling array of colors and patterns, from the blue, red and yellow abdomen of the peacock spider (Maratus volans) to the black-and-white stripes of the zebra spider (Salticus scenicus). Saitis barbipes, a European species of jumping spider, sports a red "headband" of coloration and similarly hued stripes on its third pair of legs. Bagheera kiplingi, found in Central America, is striped with a brilliant emerald green. In many species, males are colorful, while females are often more drab.

Jumping spiders do have a few things in common. They're usually small, often 0.5 inches (12.7 mm) or less in length. They're often fuzzy. And they're distinguishable by their distinct eye pattern of four pairs of eyes, in which the large middle pair sits close together at the front of the face. The face is fairly flat.

Jumping spider eyes are, in a word, incredible. The spiders, despite their tiny size, are better at seeing patterns than elephants are, Morehouse told Live Science. Their pair of central eyes, known as the principle eyes, are almost like a pair of tiny binoculars: They have a large outer lens, then a smaller inner lens that magnifies the image from the outer lens and projects it onto the retina. The spiders are also unusual in that they have muscles attached directly to their retinas. That means they can move retinas up and down, side to side, focusing on different segments of the world without a hint of movement on the outside, Morehouse said a handy ability for a hunter. Meanwhile, the spiders' secondary pairs of eyes are less acute, but they provide crucial peripheral vision, Live Science previously reported.

Most species of jumping spider can see ultraviolet light and blues and greens. Some species, though, have evolved special tricks to expand their color vision. These, Morehouse said, tend to be the flashier species, such as the paradise jumping spiders (genus Habbernatus), which are often decorated in shades of red and orange. In some species, a random genetic mutation has introduced an extra copy of the gene that makes the proteins that allow for blue/green vision. This extra copy has then acquired mutations capable of detecting red and orange. Similar mutations allowed primates to develop color vision, Morehouse said.

JUMPING SPIDER TAXONOMY

Kingdom: AnimaliaSubkingdom: BilateriaInfrakingdom: ProtostomiaSuperphylum: EcdysozoaPhylum: ArthropodaSubphylum: ChelicerataClass: ArachnidaOrder: AraneaeFamily: Salticidae

Other jumping spiders have hacked color vision by developing pigments that sit in front of their blue/green color receptors. These pigments let only red wavelengths of light through. Though the receptors aren't most sensitive to these wavelengths of light, they react to the stimulus anyway, cuing in the spider that red or orange is present. Birds and reptiles often use this strategy to expand their color vision.

Jumping spiders can also see depth, in a "totally unusual" way, Morehouse said. According to 2012 research, the spiders use something called "depth via image defocus." Here's how it works: Jumping spiders' retinas have four layers of photoreceptors. Because different colors of light have different wavelengths, each layer catches a different color of light in precise focus. In a jumping spider retina, the bottom two layers are both chock-full of green color receptors. But green light that hits one of those layers perfectly in focus will appear a teensy bit blurred on the other layer, and vice versa. The 2012 research found that the spiders use this difference in focus to detect depth.

Jumping spiders are found all over the world, with the exception of Antarctica. They live in tropical forests, temperate forests, grasslands, scrublands and even deserts, where you might find the red-abdomened species Phidippus californicus hanging out on a shrub. They prefer outdoor habitats, but if they find themselves indoors, they'll often set up shop near a window or door, where there is more chance of catching prey, according to the National Pest Management Association.

Jumping spiders can live up to their name. These spiders don't hunt by snaring prey in a web, but rather they stalk their quarry and then leap. Despite their tiny body size, jumping spiders can leap up to 6.3 inches (160 mm), according to a 2018 paper in the journal Scientific Reports. The spiders often spin a little silk and set a thread-like "anchor" before they leap, which may help stabilize their flight and protect them in case their landing is off. Jumping spiders most often jump to catch their prey, but sometimes leap to flee danger. They can also be quite clever: Researchers in the 2018 study actually trained a jumping spider (Phidippus regius) to leap from platform to platform. They named the spider Kim.

Jumping spiders are carnivores. They typically eat small insects and other spiders their size or smaller. Some species punch about their weight, though. Many jumping spiders are good at snagging flies as prey, earning them the nickname "fly tigers," according to the University of Florida. The regal jumping spider (the same species as Kim) has been observed eating lizards and frogs two to three times its weight, according to research published in 2017 in the Journal of Arachnology.

When it comes to diet, the strangest jumping spider is likely Bagheera kiplingi. This Central American spider specializes in noshing on the leaf-tips of acacia bushes, making it a rare example of a spider that eats its vegetables.

Mating is serious business for jumping spiders. In many species, males flash their brilliant colors and shimmy in elaborate courtship displays. The peacock spider, for instance, flips up its colorful abdomen and thrusts a pair of legs in the air like a music-video backup dancer, Live Science reported. Research suggests that male spiders will try these displays out on any female jumping spider they come across, regardless of species; this seems to be a way to maximize the chances of mating with the right female while keeping some distance to avoid being cannibalized by a hungry female of the wrong species. The display isn't only about looks. Research from 2005 showed that in some species of jumping spider, the vibrations from the males' dances are also crucial to keeping the females interested. The males drum on the ground, rub body parts together and vibrate their whole beings to "sing" to potential mates, said Damian Elias, who studies jumping spider mating behavior and communication at the University of California, Berkeley.

"I liken it to a one-man band," Elias told Live Science.

Elias and his colleagues are trying to understand why jumping spiders "turn everything up to 11" in the mating game, he said. The spiders' great vision, rare in the arachnid world, might be one reason, he said. Another is that jumping spiders are a lot more active than many spider species, which hang out in webbing and watch the world go by.

"They are encountering a lot more habitats than a typical spider," Elias said. "That's probably a reason they've had to evolve such a variety of things."

When a female shows interest, the male spider uses specialized appendages called pedipalps to transfer over a packet of sperm and webbing to a specialized pocket called an epigynum in the female. Females lay clutches of more than 100 eggs, which they protect with a cocoon of webbing and guard until hatching, according to BugGuide, a site run by Iowa State University. Some species mate multiple times, with the female choosing which sperm to use to fertilize her eggs after collecting several options. Others mate only once.

Jumping spiders have venom that they use to subdue their insect and spider prey. They very rarely bite humans, however, and will only do so if they are being hurt or crushed, according to the University of California, Irvine. Bites typically cause no symptoms, or they may cause a temporary, mosquito-bite-type welt.

Originally published on Live Science.

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Jumping spiders: Facts about the cutest arachnids on the planet - Livescience.com

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Horizon Therapeutics plc (Nasdaq: HZNP) today announced its support of Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) Awareness Week through the launch of new educational resources designed to help people IdentifEYE TED, with a focus on symptoms, risks and where to seek care. In its second year, TED Awareness Week (Nov. 14 - Nov. 20) brings much-needed attention to this serious, progressive and potentially vision-threatening rare autoimmune disease that is often misdiagnosed for more common conditions.1

TED Awareness Week was first established in 2020 through a shared commitment from Horizon Therapeutics and patient advocacy organizations including the Autoimmune Association (formerly American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association, or AARDA), the Alliance for Eye and Vision Research (AEVR), the Graves Disease and Thyroid Foundation (GDATF) and Prevent Blindness. This year, several states including California, Arizona, Massachusetts, New York and Illinois are officially recognizing TED Awareness Week by adopting state resolutions or issuing proclamations. Signaling the growing need for increased public education about this physically and emotionally debilitating disease, state level recognition of TED Awareness Week invites more community involvement and support for people and families affected by TED.

My journey to diagnosis with Thyroid Eye Disease was long and frustrating, as it can be for many people, said Gail S., patient advocate living with TED. I was told my eye symptoms were just part of my Graves disease, but it wasnt until I saw a TED Specialist that I learned it was actually Thyroid Eye Disease. The more we can do to help people quickly recognize the symptoms, the faster they can get help.

For TED Awareness Week 2021, Horizon is launching IdentifEYE TED, an educational campaign designed to help people promptly identify the signs and symptoms of TED. Activities will include:

Weve learned so much from the Thyroid Eye Disease community over the past few years and have become acutely aware of the challenges for people and their families both physical and emotional that come with the condition, said Tim Walbert, chairman, president and chief executive officer, Horizon. Were incredibly proud to continue working with the TED and advocacy communities on this effort to expand Thyroid Eye Disease Awareness Week in its second year to help people recognize Thyroid Eye Disease more quickly, locate a specialist, and get the care they need.

Up to 50% of people living with Graves disease may develop TED; however, TED is a separate disease requiring separate treatment.2,3,4 Symptoms include eye grittiness, redness, swelling and pain, light sensitivity, eye bulging and double vision. 2,3 Symptoms of TED can often be misdiagnosed or confused for other diseases, resulting in delayed diagnosis and treatment. For those with Graves disease or other thyroid conditions, its important to pay close attention to your eyes. At the first sign of any changes, contact a TED Specialist, such as an oculoplastic surgeon or neuro-ophthalmologist. If not treated early, TED can cause serious damage to vision and appearance of the eyes.

To learn more about TED and find a TED Eye Specialist, visit FOCUSonTED.com, and Autoimmune Association (formerly AARDA), AEVR, GDATF and Prevent Blindness for more information.

