StemCell Therapy

Lucknow: In what may come as a relief to over 1 lakh patients of thalassemia in India, a public sector stem cell bank is set to come up at UP's King George's Medical University here. A project of the university's transfusion medicine department, the stem cell bank would roll out stem cell therapy to patients of thalassemia and sickle cell anaemia. The proposal is awaiting clearance from state department of medical education.

Stem cells are omnipotent and can take shape of any cell inside the body. If infused in the pancreas, stem cells will become pancreatic while in the liver, they will become liver cells.

These are found in human bone marrow and can be derived from the umbilical cord which contains blood vessels that connect baby in the womb to the mother to ingest nutrition required for development.

Research on the therapeutic use of stem cells is underway in US, Europe, China, South East Asia besides India. In UP, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) and KGMU are both trying to explore the potential of stem cells to treat various health problems. SGPGI has, so far, restricted itself to use of allogenic (stem cells derived from bone marrow of a person), while KGMU has used stem cells derived from the umbilical cord.

Head of transfusion medicine department of KGMU, Prof Tulika Chandra said, "Several private sector stem cell banks like Life Cell and Cord Life India are operating in India but they serve only those who have deposited the baby's cord, while our bank will help everyone."

KGMU has sustained access to umbilical cord because of a very developed obstetrics and gynaecology department. The cord is gathered from the placenta in the uterus of pregnant women which nourishes and maintains the baby through the umbilical cord.

Sources in medical education department said the proposal is worth Rs 9 crore including infrastructure cost. "Stem cell bank promises to become financially self-sustaining within 2-3 years of inception," said a directorate officer.

Talking about why children with thalassemia and sickle cell anaemia were chosen, Chandra said, "Global literature shows umbilical cord stem cells can induce extraordinary results on such children. In fact, success rate is around 70-75% and higher score can be achieved if therapy is provided at an earlier age."

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First public sector stem cell bank to come up at KGMU - Times of India

Former Tranmere Rovers player Joe Thompson has shared an inspiring photo as he begins stem cell therapy to battle his cancer.

The 28-year-old is battling the disease for the second time, after first discovering tumours in his neck in 2013.

The footballer played 32 games for Rovers in 2012 and 2013, before being diagnosed with nodular sclerosing Hodgkins disease.

He fought through six months of chemotherapy before returning to football, joining Bury and then starting at Rochdale last summer.

Now Joe has shared a brave photo from hospital, as he undergoes stem cell therapy.

Posting the picture to Twitter he said: Little Update, First day of the Stem Cell Harvest Process! Docs are very surprised with how good my blood counts are! Hearts super fit.

When he first announced his cancer had resturned in March Joe said his wife and daughter were his daily motivation.

He said: I will fight this life hurdle with the same belief, courage and desire as my previous battle.

The support shown to me since I discovered my illness has returned has been immense.

I would like to thank my wife, Chantelle, who was my rock in my first encounter and will once again be by my side with the same encouragement, discipline and strength.

Not to mention the love shown to me by both my wife and beautiful daughter Thailula-Lily who are both my motivations daily.

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Former Tranmere footballer shares powerful picture as he begins fighting cancer with stem cell therapy - Liverpool Echo

Maurice DeMay practices eye exercises as part of his recovery (WHAM photo)

For people who've gone partially blind after a stroke, a local scientist is helping patients re-train their brain to see again.

As black dots on the right side of his computer screen wiggle, Maurice DeMay focuses on the steady, small black dot in the middle of the screen.

You gotta concentrate on the center dot, and that's the hard part sometimes, is focusing on that dot, DeMay explained.

He presses the arrows on the keypad for each set of moving black dots.

Left or right. Whatever the stimulus is doing. It could be going up or down, could be going sideways, he said.

A beep tells him if he's correct. We do this, 300 times at a time. I'm doing pretty good right now," he said.

A stroke stole his vision. Five years of eye therapy is starting to bring it back.

It was devastating when it happened. I'm blind on my right side, he continued.

When DeMay first started Dr. Krystel Huxlin's therapy, he could only see half of these moving dots.

Dr. Huxlin says DeMay's eyes and parts of the brain that handle vision were still working. It was just a matter of re-training them.

We are trying to make the blind parts of the visual field see again, Dr. Huxlin said. Which means we have to present a visual stimulus to the blind parts of the visual field and ask the person to tell us what that stimulus is doing.

After five years, Maurice is literally seeing results.

I made up my mind when I started the program, I was going to follow through with it and do the best I could, DeMay said.

Today, he sees the dots move in the correct direction, almost 100% of the time. But he still has some frustrating moments with his blind spots.