About Thyroid Eye Disease (TED)TED is a serious, progressive and potentially vision-threatening rare autoimmune disease.1 While TED often occurs in people living with hyperthyroidism or Graves disease, it is a distinct disease that is caused by autoantibodies activating an IGF-1R-mediated signaling complex on cells within the retro-orbital space.5,6 This leads to a cascade of negative effects, which may cause long-term damage to the eyes. As TED progresses, the serious damage it can cause includes proptosis (eye building), strabismus (misalignment of the eyes) and diplopia (double vision) and in some cases, can lead to blindness.7,8 Additional information on TED can be found at ThyroidEyes.com.

About Autoimmune Association (Formerly AARDA)The Autoimmune Association is the worlds leading nonprofit organization dedicated to autoimmune advocacy, awareness, education, and research. Its mission is to lead the fight against autoimmune disease by collaborating to improve healthcare, advance research, and support the community through every step of the journey. For more information, visit http://www.autoimmune.org. Follow on social media: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

About AEVRThe Alliance for Eye and Vision Research (AEVR), a 501(c)3 non-profit foundation, conducts sustained educational efforts about the value of federally funded vision research primarily through its Congressionally recognized Decade of Vision (DOV) 2010-2020 Initiative. Within the DOV, AEVR conducts Congressional Briefings, including a November 19, 2020, virtual global Briefing that recognizes the first annual TED Awareness Week. Visit the Web site at http://www.eyeresearch.org.

About the Graves Disease and Thyroid FoundationThe Graves Disease and Thyroid Foundation (GDATF) is the leading source of help and hope for people with Graves disease and other thyroid related disorders. The organization provides education and support for patients, family members, caregivers, friends and healthcare professionals. GDATF has helped thousands of patients better understand the symptoms and treatment programs for Graves' disease. The Foundation is a 501 C(3) tax-exempt non-profit international charitable organization. For more information, visit http://www.GDATF.org and find us on Twitter (@GDATF), Facebook and Instagram.

About Prevent BlindnessFounded in 1908, Prevent Blindness is the nation's leading volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight. Focused on promoting a continuum of vision care, Prevent Blindness touches the lives of millions of people each year through public and professional education, advocacy and empowerment, vision screening certification, community and patient service programs, and support for research. These services are made possible through the generous support of the American public. Together with a network of affiliates, Prevent Blindness is committed to eliminating preventable blindness in America. For more information, visit us at preventblindness.org, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

About HorizonHorizon is focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of medicines that address critical needs for people impacted by rare, autoimmune and severe inflammatory diseases. Our pipeline is purposeful: we apply scientific expertise and courage to bring clinically meaningful therapies to patients. We believe science and compassion must work together to transform lives. For more information on how we go to incredible lengths to impact lives, please visit http://www.horizontherapeutics.com and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

References

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Horizon Therapeutics Recognizes Second Annual Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) Awareness Week with New Educational and Community Building Initiative -...

The Journal of Functional Foods published a recent study demonstrating that, if adults have healthy eyes, cocoa may help to increase their visual acuity. The study assessed thirty-seven young adults with healthy eyes. Over three visits to the Faculty of Optics and Optometry, the participants drank either (1) a glass of milk, (2) a drink with red-berries, or (3) a drink with cocoa. Then, during each visit, they took a series of tests to check their vision and their eyes ability to adjust to the dark.

Why cocoa and red-berries? Both foods are good sources of polyphenols. Polyphenols are non-nutrient food components that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and vasoactive properties associated with protection against cardiovascular and neurological conditions. Other recent research has also suggested that dark chocolate, which contains polyphenols, can improve visual acuity.

Supporting this prior research, the study found that participants who drank cocoa were significantly better at reading eye charts. Participants who drank the red-berries also trended towards performing better on their vision tests, but the trend was not significant. There was no evidence that either cocoa or red-berries helped participants eyes to adjust to the dark.

More research is needed to determine why cocoa improved visual acuity. Researchers confirmed (yes, through urine samples) that participants polyphenol levels rose after drinking both red-berries and cocoa. Participants who drank cocoa also showed higher levels of theobromine. And cocoa, of course, also has caffeine. Based on these findings, the researchers speculate that polyphenol, coupled with theobromine and/or caffeine, is responsible for the improvement in visual acuity.

The best part of the study? Since researchers gave participants only one cup of cocoa (rather than force-feeding participants ten cups to get results . . . Im sure it happens), the study appears to have real-world implications. If youre an adult with healthy eyes, a cup of cocoa just may sharpen your vision. (And you may be able to cheat on your next eye exam.)

Read more about eye health in One Green Planet, including plant nutrients that can help eye health as well as veggies and plant-based recipes to improve eyesight.

Eating more plant-based foods is known to help with chronic inflammation, heart health, mental wellbeing, fitness goals, nutritional needs, allergies, gut health, and more! Dairy consumption also has been linked to many health problems, including acne, hormonal imbalance, cancer, prostate cancer, and many otherside effects.

Interested in joining the dairy-free and meatless train? We highly recommend downloading the Food Monster App with over 15,000 delicious recipes it is the largest plant-based recipe resource to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals, and get healthy! And, while you are at it, we encourage you to also learn about the environmental and health benefits of a plant-based diet.

For more Animal, Earth, Life, Vegan Food, Health, and Recipe content published daily, subscribe to the One Green Planet Newsletter! Lastly, being publicly-funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!

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Need a Boost on Your Eye Exam? Study Provides Early Evidence that Cocoa Sharpens Vision for Adults with Healthy Eyes - One Green Planet

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Want to quickly renew your prescription or check your vision without visiting the doctor? Theres a way to do so now. It involves your iPhone, a fun app, and of course, a test.

The Virtual Vision Test is the new version of Warby Parkers Prescription Check app. It allows any prescription glasses wearer to quickly eliminate all doubts regarding their worsening vision.

All someone needs to do is download the iOS app and take the test in a quiet, well-lit space. Of course, that is if they already have on hand their current glasses or contacts, as well as a copy of the current prescription.

Reframd Eyewear Digitally Creates Your Frames To Fit Your Face

From about 10 feet away, users will be able to take the well-known vision test only in the comfort of their own home, this time. While the process avoids a visit to the doctors office, it doesnt exclude medical staff completely from the equation. Users will still need to validate the results of the test with an eye doctor.

If the results indicate good vision, then a $15 fee will be charged for a prescription renewal.

Bose Brings 3 New Audio Sunglasses with Speakers Built-in

If not, users will receive a recommendation to visit their doctor. And theres one more thing to take into account; the app will work only for people between 18-65 years old who have a single-vision distance prescription and no chronic eye diseases or who are under treatment.

Will there soon be an equivalent Android app? The company is considering it but the OS would need something similar to iOS Vision Framework for it to function.

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How to Use Your iPhone to Check Eyesight and Renew Your Prescription - TechTheLead

The coronavirus pandemic has been hard on all of us especially with the damage the disease has done to our physical and mental health, and the way we lived our life, in general. Everyone is restricted to their houses and are experiencing increased screen time due to online classes and work from home. Even the time that used to be spent doing other things is now being spent in front of a TV, or on the mobile phone.

As parents, we often worry about our childrens nutrition. Screen time has always been a worrisome subject, especially with the new generation, as the use of tablets, laptops, TV, and phones has gone up among children. According to reports, eye-specialist consultations have gone up during the lockdown due to increased screen time. However, the diet that your child consumes can play an important role in keeping his/her eyes healthy. There are 10 things that we can ensure our child is consuming on a regular basis for their healthy eyes.

Carrots: Carrots are rich in vitamin A (also known as retinol) in the form of beta carotene which is key in maintaining good eye health and by extension, eyesight.

Leafy greens: Spinach and other leafy greens hold the iconic antioxidant duo - lutein and zeaxanthin; two important plant-pigments key in maintaining good eye health. Theyre also highly effective in preventing serious eye conditions, like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

Omega 3: Omega 3 plays an important role in eye health throughout our lives. The DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) part of omega 3 is key in eye development for children, and for maintaining healthy eyes as adults. Chia seeds, flax seeds and walnuts are good plant-based sources of Omega 3.

Bell peppers: Bell peppers give you the most vitamin C per calorie. That's good for the blood vessels in your eyes, and science suggests it could lower your risk of getting cataracts. Red coloured peppers also pack eye-friendly vitamins A and E apart from many immunity boosting properties.

Sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A, beta-carotene, potassium, and fiber, just like carrots, so they're also good for your eye health.

Fresh Pineapple: Pineapples contain vitamin C, i.e. an antioxidant that can inhibit lens oxidation and prevent cataracts.

Dried apricot: Dried Apricots are particularly beneficial to eye health because they contain vitamins A, C and E and carotenoids, which serve to absorb damaging blue and near-ultraviolet light in order to protect the retina part of the eye.

Okra/Bhindi: Okra / Bhindi contains vitamin A content which keeps your eyes and optic nerve safe. Hence, it keeps your eyesight good. Vitamin A is also a potent antioxidant vitamin which plays an important role in reducing the impact of free radicals and is even associated with reduced cataract development.

Broccoli: Broccoli is packed full of lutein and zeaxanthin. These are two of the most important nutrients that your eyes can have because of the ability to prevent oxidation of the retina and age-related degeneration. There is also an antioxidant that is found in broccoli that may prevent blindness called sulforaphane.

Purple Cabbage: Vitamin A in purple cabbage makes the eyes healthy and improves vision. It also reduces the risk of macular degeneration and cataract. The nutrients in the vegetable keep the eyes healthy even during old age.

When it comes to creating good health and good eyes, right nutrition is of utmost importance. And the best part of eating right is that it also helps in overall growth and development of our children. Needless to say, that even the immunity of our children heavily depends on the right nutrition that they consume after all 85% of our immunity lies in our gut.

(Karan Kakkad is a Disease Reversal expert based in India. He is the Founder & CEO of Reverse Factor. To know more call 8100550660 or visitwww.reversefactor.in)

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10 foods that are good for kids' eyesight - Free Press Journal

A senior Ayurveda expert with The Art of Living's Sri Sri Tattva Panchakarma shares a few tips to boost vision health while working from home.

Written by Jahnavi Sarma | Updated : July 16, 2021 1:41 PM IST

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, today, many people are working from home. In fact, according to a survey conducted by a Chennai-based firm, almost 95 per cent of Indian firms are planning to allow their employees to continue working from home for the next 2 years. Now, as we all know, this means spending long hours staring at a computer screen. According to a CMR study, the average screen time for Indians shot up by 25 per cent to up to 6.5 hours last year and as many as 23 per cent respondents complained of weaker eyesight owing to increased screen time, cataract and other age-related vision problems. But the numbers are likely to be much worse this year as people continued to use their devices for work, school and social networking during the pandemic. In this article, we share some very useful tips and home remedies for reducing eye strain and maintaining eye health by Dr. Champavathi, senior Ayurveda expert with The Art of Living's Sri Sri Tattva Panchakarma.

As we stay glued to our tablets and smart phones, laptops and television sets ever since the lockdowns began, prolonged exposure to blue light emitted from these devices can result in repetitive strain to the eyes. Our eyes are the fastest and the most active muscle in the human body. We know yoga, an hour of brisk walk or lifting free weights in the gym can strengthen our muscles, support cardiovascular health and improve blood circulation. But what about the eyes? Often, we tend to neglect eye health unless we notice that there is something really wrong with our vision.

Studies suggest that 50 per cent to 90 per cent of people who work on the computer screen show symptoms of computer vision syndrome (CVS) also known as digital eye strain. The screen forces the eye to focus and refocus all the time causing headaches, dry red eyes, constant itching, tearing and blurred vision. Overtime, the constant flickering and glare from the screen make your eyes work harder causing damage to the eye muscle. Normally, in a minute, we blink about 16 to 18 times. But when you read or stare at the screen, you tend to blink only about 8-10 times. Why is blinking so important? Dr. Champavathi says that when we blink, tears spread over the cornea. Tears contain certain proteins that provide the much-required nourishment for the eye. Intermittent blinking also provides rest to the macular- a part of the retina responsible for our central vision.

Exposure to environment-related irritants like pollen, air pollution, temperature variations and ultraviolet radiations are hazardous for healthy vision. Poor lifestyle habits like consumption of junk food or a high fat diet, alcohol, tobacco and prolonged exposure to bright light quickens the pace of decline in eye health. A habit like smoking, for example, can reduce night vision and leads to degenerative eye problems at an early age, sometimes as early as 28.

Ayurveda-based home remedies and tips can naturally nourish the eye. Dr. Champavathi shares a few tips here.

This is an ancient technique in Ayurveda that provides instant relaxation to the eyes, keeping them away from all light stimuli. First, rub your palms vigorously. Close your eyes and place the warm palms on your eyes. Make sure your palms are cupped so you don't add pressure to your eyeball. Take a slow deep breath in and exhale from your nose. Do this for about 2 to 3 minutes. The best time to practice palming is before bedtime. It will also enhance sleep quality.

Ice is considered to be sheeta satmya in Ayurveda. To counteract the effect of excessive heat in the eye, soak cotton balls or a piece of gauze in milk/rose water and place them on your eye lids for about 5 minutes. This will immediately relieve the eye of any strain.

Of the great elements that matter is made of, the eye is related to light and fire. So, to maintain good eye health, Ayurveda recommends that water used for bathing should not be too hot or too cold but lukewarm. Bathing in hot water causes an imbalance in the fire element.

These are very simple hand gestures and, to practice them, you need not sit in lotus position and meditate upon them (though meditating and pranayamas with mudras is extremely effective). You can practice most Mudras lying down or sitting. But even with normal breath, you will see the results. Mudras are defined as healing modality in oriental systems of wellness. It is made by bringing the tips of the fingers in contact with each other in specific formations to give the desired result. When practiced along with breathing exercises, it increase the flow of life force in the body, leaving you energized and relaxed with just a few minutes of practice.

Keep your spine erect, body relaxed and keep your palms open on your lap before closing your eyes. Gently join the tip of your little finger and ring finger to the tip of your thumb and straighten your other fingers. Breathe normally. Practice this Prana Mudra regularly for about 15 minutes. It helps improve vision and heals eye irritation.

Splash tap water about 3-5 times on the eye to activate the facial arteries and nerves.

Create positive changes in your life by breaking a habit that can unnecessarily create more strain for your eyes. Take off your glasses during mealtime or when you are in conversation with a friend. Spectacle is not a treatment, it is an aid.

Interestingly, Ayurveda connects anger and frustration with eyesight. Anger as an emotion is said to release adrenaline to our blood which dilates the pupil and allows more light to enter the eye than is ideal. So, managing your anger issues can also help reduce eye strain. Take a few slow deep breaths or try and diffuse that temper with humor. You can also practice pranayama such as alternate nostril breathing to calm down the nervous system.

Here's a checklist shared by Dr. Champavathi. Make sure you tick off items from the list before you begin your day.

Eye diseases do not come with a warning sign. Symptoms usually appear suddenly and worsen rapidly. People with diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma may not even notice vision problem in its infancy. Sudden blurriness or trouble seeing colors and fine details are signs of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Eventually some of these diseases can even cause blindness.

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Reduce Eye Strain While Working From Home: Ayurveda Remedies To Deal With Computer Vision Syndrome - TheHealthSite

(PRESS RELEASE) CHICAGO, IL Prevent Blindness, the nations oldest volunteer eye health and safety organization, held the 10th annual Prevent Blindness Focus on Eye Health National Summit as a virtual event on July 14 and 15, 2021. This years Summit included a variety of presentations and discussions related to the theme, Our Changing Vision with more than 1,000 registered attendees.

In addition to a wide variety of presentations and moderated discussions, the Summit provided attendees with the opportunity to visit virtual booths of event sponsors, as well as chat and network with fellow attendees and presenters.

Michael F. Chiang, M.D., director of the National Eye Institute (NEI) at the National Institutes of Health kicked off the Summit as the keynote speaker with his presentation Eliminating Blindness & Improving Quality of Life through Vision. Amy Dixon, paralympic athlete and president of Glaucoma Eyes International, and Ross C. Brownson, PhD, Lipstein Distinguished Professor of Public Health at Washington University in St. Louis, served as keynote speakers the following day.

Additional presenters included:

Moderated discussions included Myopia: A Global Health Challenge, Inequities in Vision Population Health Research, Barriers to Care in the Covid-era, Social Determinants of Vision and Health as it Relates to Learning, Emerging Telehealth and Artificial Intelligence Policy, Improving Vision Health Equity through Workforce Diversity, Aging Eye and Vision, Innovations in Vision and Eye Health: Highlights from State-level Practices, Systems, and Policies, The Importance of the Patient Advocate in Vision Health, and Vision and Eye Health Surveillance System: Using National, State, and County-level Prevalence Data.

During the event, Prevent Blindness formally presented the 2021 Jenny Pomeroy Award for Excellence in Vision and Public Health to R.V. Paul Chan, MD, MSc, MBA, FACS, Professor and Head, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the John H. Panton, MD Professor of Ophthalmology, Director, Pediatric Retina and ROP Service at the Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). And, Ms. Shervonne Poleon, Vision Science Graduate Program student, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), was presented with the second annual Rising Visionary Award.

Copies of presentations and webinar recordings are now available at preventblindness.org/eyesummit-2021-agenda-presentations.

Genentech, Horizon Therapeutics and PhRMA, served as the 10th Annual Focus on Eye Health National Summit Platinum Sponsors. Gold sponsors were Alcon, Biogen, Center for Vision and Population Health at Prevent Blindness, The EyeSight Foundation of Alabama, National Center for Childrens Vision and Eye Health at Prevent Blindness, Novartis, Regeneron and the Seva Foundation.

Silver sponsors included Alliance for Eye and Vision Research (AEVR), American Optometric Association, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), American Society of Retina Specialists, Bausch+Lomb, BrightFocus Foundation, CooperVision, Foundation Fighting Blindness, Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, National Industries for the Blind, National Keratoconus Foundation, Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation, Research to Prevent Blindness, Santen, School Health, Vision 2020 USA and VisionServe Alliance.

Over the last ten years, The Focus on Eye Health National Summit has grown to be one of the premier events in the vision and public health industry as well as expanded to reach participants in more than 60 countries across the globe, said Jeff Todd, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness. We thank our generous sponsors, engaging presenters and moderators, and all of those who attended to help make the 2021 Focus on Eye Health National Summit a great success.

For more information about the 2021 Prevent Blindness Focus on Eye Health National Summit, visit http://www.preventblindness.org/eyesummit.

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Prevent Blindness Holds 'Focus on Eye Health' National Summit - InvisionMag

A recent media report, quoting a survey collated by the UK-based Feel-Good Contacts, reported that Indians suffered maximum damage to eyesight globally due to increased screen time as education, work and entertainment moved online because of coronavirus-induced lockdowns.

The survey said that as many as 27.5 crore Indians, or nearly 23% of the population, saw their eyesight weakening because of excessive screen time, even though other factors such as cataract, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration also impacted the eyesight.

The report noted that lockdowns and social distancing had been major contributors to the growth in screen time as people stayed locked at home for long periods.