I'll set something down," he said. "I'll be working on it, then I can't find it, because it might be over to my right side, and I'll be looking in my blind spot. After a while you forget you have this blind field.

I've learned to accept it, he continued. "By accepting it, you learn to work with what you have and enjoy what you have, and I do. I enjoy what sight I have left, and I'm gonna make the best of it. We're quite fragile, and I do not to take everything for granted anymore.

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Eye therapy gives sight back to stroke survivors - 13WHAM-TV

In BriefA researcher in the U.K. has developed the world's firstsynthetic, soft tissue retina. Because it doesn't contain any hardmaterials, the device should be able to bypass many of the problemsposed by current mechanical implants. Easy on the Eyes

Anyone whos ever had a stray eyelash or a piece of dust land in their eye can attest to the pain even the tiniest foreign object can cause. While this sensitivity is essential for keeping our eyes in working order, it can also be a problem for those with retinal implants.

The retina is a light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye that plays an important role in sight, and damage to it can lead to blindness. For the past few years, retinal implants have been restoring vision for patients with such problems, but those implants have all been mechanical devices, which can wreak havoc on already damaged eyes.

The human eye is incredibly sensitive, which is why foreign bodies like metal retinal implants can be so damaging, leading to inflammation and/or scarring, University of Oxford researcher Vanessa Restrepo-Schild explained in a university news release. To that end, she led a team in creating the worlds first synthetic, soft tissue retina.

The team used lab-created biological tissue for its artificial retina, and because it doesnt incorporate any rigid foreign materials, the device is less likely to cause problems once implanted. A biological synthetic implant is soft and water-based, so much more friendly to the eye environment, explained Restrepo-Schild.

So far, the team has only tested its implant in a lab environment, so the next steps are testing it with living tissues and expanding on its functionality. Restrepo-Schild is optimistic about the future practical uses of her creation: I hope my research is the first step in a journey towards building technology that is soft and biodegradable instead of hard and wasteful.

An estimated 39 million people worldwide are blind, and the Oxford team is just one of many developing bionic eyes to help them regain their vision.

Right now, the only bionic implant approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in the United States is Second Sights Argus II. That system requires the implantation of a device comprising an antenna, an electronics case, and an electrode array on the patients eye. That implant works in conjunction with a pair of glasses, a video processing unit (VPU), and a cable worn outside the body to restore some of the users vision.

Other researchers are skipping the eyes altogether in their quest to bring sight to the blind. Monash University professor Arthur Lowerys bionic eyes feed information from a glasses-mounted camera directly into the brain via electrodes. This means it could be used by someone with severely damaged eyes or even no eyes at all.

Beyond helping people with impaired vision, bionic eyes could eventually give superpowers to those who already have no trouble reading the eye chart. Those implants could allow us to see in different light spectrums, give us telescopic sight, or even record what we see and wirelessly upload it to our social networks. The possibilities are endless, and breakthroughs like that of Restrepo-Schild put us one step closer to that age of superhuman sight.

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Researchers Just Found a Way to Create Better Bionic Eyes - Futurism

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There are an estimated 64 million people worldwide with glaucoma, a group of eye conditions in which the main nerve to the eye - the optic nerve - becomes damaged.

It carries information about what is being seen from the eye to the brain - but when it becomes damaged, vision is lost.

According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, it is now a leading cause of blindness.

Its most common in men and women over the age of 40, and if left untreated it can lead to up to 40 per cent of sight being permanently gone before the effects are noticed.

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There are often no early symptoms of glaucoma, but when it becomes more advanced, signs may include missing or patchy sight or even serious loss of vision.

There are often no early symptoms of glaucoma, but when it becomes more advanced, signs may include missing or patchy sight or even serious loss of vision.

During this years National Glaucoma Awareness Week, from 12th to 18th June, the International Glaucoma Association (IGA) is aiming to educate people about the importance of eye pressure to eye health, and how it can point to glaucoma.

As part of its Pressure checked? #Get Eye Wise campaign, they want people to know that raised eye pressure indicates the condition, and to encourage them to ask about it as part of a regular eye health check.

Karen Osborn, chief executive of the IGA, said: How often do you check the pressure in your car tyres, your boiler and your blood? What about eye pressure though? Did you know that it is pressure which keeps the eye inflated, and if its too high it can lead to irreversible damage to the optic nerve leading to loss of vision.

GETTY

Glaucoma is known as the silent thief of sight for a good reason, as the brain fills in the missing parts of vision and it isnt until there is significant sight loss that a person thinks to visit an optometrist who can help to detect what is happening.