Alarming? Yes. Surprising? No. Heres why. Several studies, including those by Lancet Global Health and the World Health Organisation, have put Indians at a huge risk of diabetes and glaucoma-induced vision problems, including complete blindness.

That India is a world capital of diabetes is a sad and known fact; what we Indians still havent realised is the many complications we have to deal with because of the burgeoning cases of diabetes in the country.

Losing vision

Human aspirations drive the world economy. Every person aspires to own a house, a vehicle, and the basic necessities that our ancestors considered a luxury. Modern times are such that aspirations keep growing. A bigger car, a better phone, a holiday home, foreign holiday, bigger and smarter TVs the list keeps growing.

In the middle of this race to give ourselves a better life, are we able to manage our finances to tackle medical emergencies? Are we every month keeping aside a portion of our incomes to prevent ailments? Most Indian middle-class and lower middle-class households end up in a medical poverty trap when confronted with a life-threatening ailment.

Why preventive healthcare?

The primary factors for vision problems among Indians are 1: Diabetic retinopathy; 2: AMD or age-related macular degeneration including cataract; 3: UV light; 4: Blue light.

As in the case of UV light, sunlight is the main source of blue light. But there are also man-made, indoor sources of blue light, including fluorescent and LED lighting and flat-screen TVs. Most notably, the display screens of computers, electronic notebooks, smartphones and other digital devices emit significant amounts of blue light.

In all four factors, preventive healthcare and use of natural products can prevent and reverse vision damage. Medical science has enough evidence that Type 2 Diabetes the main cause of diabetic retinopathy is almost always preventable even in families with a history of the disease through exercise and right food choices.

It is important to quote here a report prepared by the Lancet Global Health Commission on global eye health. Titled Global Eye Health: Vision Beyond 2020, the report said that last year (2020), an estimated 596 million people worldwide had distance vision impairment and a further 510 million had uncorrected near vision impairment.

Most of these people live in low-income and middle-income countries (India comes under this category). The report further said that the global prevalance of diabetes, the main cause of vision impairment, had tripled in the past 20 years.

The increase, mainly in Type 2 Diabetes, is attributed to dietary and lifestyle changes related to urbanisation, population growth, and increasing life expectancy. It further said that almost everyone will experience impaired vision or an eye condition during their lifetime and require eye care services.

Catch them young

While households can immediately start investing in preventive healthcare and the nutra companies will surely take steps to bring in the best and the safest products to every home, the Government of India must, without any further delay, introduce preventive healthcare in school curriculums.

Let me give you an example of an initiative we had undertaken in rural Karnataka which involved families of around 1,500 farmers as part of corporate social responsibility activities. In one of our surveys we found in a particular village most kids suffering from dysentery. Further investigation revealed the main cause of the problem was due to lack of proper hygiene such as not washing of hands.

We organised a camp that solely focused on children, where more than 500 kids were taught to wash hands in a correct way, and frequently. These children, in turn, got their parents and other family members to follow the hygiene protocols and soon enough, the cases of dysentery in the village came down to nil.

The Government of India and the education sector need to show vision here, pun intended. The ideal way to create a healthy society is to create and invest in preventive healthcare system, and for that to happen, the beginning must be from the school classrooms.

Remember how Apple founder Steve Jobs in 1982 created the Kids Cant Wait programme and donated a computer to each of around 9,000 elementary and secondary schools in California. And the rest, as they say, is history.

It will be downright stupid of we as a nation to let the people of India continue to suffer from vision problems even after knowing that there are tools available to prevent and reverse some of the damage.

(Sanjaya Mariwala is Executive Chairman & Managing Director for OmniActive Health Technologies.)

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Eye problems on the rise in India amid Covid-19 pandemic - Free Press Journal

As I may have mentioned 18 or 19 times before, I had cataract surgery a couple of months ago; and just as that was completed, I was able to register for the vaccine. So, to give the whole thing a narrative completeness, the day after I got my second jab (Moderna. Yes, I know), I made my final visit to the Cataract Guy.

This hadnt been on the original schedule. Wed already had the final appointment where Cataract Guy had declared himself happy with my recovery. It was just that in the subsequent weeks, Id noticed a large spot on the vision of my right eye. It was probably nothing. I was probably being neurotic.

Theres nothing worse than being neurotic and then being proven to be right.

I had a detached retina. It was at the top of my eye, which apparently made it the worst sort. Cataract Guy went into a complex analogy involving wallpaper and bulges. And while he never explicitly said there was an imminent threat to my eyesight, he didnt have to. He told me I had to go to see Retina Guy, and I had to go right now.

Ominously, he intoned Good Luck.

Because such examinations involve vision-obscuring eye drops, I couldnt drive: so, what had been a slightly-annoying taxi job for Herself suddenly became an ambulance run into the city centre. She had to re-arrange her work schedule as she drove. We had a conversation/slight argument where she bombarded me with questions I couldnt answer. I had peeling eye wallpaper and it was serious. That was all I had managed to take in.

Retina Guy didnt say there was a threat to my eyesight either. Instead, he asked me when I had last eaten and announced his intention to operate that afternoon. As is standard in these situations, he set about explaining what the procedure involved, but I stopped him when he got to the word Jelly. Just put me to sleep and fix it.

Thankfully, he respected this, but did go to some pains to address an issue that had nothing to do with me eye: youre in shock, he told me. You will be in shock for the next few days. Youll need to acknowledge that. Just before the operation he visited me again and repeated the advice. He patted me on the arm. It was the arm that I had got my jab in the day before so it hurt, but I did appreciate the gesture.

While at the time I thought I was being all James Bond about it, he was correct. Afterwards, I felt frail and anxious. The post-operative regime required me to spend days with my head bent forward. I couldnt drive or bend over or lift anything. I couldnt see out of my right eye because they had pumped gas into it. (Which causes hilariously poor depth perception).

I felt useless, frustrated and guilty because now Herself had to do everything. I couldnt do any housework. I couldnt dress Daughter Number Four or read her bedtime stories. Herself didnt complain, but the strain and the worry were obvious.

Yet our story is a relatively mild one. Within a month or so, my eyesight should, hopefully, come back to normal. Every day, people have to deal with far more serious conditions, life-limiting and life-threatening; and while the focus is understandably on the condition itself, the psychological toll it takes on the person and their family can get overlooked. The lives of those doing the caring are also limited, yet they may feel they dont have the right to complain.

Even the most humdrum tasks can become bent with the strain. When Herself delivered me to the second hospital, she couldnt come in because of Covid. I got out of the car, and just as I was about the cross the road, she accidently reversed into me. Appropriately, I was in her blind spot.

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Sean Moncrieff: I felt useless, frustrated and guilty after my operation - The Irish Times

Oregon Eye Specialists, PC and the American Academy of Ophthalmology share facts about the eye condition and the surgery used to treat it.

Approximately 25 million Americans have cataracts, which causes cloudy, blurry or dim vision and often develops with advancing age. This month, Oregon Eye Specialists joins the American Academy of Ophthalmology in observing Cataract Awareness Month by sharing three things everyone should know about the condition and its treatment. As everyone grows older, the lenses of their eyes thicken and become cloudier. Eventually, they may find it more difficult to read street signs. Colors may seem dull. These symptoms may signal cataracts, which affect about 70 percent of people by age 75. Fortunately, cataracts can be corrected with surgery. Ophthalmologists, physicians who specialize in medical and surgical eye care, perform around three million cataract surgeries each year to restore vision to those patients. The following are facts people should know about the condition.

1. Age isnt the only risk factor for cataracts. Though most everyone will develop cataracts with age, recent studies show that lifestyle and behavior can influence when and how severely you develop cataracts. Diabetes, extensive exposure to sunlight, smoking, obesity, high blood pressure and certain ethnicities have all been linked to increased risk of cataracts. Eye injuries, prior eye surgery and long-term use of steroid medication can also result in cataracts. If you have any of these or other risk factors, talk to an ophthalmologist.

2. Cataracts cannot be prevented, but you can lower your risk. Wearing UV-blocking sunglasses and brimmed hats when outside can help. Several studies suggest that eating more vitamin C-rich foods may delay how fast cataracts form. Also, avoid smoking cigarettes, which have been shown to increase the risk of cataract development.

3. Surgery may help improve more than just your vision. During the procedure, the natural clouded lens is replaced with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens, which should improve your vision significantly. Patients have a variety of lenses to choose from, each with different benefits. Studies have shown that cataract surgery can improve quality of life and reduce the risk of falling. If cataracts are interfering with your ability to see well, consider asking your ophthalmologist about cataract surgery.

Cataract surgery is the most common surgery performed on older adults around the world says Devin Gattey, MD, President of Oregon Eye Specialists. The highly skilled surgeons working in our clinics have performed tens of thousands of cataract surgeries collectively, and they have the wisdom to recommend whether surgery is right for an individual patient. Patient education prior to a cataract procedure is a vital component of the surgical journey, and our physicians will strive to provide you with clarity at every step, says Gattey.

To learn more ways to keep your eyes healthy, visit the Oregon Eye Specialists Eye Health Blog or the American Academy of Ophthalmologys EyeSmart website.

About Oregon Eye Specialists, PCOregon Eye Specialists, PC is a 19-physician ophthalmology and optometry practice with six clinics throughout Oregon. Our providers are experienced in the full range of medical, surgical and vision eye care for all ages. Our entire team is dedicated to providing our patients with excellent service and personalized care. http://www.oregoneyes.net.

About the American Academy of OphthalmologyThe American Academy of Ophthalmology is the worlds largest association of eye physicians and surgeons. A global community of 32,000 medical doctors, we protect sight and empower lives by setting the standards for ophthalmic education and advocating for our patients and the public. We innovate to advance our profession and to ensure the delivery of the highest-quality eye care.

Original post:
Three Things Patients Should Know About Cataracts - Oregon Business

SANTA ANA, Calif., July 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson & Johnson Vision*, a global leader in eye health and part of the Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices Companies**, today announced that 21 company-sponsored studies supporting cataract surgery outcomes will be presented at the 2021 American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) and American Society of Ophthalmic Administrators (ASOA) Annual Meeting in Las Vegas Nevada, July 23-27, 2021. A complete listing of abstracts related to Johnson & Johnson Vision can be found on the ASCRS website.

"We're passionate about developing evidenced-based solutions that surgeons use to improve their patients' sight and wellbeing, as well as evaluating the clinical outcomes of those innovations," said Rajesh Rajpal,*** MD, Chief Medical Officer and Global Head of Clinical and Medical Affairs, Johnson & Johnson Vision. "This year at ASCRS we've more than tripled our presentations, offering a robust slate of clinical data, including data for our new TECNIS Synergy IOL2 and postmarket data evaluating the rotational stability of the TECNIS Toric II IOLs,1 as we know it will be beneficial for surgeons to consider when they are determining their cataract patients' treatment plans."

At the meeting, Johnson & Johnson Vision will also feature the new monofocal and PC-IOL lenses introduced this year, and its next-gen phaco emulsification system that received FDA 510(k) clearance earlier this year at its booth (#2813), host a case-based discussion on the new TECNIS Synergy IOL, and help bring the diverse ophthalmology community back together by sponsoring the OWL organization's Signature Event. Additionally, a skills transfer wet-lab for VERITAS Vision System will be featured in the Johnson & Johnson Vision booth (#2813), allowing customers to be among the first in the United States to receive hands-on experience with the system.

Evidence Supports Excellent Visual Performance and Rotational Stability with TECNIS IOLs1,2,3

Visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and depth perception are highly interrelated elements of vision and impact health-related quality of life and safety.4,5 IOL data being presented utilize novel rotation measurement method to evaluate rotational stability of the TECNIS Toric II IOL,1 and reviews head-to-head data for the TECNIS Synergy IOL, showing the lenses deliver excellent performance, image contrast, and outcomes for cataract patients.2,6

Data Shows TearScience LipiFlow Treatment Prior to Cataract Surgery Optimizes Outcomes7

The incidence of ocular surface disease in patients presenting for cataract surgery is over 80%8 and 60% of cataract surgery candidates are asymptomatic.9 In alignment with current ASCRS clinical guidelines, the proactive diagnosis and management of MGD in the preoperative cataract patient is recommended.10 Data presented evaluates the improvements in visual acuity, reporting of halos, and improvement of MGD function in patients treated prior to bilateral cataract surgery.

Evaluation Demonstrates Improved Performance of VERITAS Vision System Fluidics Packs

Anterior chamber stability is key to successful outcomes for patients undergoing cataract surgery, while post-occlusion surge is a main source of chamber instability during cataract surgery.11,12,13 Optimal fluidics management may reduce complication rates.14 Key datawill assess if the new Hybrid Fluidics Technologyon the VERITAS Vision System minimize post-occlusion surge and protects intraocular structures to provide exceptional chamber stability.

All educational content of the ASCRSASOA Annual Meeting is planned by its program committee, and ASCRSASOA does not endorse, promote, approve, or recommend the use of any products, devices, or services.

vs Acrysof IQ PanOptix IOL, TECNIS Symfony IOL, TECNIS Multifocal IOL (United States). Based on comparison of DFU defocus curves and a head to head clinical study vs. Acrysof IQ PanOptix IOL.

Continuous 20/32 or better

Head to head clinical study vs. Acrysof IQ PanOptix IOL.

About The TECNISFamily of IOLs

At Johnson & Johnson Vision, quality begins with the platform. The TECNIS platform uses a proprietary combination of materials and design to deliver more for patients more clarity withlower reflectance/lower dispersion vs competitor platform,15,16,17 low levels of chromatic aberration 18, and almost complete elimination of spherical aberration.19 The TECNIS portfolio also delivers moreimage contrast- day and night -than the leading competitor platform 20,21 and more stabilityto stand the test of time.21,22,23Finally, TECNIS delivers more choice for surgeons and patients - offering thebroadest portfolio of IOLs, with solutions for vision across a variety of different visual conditions and lifestyles.24

About Johnson & Johnson Vision

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

About Johnson & JohnsonMedical Devices Companies

At Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices Companies, we are helping people live their best lives. Building on more than a century of expertise, we tackle pressing healthcare challenges, and take bold steps that lead to new standards of care while improving people's healthcare experiences. In surgery, orthopaedics, vision, and interventional solutions, we are helping to save lives and paving the way to a healthier future for everyone, everywhere.

Competitor platforms included are Hoya, Alcon & B&L Acrylic

Against IOLs that use Hoya, Alcon Acrylic, and B&L Silicone

Against Acrysof IOL & Clareon IOL

AgainstAcrysof IOL

INDICATIONS AND IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR TECNIS Synergy IOL with TECNIS Simplicity Delivery System, Model DFR00V and TECNIS Synergy Toric II IOL with TECNIS Simplicity Delivery System, Models DFW150, DFW225, DFW300, DFW375

INDICATIONS

The TECNIS Simplicity Delivery System is used to fold and assist in inserting the TECNIS Synergy IOL which is indicated for primary implantation for the visual correction of aphakia in adult patients, with less than 1 diopter of pre-existing corneal astigmatism, in whom a cataractous lens has been removed. The TECNIS Simplicity Delivery System is used to fold and assist in inserting the TECNIS Synergy Toric II IOLs that are indicated for primary implantation for the visual correction of aphakia and for reduction of refractive astigmatism in adult patients with greater than or equal to 1 diopter of preoperative corneal astigmatism, in whom a cataractous lens has been removed. Compared to an aspheric monofocal lens, the TECNIS Synergy IOLs mitigate the effects of presbyopia by providing improved visual acuity at intermediate and near distances to reduce eyeglass wear, while maintaining comparable distance visual acuity. The lens is intended for capsular bag placement only.

WARNINGS

Intraocular lenses may exacerbate an existing condition, may interfere with diagnosis or treatment of a condition or may pose an unreasonable risk to the eyesight of patients. Patients should have well-defined visual needs and be informed of possible visual effects (such as a perception of halo, starburst or glare around lights), which may be expected in nighttime or poor visibility conditions. Patients may perceive these visual effects as bothersome, which, on rare occasions, may be significant enough for the patient to request removal of the IOL. The physician should carefully weigh the potential risks and benefits for each patient. Patients with a predicted postoperative residual astigmatism greater than 1.0 diopter, with or without a toric lens, may not fully benefit in terms of reducing spectacle wear. Rotation of the TECNIS Synergy Toric II IOL from its intended axis can reduce its astigmatic correction. Misalignment greater than 30 may increase postoperative refractive cylinder. If necessary, lens repositioning should occur as early as possible, prior to lens encapsulation. The lens and delivery system should be discarded if the lens has been folded within the cartridge for more than 10 minutes. Not doing so may result in the lens being stuck in the cartridge. Do not attempt to disassemble, modify, or alter the delivery system or any of its components, as this can significantly affect the function and/or structural integrity of the design.

PRECAUTIONS

Interpret results with caution when using autorefractors or wavefront aberrometers that utilize infrared light, or when performing a duochrome test. Confirmation of refraction with maximum plus manifest refraction technique is strongly recommended. The ability to perform some eye treatments (e.g., retinal photocoagulation) may be affected by the IOL optical design. The surgeon should target emmetropia, as this lens is designed for optimum visual performance when emmetropia is achieved. The TECNIS Synergy IOLs should not be placed in the ciliary sulcus. Carefully remove all viscoelastic and do not over-inflate the capsular bag at the end of the case. Residual viscoelastic and/or over-inflation of the capsular bag may allow the lens to rotate, causing misalignment of the TECNIS Synergy Toric II IOL. All preoperative surgical parameters are important when choosing a TECNIS Synergy Toric II IOL for implantation, including preoperative keratometric cylinder (magnitude and axis), incision location, the surgeon's estimated surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) and biometry. Variability in any of the preoperative measurements can influence patient outcomes and the effectiveness of treating eyes with lower amounts of preoperative corneal astigmatism. The effectiveness of TECNIS Synergy Toric II IOLs in reducing postoperative residual astigmatism in patients with preoperative corneal astigmatism < 1.0 diopter has not been demonstrated. Patients with a predicted postoperative astigmatism greater than 1.0 D may not be suitable candidates for implantation with the TECNIS Synergy and TECNIS Synergy Toric II IOLs, as they may not obtain the benefits of reduced spectacle wear or improved intermediate and near vision seen in patients with lower predicted postoperative astigmatism.

ATTENTION:Reference the Directions for Use for a complete listing of Indications and Important Safety Information.

INDICATIONS AND IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR THE TECNIS TORIC AND TECNIS TORIC II 1-PIECE IOL

Rx Only

CAUTION: Federal law restricts this device to sale, distribution and use by or on the order of a physician.