This is too late for glaucoma as a significant amount of vision can be lost, and once lost it cannot be recovered.

However, if detected early, it can be managed and useful sight can be maintained for years to come.

Although ten per cent of people with glaucoma who receive proper treatment still experience loss of vision.

GETTY

The IGA recommends everyone has regular check-ups with an optician every two years, or one to two years if youre over 40.

They will look at the appearance of the optic nerve, measure the pressure in the eye with an air puff test and check the field of vision.

A recent study found it may be possible to predict glaucoma in this way up to ten years in advance.

Most sufferers are treated with eye drops which they should then take for the rest of their lives.

While they should be safe to drive for many years, they may need to tell the DVLA about their condition.

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Glaucoma symptoms: Struggling with PATCHY eyesight could mean YOU'RE undiagnosed - Express.co.uk

Steven Holcomb, the longtime USbobsledding star who wonthree Olympic medals after beating a disease that nearly robbed him of his eyesight, was found dead in Lake Placid, New York, on Saturday at the age of 37.

The USOlympic Committee and USA Bobsled and Skeleton announced his death, the cause of which remains unclear. However, officials said there were no immediate indications of foul play. An autopsy was tentatively scheduled for Sunday.

The native of Park City, Utah, was a three-time Olympian, and his signature moment came at the 2010 Vancouver Games when he piloted his four-man sled to a win that snapped a 62-year drought for the US in bobsled's signature race.

"It would be easy to focus on the loss in terms of his Olympic medals and enormous athletic contributions to the organisation, but USA Bobsled and Skeleton is a family and right now we are trying to come to grips with the loss of our teammate, our brother and our friend," said Darrin Steele, the federation's CEO who had known Holcomb for two decades.

Holcomb also won bronze medals in both two- and four-man events at the Sochi Games in 2014, and was expected to be part of the 2018 USOlympic team headed to the Pyeongchang Games.

He was also a former world champion in both two-man and four-man competition.

"The entire Olympic family is shocked and saddened by the incredibly tragic loss today of Steven Holcomb," USOlympic Committee CEO Scott Blackmun said. "Steve was a tremendous athlete and even better person, and his perseverance and achievements were an inspiration to us all. Our thoughts and prayers are with Steve's family and the entire bobsledding community."

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US Olympic bobsledder Steven Holcomb, a three-time medalist, found dead at 37 - Telegraph.co.uk

John Webb, Special to The Clarion-Ledger 8:26 p.m. CT May 6, 2017

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Jacob Forester, 6, of Starkville is all smiles after Della Matheson, from the University of Miami, finishes drawing blood to check his glucose levels during a camp held Saturday at Twin Lakes in Florence sponsored by the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi.(Photo: Kathy Matheny/The Clarion-Ledger)Buy Photo

FLORENCEWhile Caleb Warnock, 6, of Florence has many playmates at camp, his best friend may be the one he carries in his pocket and calls Dexter.

That is Caleb's nickname for his Dexcom, a continuous glucose monitor, or CGM, that transmits his blood sugar to a receiver that he carries in his pocket. The CGM can show which way his glucose is headed and can head off emergencies and help fine-tune glucose control, which can ultimately prevent complications in years to come.

When Dexter says his sugar is high, he takes more insulin, and when its low

I come to Mommy and she gives me a piece of candy, said Caleb, who has had type 1 diabetes for two and a half years and whose father, Christopher, was diagnosed at 18 months.

Caleb was among the 33 children with type I diabetes sharing stories that only others with diabetes could understand, laughing and joking about needles and counting carbs, at the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippis Camp Kandu, held Saturday and Sunday at Twin Lakes campgrounds near Florence.

According to the Mayo Clinic, type 1 diabetes, once known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin, a hormone needed to allow sugar (glucose) to enter cells to produce energy. Rates of type 1 are rapidly increasing, in Mississippi and around the world.

I thought my dad and I were the only ones who had diabetes, but then I came here and found out we werent, said Caleb, who helped his cousin, another type 1, overcome his fears of sticking his finger to test his blood sugar.

If you are a child living with diabetes, that may be the most powerful message of this unusual camp, which has been meeting every spring and fall for 15 years.

Diabetes drives children to help others

Diabetes and children: A balancing act

Suddenly maybe for the first time in your life you find out that youre not the only one. Not the only one having to stop what youre doing to check your blood sugar. (Always, it seems, at the most inopportune moment.) Not the only one having to struggle with what to eat. Not the only one whose life is a series of finger sticks and injections, and who must contend with the complex calculus of a disease that requires constant adjustment of insulin pump doses divided or multiplied by carbohydrates and exercise.