INDICATIONS

The TECNISToric II 1-Piece and TECNIS Toric 1-Piece IOL posterior chamber lens is indicated for the visual correction of aphakia and pre-existing corneal astigmatism of one diopter or greater in adult patients with or without presbyopia in whom a cataractous lens has been removed by phacoemulsification and who desire improved uncorrected distance vision, reduction in residual refractive cylinder, and increased spectacle independence for distance vision. The device is intended to be placed in the capsular bag.

WARNINGS

Physicians considering lens implantation should weigh the potential risk/benefit ratio for any circumstances described in the TECNISToric II 1-Piece and TECNIS Toric 1-Piece IOL Directions for Use that could increase complications or impact patient outcomes. The clinical study for the TECNIS Toric 1-Piece IOL did not show evidence of effectiveness for the treatment of preoperative corneal astigmatism of less than one diopter. The TECNIS Toric II 1-Piece and TECNIS Toric 1-Piece IOL should not be placed in the ciliary sulcus. Rotation of the TECNIS Toric II 1-Piece and TECNIS Toric 1-Piece IOL away from its intended axis can reduce its astigmatic correction. Misalignment greater than 30 may increase postoperative refractive cylinder.

PRECAUTIONS

Accurate keratometry and biometry in addition to the use of the TECNIS Toric Calculator (www.TecnisToricCalc.com) are recommended to achieve optimal visual outcomes. The safety and effectiveness of the toric intraocular lens have not been substantiated in patients with certain preexisting ocular conditions and intraoperative complications. Refer to the TECNIS Toric II 1-Piece and TECNIS Toric 1-Piece IOL Directions for Use for a complete description of the preexisting conditions and intraoperative complications. All preoperative surgical parameters are important when choosing a toric lens for implantation. Variability in any of the preoperative measurements can influence patient outcomes. All corneal incisions were placed temporally in the clinical study. When the insertion system is used improperly, the haptics of the TECNIS Toric II 1-Piece and TECNIS Toric 1-Piece IOL may become broken. Please refer to the specific instructions for use provided with the insertion instrument or system. Do not reuse, resterilize, or autoclave.

ADVERSE EVENTS

The most frequently reported cumulative adverse event that occurred during the TECNIS Toric 1-Piece IOL clinical trial was surgical re-intervention which occurred at a rate of 3.4% (lens repositioning procedures and retinal repair procedures).

ATTENTION

Reference the Directions for Use labeling for a complete listing of Indications and Safety Information.

INDICATIONS AND IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION for the VERITAS Vision System

Rx Only

INDICATIONS FOR USE:The VERITAS Vision System is a modular ophthalmic microsurgical system that facilitates anterior segment (i.e., cataract) ophthalmic surgery. The modular design allows the users to configure the system to meet their surgical requirements

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: Risks and complications of cataract surgery may include corneal burn. This device is only to be used by a trained licensed physician

ATTENTION:Reference the labeling for a complete listing of Indications and Important Safety Information

INDICATIONS AND IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION for LIPIFLOWThermal Pulsation System

Rx Only

INDICATIONS: The LipiFlow Thermal Pulsation System is intended for the application of localized heat and pressure therapy in adult patients with chronic cystic conditions of the eyelids, including meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), also known as evaporative dry eye or lipid deficiency dry eye.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: Do not use the LipiFlow System in patients with the following conditions. Use of the device in patients with these conditions may cause injury. Safety and effectiveness of the device have not been studied in patients with these conditions.

PRECAUTIONS: Use of the LipiFlow System in patients with the conditions described in the LipiFlow instructions for use may result in reduced treatment effectiveness because these conditions may cause ocular symptoms unrelated to cystic meibomian glands and require other medical management. Safety and effectiveness of the device have not been studied in patients with these conditions.

WARNINGS: Caution: Use carefully. May cause serious burns. Do not use over sensitive skin areas or in the presence of poor circulation. The unattended use of the device by children or incapacitated persons may be dangerous.

ADVERSE EFFECTS: Potential adverse effects that may occur as a result of the procedure include, but are not limited to, the onset or increase in:

ATTENTION

Reference theLipiFlow Thermal Pulsation System Instructions for Use for a complete listing of indications, warnings, and precautions.

*Johnson & Johnson Vision represents the products and services of Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision, Inc., Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc., and the affiliates of both.

**The Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices Companies comprise the surgery, orthopaedics, vision, and interventional solutions businesses within Johnson & Johnson's Medical Devices segment.

***Rajesh Rajpal is an employee of Johnson & Johnson Vision, Inc., serving as Chief Medical Officer and Global Head of Clinical and Medical Affairs.

Johnson & Johnson Vision, 2021. All rights reserved.

1 DOF2021CT4012 Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision Inc, 2021

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3 DOF2020CT4015- ("Forte 1"): A Comparative Clinical Evaluation of a New TECNIS Presbyopia Correcting Intraocular Lens Against a PanOptix Intraocular Lens- SPECTACLE WEAR AND SATISFACTION RESULTS

4 Shader RI (2019) Falls, Frailty, Vision, and Aging. Clin Ther 41 (3): 369-372.

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6 Johnson & Johnson Vision. DOF2021CT4012 v1.0

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18 Data on File, DOF2018CT4007, Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision, Inc. 2018

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20 Data on File, DOF2018OTH 4004 Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision, Inc. 2018. (Modular transfer function (MTF) is a measure of the amount of contrast transferred by the optics in a visual system. The higher the MTF value, the more contrast transferred to the image, resulting in higher image contrast.)

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22 Van der Mooren M, Franssen L, Piers P. Effects of glistenings in intraocular lenses. Biomed Opt Express.

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Johnson & Johnson Vision Presents Scientific Data Validating Improved Surgical Outcomes With Latest Cataract Innovations And Legacy MGD Treatment...

After an accident, its all too easy to say that workplace hazards should have been handled better. But preventing accidents at work - spotting hazards and countering them before anyone gets hurt - will always be first prize. So says Gary Rodney, a behavioural optometrist who assists businesses with vision-related questions pertaining to the workplace.

The most serious workplace eye injuries are likely to occur in specific work environments. When theres dust, compressed air, tools, and especially power tools, extremely bright light or UV light, or work involving the use of chemicals, eyes can be at risk, and eye protection will be especially important.

Were usually looking at situations in which the surface of the eye gets scratched, foreign bodies become embedded in the eye, the eye is punctured, or chemicals have burned eye tissue. Welding flashes give off very bright UV light, and theyre also responsible for many eye injuries in the workplace. says Gary.

Effective eye protection in the workplace isnt just a matter of identifying areas where its needed and making sure its available - although thats a good start. Both employers and employees need to be educated and aware, says Gary. There are often instances in which eye protection is provided, but not worn, or the eye protection is inadequate, incorrect, or poorly-fitting.

Making employers and employees aware of workplace hazards, and sustaining that awareness is very important. When people work in hazardous situations every day, it becomes the norm. They get careless, and thats a very dangerous state of affairs.

Once there is awareness coupled with the provision of adequate eye protection, and a safety-oriented workplace culture that enforces the use of safety equipment and safety protocols, the risk of eye injuries in the workplace is substantially reduced.

Choosing the right eye protection to use at work is rather more complicated than it may initially seem. As a basic guideline, it should comply with Australian Standards which cover the types of safety gear that should be used to guard against impacts (high, medium, or low), dust, chemical handling accidents and UV light from welding equipment.

Apart from being effective, the equipment should also be comfortable and fit well. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should ideally be just that - personal, says Gary. If its comfortable to wear, theres a greater chance of compliance. As an employee, you should ask for help if you feel that your equipment isnt right for you. For example, if you wear glasses, your eye protection should fit over them, and if theres a chance of chemicals or debris entering your eyes from the sides, there shouldnt be any gaps.

The three steps towards reducing the chance of workplace injuries are the same regardless of the type of accidents that is being guarded against. Knowing where the risks are is the first step, the provision of adequate protective equipment is the next one, and compliance in using it closes the loop.

Your eyesight is too important to risk because you dont want to engage with workplace safety officers or simply dont feel like wearing your PEE, says Gary. Take the necessary steps, report problems, and be informed as to what to do in the event of an accident.

HEAR: Ultra106.5FM Interview with Gary Rodney Covid and Myopia: What you need to know!

For more information on eye injuries and impairments, and how they can be treated, or to make an appointment for a regular eye check, visit the Smart Vision website:Optometrists Sydney: Optometry Services For Children and Adults | Smart Vision; for specific information about Myopia treatment and prevention visitMyopia Prevention: Solutions, Control And Treatment In Sydney; and for detailed information about Myopia Treatment visitOrthokeratology In Sydney: The Non Surgical Alternative.

To book an appointment for a thorough eye check-up,click hereor Call the Bondi clinic on (02) 9365 5047 or the Mosman clinic on (02) 9969 1600.

Syndicated byBaxton Media,The Market Influencers,Your Digital Marketing Agency.

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Sydney Optometrist Mosman Eye Injury Protection Vision Therapy Myopia Prevention - PRWire

Charenton-le-Pont and Paris, France (July 5, 2021 1:00 pm CEST) EssilorLuxottica and theFdration Internationale de lAutomobile (FIA) today announced the renewal of their partnership to raise awareness of the importance of regular eye checks for all road users and, more broadly, to promote good vision for safer roads. Together, EssilorLuxottica and the FIA will roll out a comprehensive plan mobilising public and private stakeholders, and leveraging both innovation and their global reach.

In August 2020, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution A/RES/74/299, proclaiming 2021-2030 as a new Decade of Action for Road Safety, with the objective of halving the number of road victims by 2030. To achieve this goal, the United Nations (UN) issued a set of recommendations1, including a call for countries to implement appropriate, effective and evidence-based legislation on risk factors related to distracted or impaired driving. Adopting measures to ensure good vision for all road users is part of these recommendations. The UN also encouraged Member States to take measures to promote road safety knowledge and awareness among the population through education, training and advertising campaigns, especially among youth, and to share good road safety practice.

With 1.4 million people killed in road crashes and 50 million more seriously injured each year, safe mobility is a global priority and a key pillar to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Since eyesight is a key element to make safe decisions and anticipate potential risks on the road, good vision is critical. It is part of the road safety culture and can help reduce any potential danger on the road. And even more so today, as the COVID-19 crisis has significantly accelerated the transformation of mobility, resulting in a boom of bikes, scooters and other forms of individual mobility joining cars on the road, reinforcing the need for good vision in all situations.

As part of their renewed three-year partnership within the new #PurposeDriven movement launched by the FIA, EssilorLuxottica and the FIA will continue to mobilise the general public, institutions, mobility players and eye care professionals, to address the UNs strong call for action. Together, they will roll out a wide range of initiatives focused on: reinforcing awareness campaigns and advocacy in the run-up to the 2022 UNGA dedicated to the road safety global plan of actions;accelerating innovation in the areas of eye exams, visual solutions and other road safety-related products such as helmets, leveraging racing expertise to apply it to the roads and scaling up access to visual equipment in close collaboration with FIA Member Clubs all over the world. This will include joint actions with the United Nations Road Safety Fund.

EssilorLuxottica will kick off this partnership with a global Action for good vision on the road campaign, calling upon all eye care professionals to play a key role in raising awareness and addressing the crucial and reinforced need for good vision in all conditions, day and night. As part of this partnership, the Company will also collaborate with FIA Member Clubs and engage its own extensive network of retail footprint in Italy, North America and Australia.

Vision is vital on the road. EssilorLuxotticas commitment for safer roads is part of our wider responsibility as the industry leader and our mission to help people see more, be more and live life to its fullest. Public awareness about the importance of good vision remains low while the need for access to suitable eyewear continues to grow. This issue concerns everyone low and middle-income countries as well as mature countries, from underserved communities to professional drivers. We are confident that together with the FIA, and with the support of public and private stakeholders across the globe, we will be able create a positive and meaningful impact as part of our plan, commented Francesco Milleri, CEO of EssilorLuxottica, and Paul du Saillant, Deputy CEO of EssilorLuxottica.

At the FIA, we are committed to improving global road safety, which includes the promotion of responsible driving. To do that, we need to build a comprehensive set of interventions, with a strong focus on prevention. Our renewed partnership with EssilorLuxottica will contribute to building a culture of safety by raising awareness on the importance of good vision for all road users, said Jean Todt, FIA President and UN Secretary-Generals Special Envoy for Road Safety.

Watch the official partnership video here.

CONTACTSHead of Investor Relations Head of Corporate CommunicationsGiorgio Iannella Marco Catalanie-mail: ir@essilorluxottica.com e-mail: media@essilorluxottica.com

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EssilorLuxottica and the FIA reinforce their commitment to promote good vision for safer roads - GlobeNewswire

A blind man who received a gene from algae in one eye reaches for a notebook with the help of special goggles.

By Jocelyn KaiserMay. 24, 2021 , 12:20 PM

A blind man who received a gene for a light-sensing algal protein can now see and touch objects with the help of special goggles, researchers report today.

His vision gains are modesthe cannot see colors or discern faces or letters. But if the treatment helps other study participants, it may offer advantages over other vision technologies for severely blind people. And for neuroscientists, the result is a milestone: the first published report of using a relatively new technology called optogenetics to treat a disease in people.

Its not the kind of vision people dream of, but its a big step, says Jean Bennett of the University of Pennsylvania, who works on gene therapy for blindness but was not involved in the study.

Optogenetics uses light to control neurons. Scientists add the gene for a light-sensitive protein called an opsin from algae or bacteria and then shine a light on the cell to trigger the opsin to change shape, which switches the neurons activity on or off. Since it was developed nearly 20 years ago, optogenetics has mostly been used as a tool to study brain circuitry in animals. But researchers hope it can one day treat diseases such as Parkinsons and blindness.

The eye is the simplest place to start because it is small and easy to access, study co-leader Botond Roska, a physician-scientist at the University of Basel, said at a press conference last week.

The patients in the studya clinical trialhave an inherited disease called retinitis pigmentosa and have lost the retinal photoreceptor cells that use human opsins to turn light into electrical signals relayed to the brain. But their eyes still have the ganglion cells that route these signals to the brain via the optic nerve. That means the patients could potentially gain vision by giving these cells a microbial opsin.

The first volunteer was a 58-year-old French man who began going blind 40 years ago. When the experiment started, he could sense light but could not distinguish shapes. He received an injection in his worse eye of a harmless virus called an adeno-associated virus, which carried the gene for an opsin from algae. The researchers waited a few months for the ganglion cells in the patients eye to begin to produce the new protein. Then they began to train him to use special goggles that amplify incoming light from an image and focus it on the retina in the amber wavelength sensed by the opsin.

Within a few months, the man reported he could see the white stripes at a pedestrian crossing while walking outside wearing the goggles. He was very excited, although perhaps not as much as we were, study co-leader Jos-Alain Sahel, a physician-scientist at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and the Vision Institute in Paris, said at the press conference.

Then the man started to pass lab tests: He could usually find and touch dark objects set on a white table, such as a notebook or box of staples, that he could not see without the goggles. And he could count up to three glass tumblers (see videos below). When the patient wore an electrode-studded cap that measures brain activity, the signals showed activity in the visual cortex, the part of the brain involved in seeing, the team reports today in Nature Medicine.

The man also told the researchers his daily life has improved. Wearing the goggles, he said, he can more easily find a plate or phone or detect furniture or a door.

The seven other patients treated so far in the trial havent been able to complete training with the goggles because of the coronavirus pandemic. Some are receiving higher doses of the viral vector that could help them see in more detail, as could tweaks to the goggles, the researchers saythough none of these improvements would allow for color vision.

Its fabulous that they got this to work in humans, says neuroscientist Pieter Roelfsema of the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience. Right now, the only approved treatment for such patients is a device that sends signals from a camera mounted on a pair of glasses to electrodes implanted in the eye. It can improve light perception and allow some people to see shapes, but it requires surgery. Roelfsemas lab is developing a brain implant that has helped monkeys see letters, but it would be much more invasive than an eye injection, he notes.

The company that sponsored the trial, GenSight Biologics, isnt the only one working on optogenetics for blindness. RetroSense Therapeutics launched a trial 5 years ago but hasnt reported results. Another company, Bionic Sight, reported in March in a press release that four patients can now detect light and motion when looking into a device similar to a virtual reality set.

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Blind man regains some vision, with help from light-sensing algal protein - Science Magazine

A blind man who could only perceive the faintest bit of light can now perceive fuzzy shapes, thanks to gene therapy and a pair of specially engineered goggles.

The man was diagnosed with a condition called retinitis pigmentosa 40 years ago, at the age of 18, according to a new report, published Monday (May 24) in the journal Nature Medicine. People with retinitis pigmentosa carry faulty genes that, due to many mutations, cause the light-sensitive cells in the retina at the back of the eye to break down, according to the National Eye Institute (NEI).

These genes would usually code for functional proteins in the retina, but instead fail to build those proteins, or make abnormal proteins that malfunction or produce substances that directly damage the retinal tissue. The condition affects roughly 1 in 4,000 people worldwide, according to the NEI, and can sometimes lead to complete blindness, as occurred in the 58-year-old patient in the new study, BBC News reported.

Related: 12 amazing images in medicine

In an attempt to treat the man's vision loss, scientists inserted genes that code for a light-sensing protein into a modified virus, then injected those genetically tweaked viral vectors into one of his eyes, the researchers reported. The protein, called ChrimsonR, is a engineered version of a light-sensitive protein found in unicellular algae, which allows the single-celled organism to detect and move toward sunlight, MIT Technology Review reported.

ChrimsonR belongs to a family of light-sensitive proteins called channelrhodopsins, hence the added "H" in crimson, and has been modified to react to colors within the reddish end of the color spectrum, namely amber light. By injecting genes for ChrimsonR into the retina specifically into retinal ganglion cells, a kind of nerve cell that sends visual signals to the brain the team hoped to make these cells sensitive to yellow-orange light, MIT Technology Review reported.

Here's where the special goggles came in. The goggles pick up changes in light intensity from the environment and then translate that signal into an intense, amber image that gets projected straight onto the patient's retina, with the aim of activating ChrimsonR. Months passed before a significant quantity of ChrimsonR accumulated in the man's eye and began to alter his vision, but eventually, he began to perceive patterns of light with help from the goggles, BBC News reported.

"The patient perceived, located, counted and touched" different objects using his treated eye, alone, and while wearing the goggles, the researchers wrote in the study. For instance, the patient could perceive a notebook and cups placed on a table in front of him, although when asked to count the cups he did not always give the correct number, according to MIT Technology Review.

Prior to receiving the therapy, the man could not detect any objects, with or without the goggles on, and following the injection, he could only see while wearing the goggles, since they convert all light into an amber hue, the researchers reported.

In addition to the notebook and cups, the patient reported being able to see the painted white lines at a pedestrian crossing, the BBC reported. "This patient initially was a bit frustrated because it took a long time between the injection and the time he started to see something," first author Dr. Jos-Alain Sahel, an ophthalmologist and scientist at the University of Pittsburgh and Institute of Vision in Paris, told the BBC. The patient began training with the goggles about 4.5 months after his injection and only started reporting improvements in his vision about 7 months after that, the team reported.

"But when he started to report spontaneously he was able to see the white stripes to come across the street you can imagine he was very excited. We were all excited," Sahel told the BBC.

Even now, the man's vision still remains fairly limited, in that he can only see monochromatic images and at a fairly low resolution. But "the findings provide proof-of-concept that using optogenetic therapy to partially restore vision is possible," senior author Dr. Botond Roska, founding director of the Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel at the University of Basel, told BBC News. ("Optogenetics" broadly describes the technique of using light and genetic modification to control the activity of neurons.)

Of course, although these initial results are exciting, the study is limited in that only one patient has received the treatment so far, James Bainbridge, a professor of retinal studies at the University College London who was not involved in the study, told the BBC.

Read more about the research in BBC News and MIT Technology Review.

Originally published on Live Science.

Excerpt from:
Genes from algae helped a blind man recover some of his vision - Livescience.com

(BPT) - As one of the worlds top paratriathletes, Amy Dixon is always looking forward. Even though an autoimmune disorder has taken away most of her ability to see, she has extraordinary vision for reaching her goals.

This summer, shell head to Tokyo. For Amy, its an incredible journey that would have seemed unimaginable two decades earlier.

Vision troubles come to light

Amy first noticed her vision problems as a 22-year-old college student. She struggled to see clearly in a darkened room. Driving at night, she failed to notice oncoming cars. The signs were clear that something was wrong with her eye health, but Amy wasnt convinced.

I had 20/20 vision as a kid, so I dismissed the problems I was having as being related to some other condition like migraine, says Amy, a migraine sufferer since she was a teen. I was ignoring what was obvious that something was wrong with my eyes.

After scheduling an appointment with an ophthalmologist, Amy learned she had uveitis, which is a form of inflammation inside the eye. Amys doctor told her that the disease had already put her eyesight in serious jeopardy. He said that 70% of her peripheral vision had been lost and she would need to begin treatment immediately or risk going blind within 10 years.

Unfortunately, I waited too long before having my eyes examined and uveitis had already attacked my vision. When the diagnosis sunk in, I thought I was destined to going blind, adds Amy.

Becoming her own advocate

Rallying behind a forward-looking attitude that would ultimately become her calling card, Amy confronted her condition head-on. Working with her doctor, she began an aggressive treatment regimen. While uveitis would eventually take 98% of her vision, the treatments succeeded in slowing down progression of the disease.

A new diagnosis and the athlete reemerges

With her uveitis in remission, Amy received a second vision diagnosis: she now had developed glaucoma as a result of her treatment. Resilient and determined to keep her life moving forward, Amy began treating her glaucoma.

Along the way, she reengaged in sports and took up swimming, a favorite activity for the former competitive high school swimmer. When a friend introduced her to triathlons (swimming, running and biking), Amy was hooked. She completed her first triathlon in 2013 and today, she is the reigning ITU Aquathlon World Champion and a seven-time ITU Triathlon Gold Medalist. When the competition in Tokyo starts in August, Amy will race toward the finish line the same way she approaches life: by overcoming the setbacks in her path. Its an important lesson she is eager to share.

There is always a way forward, says Amy. I encourage people to maximize the strengths they have and find creative ways to do the things they want. It may not be the way you wish for, but if you are open to learning, you can do great things.

Amys prescription for better eye health

Amy views her journey as a cautionary tale and she encourages everyone to be proactive in taking care of their eyes.

Uveitis progressed quickly in impacting my vision because I waited too long to see a doctor and wasnt diligent about getting my eyes examined annually, says Amy. Pay attention to your eyes. If you suspect you have a vision problem, then see an eye doctor right away.

As she continues to manage her glaucoma, Amy also urges people, particularly young adults, to be wary of a disease that can sneak up without symptoms and is the leading cause of irreversible blindness.

A dilated eye exam could save your sight, says Amy. The power is in your hands, so be your own advocate for achieving better eye health.

If youve been diagnosed with glaucoma or are caring for someone with glaucoma, a great resource is Understanding and Living with Glaucoma. This free booklet is published by the Glaucoma Research Foundation, with support from Aerie Pharmaceuticals. It can be downloaded or ordered (in English and Spanish) at http://www.glaucoma.org/booklet.

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Top paratriathlete carries the torch for healthy vision to Tokyo - liherald

The vision of a man who lost his sight because of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) has been partially restored with optogenetic therapy in the first reported case of functional recovery in a neurodegenerative disease following this novel treatment.

"It was breathtaking to witness the first recovery of some visual function in a blind patient," Botond Roska, MD, PhD, said in a news release.

"We have worked on optogenetic therapy in the lab for 16 years, and now seeing the proof of concept in a patient is a unique experience," added Roska, founding director of the Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology, Basel, Switzerland, and co-founder of GenSight Biologics, the company developing the therapy.

The case was reported onlineMay 24 in Nature Medicine.

The 58-year-old man's blindness was caused by retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a neurodegenerative eye disease in which loss of photoreceptors can lead to complete blindness.

As part of the phase 1/2a PIONEER study, the patient received an intraocular injection of an adeno-associated viral vector encoding the optogenetic sensor ChrimsonR into one blind eye. The team also engineered light stimulation goggles outfitted with a camera that captures and projects visual images onto the retina.

Training with the goggles began nearly 5 months after the injection, thereby giving ChrimsonR expression time to stabilize in ganglion cells. Seven months later, the patient began to report signs of visual improvement.

"In this type of study, we are really learning from the patients themselves. They are really like experimentalists telling us what they are seeing with restored vision," lead investigator Jos-Alain Sahel, MD, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, said during a press briefing.

The patient was able to perceive, locate, count, and touch different objects using the vector-treated eye alone while wearing the goggles, the team reports. The patient could not visually detect any objects before injection with or without the goggles or after injection without the goggles.

The patient also reported significant improvements in his ability to conduct day-to-day activities, such as navigating in outdoor and indoor environments.

During visual perception, multichannel electroencephalographic recordings showed object-related activity above the visual cortex.

"So it was possible to show in this patient that visual behavior was correlated with brain activation corresponding to visual function," Rosko said.

A video of the patient performing the tests, which was submitted as supplementary material to Nature Medicine, can be viewed at http://www.gensight-biologics.com.

"This is a significant milestone, and undoubtedly further refinements will make optogenetic therapy a viable option for many patients in future," Robert MacLaren, MBChB, DPhil, professor of ophthalmology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom, said in a statement from the nonprofit UK Science Media Center.

Also weighing in, James Bainbridge, MBChB, PhD, professor of retinal studies, University College London, London, United Kindgom, said, "This exciting new technology might help people whose eyesight is very severely impaired. It is a high-quality study. It is carefully conducted and controlled.

"The findings are based on laboratory tests in just one individual. Further work will be needed to find out if the technology can be expected to provide useful vision," Bainbridge noted.

The study was funded by GenSight. Several authors have disclosed financial relationships with the company. MacLaren is a scientific advisor to NICE on retinal gene therapy. Bainbridge has disclosed no relevant financial relationships.

Nat Med. Published online May 24, 2021. Full text

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A First: Blind Man's Sight Restored With Optogenetic Therapy - Medscape

In late 2020, scientists at Trinity College Dublin found that gene therapy could successfully protect he visual function of mice who were treated with a chemical targeting the mitochondria and were consequently living with dysfunctional mitochondria. The scientists also found that their gene therapy improved mitochondrial performance in human cells that contained mutations in the OPA1 gene meaning that this could also work in humans, one day.

Professor Farrar, part of the OPA1 study, said at the time: It is important to highlight that there is still a long journey to complete from a research and development perspective before this therapeutic approach may one day be available as a treatment.

Yesterday (24 May), a journal article was published that documented the restoration of partial vision to a human being with blindness.

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a progressive, inherited, monogenic or rarely digenicblinding disease caused by mutations in more than 71 different genes. It affects more than 2 million people worldwide. With the exception of a gene replacement therapy for one form of early-onset RP caused by mutation in the geneRPE65.

Currently,there is no approved therapy for RP.

The main subject of this study was a 58-year-old man who was diagnosed with Retinitis pigmentosa, 40 years ago. When he begun the experiment, he could sense light only if it was there or not.

The study is the first evidence that the injection of optogenetic sensor-expressing gene therapy vector (gene therapy) in combination with light-stimulating goggles, specially engineered to provoke the eye to see, can create a partial vision.

It took seven months after the beginning of visual training for the man to be able to perceive objects. The researchers say that this training meant teaching the patient to become aware of the direction of his gaze and to control his eye movements to be able to look straight into the light beam projected by the goggles.

The goggles projected light straight into the eye. But before this stage of light and glasses, an injection was given.

A specific type of virus can provoke the brain to build light-sensitive channels. The team gave this man a protein that is sensitive to amber light, using viruses to deliver the protein directly into the retina. This process is vaguely, loosely similar to how some vaccines work the good stuff is delivered via a virus, which then provokes the immune system to create a really useful response.

Botond Roska, an ophthalmologist at the University of Basel and a co-author of the new study, said: The brain has to learn a new language.

The team placed objects on a white table in front of him, and asked him to identify where they were. After visual improvement, it was still the larger objects that were more easy for him to locate.

The team will now begin building lighter, less cumbersome goggles and trying this process out on others to see how the results hold up. A freely available therapy for blindness is still distant, but it more partially visible than it ever was.

Read the full study here.

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