And not the only one trying to be a regular kid in spite of it all. At Kandu, amid the games, races and karate lessons, everyone stopped to check their blood sugar together. A few needed a little juice, and then picked up right where they were.

For some, diabetes is an exclusive club whose members intimately understand one anothers challenges. Sarah Fowler, 11, of Jackson, was diagnosed seven years ago (and is friends with the daughter of the Clarion-Ledger reporter who shares her name). She has come to Camp Kandu for six years and is in training to become a counselor.

There are not that many of us with type 1, so when you meet others you immediately know a lot of things about each other, said Sarah, amid the joyful sound of kids who, often for the first time. are meeting others like themselves. Ive made at least three lifelong friends here, because you have the same struggles and you go through them together. Sometimes you have more of a connection with them than with people without diabetes.

Hoping to remain without diabetes, however, are those being tested for antibodies that would indicate that they are at risk for developing the disease. Under the impassive eyes of the fish and deer adorning a rustic room at the lodge a toddler cries as a researcher tries to take his blood for the Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet Study, which is funded by the National Institutes of Health and is investigating interventions for the prevention or delay of type 1 diabetes.

Families of children with type 1 can learn who among them might have the antibody and how to avoid or postpone the onset of diabetes.

Fowler said she was, as a counselor in training, looking forward to being able to help more people like herself. I had someone last year come to me when their sugar was lowand showed them which foods in their backpack would bring it up to normal but not make it go too high, she said, adding that the magic formula was two glucose tablets.

But its not only children who make connections. Cher Crowley, a territory manager for OmniPod tubeless insulin pumps and pump educator at the camp, encountered a child whose family had lost employment and health insurance and who therefore had not seen an endocrinologist in months.

Nicki Nichols, whose child Bella has type 1, just came in and gave the mother not just hope but also a roadmap, Crowley said. Its frightening to have a child with type 1 and no insurance.

And parents say they finally have a place to share their deepest uncertainties with other parents. Having parents you can text or Facebook with a question as simple as, My child is starting swimming, and how can she check her blood sugar? said Kristen Fowler, mother of Sarah Fowler, a swimmer. We learned we had to give her 15 grams of carbs before practice or shed get low. Unless you have a child with type 1 in that activity you are not able to answer that question.

Its given her confidence knowing there are all these kids like her. Camp has made her more open to trying new things, like new pump infusion sites.

Sarah Joy Sudduth, 13, of Starkville treasures her independence and shares that with friends at camp. I tell them that diabetes is just a part of life and that learning to check their own blood sugar can keep them from having to depend on others, Sara Joy said, on the sidelines as a karate instructor chopped through a stack of flaming boards.

Its an appropriate image for those with diabetes for what may look impossible is in fact something that they can do.

Hence the name, Kandu. We were brainstorming and one of our former employees came up with the spelling of can-do, said Irena McClain, associate director of the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi.

One camper knows what she wants to do with her life. I want to become a pediatric endocrinologist, because my doctor is one and she is my role model. She has type 1, too.

And that, it seems, is the Kandu spirit.

The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi cares for all children adults in Mississippi with diabetes. Contact the foundation at 601-957-7878 for more information.

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Kids with diabetes show a 'Kandu' spirit - Jackson Clarion Ledger

Hollidaysburg, Blair County, Pa. - The community gathered together in Hollidaysburg to raise awareness and money for diabetes research.

A boy scout made it his mission to make it the best day for everyone there.

14 year-old Aaron Saylor dedicated three months of work to the Blair County Diabetes Walk.

He's doing it in honor of his sister who was diagnosed withtype 1 diabetes 5 years ago.

Saylor put together the kid zone for the event as part as his eagle scout project.

"I made different types of games from Plinko to duck game, 25 multi purposes boxes, the podium and more games."

Saylor says it's an important day for his sister and other kids in the region who suffer from diabetes.

Organizer Llisa Treese agrees.

"All these kids that have type 1 come and meet each other and they know other kids that have type one so they know they're not the only kid that has it."

Treese's son also has diabetes.

He was diagnosed ten years ago and it changed her family's life completely.

"We need other people to understand what they're going through and now that we have all these families here, and the word is getting out other people will understand. The kids don't look sick but their bodies are going through huge adjustments because their bodies can't regulate it."

Saylor says he spent more than 150 hours working on the games for the kid zone, the podium, and the boxes for the basket raffle.

It was all for one common goal.

"I just wanted the kids to have a fun day and just enjoy themselves."

Organizers of the walk hope to raise $10,000.

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Hollidaysburg, Blair County, Pa. - The community gathered together in Hollidaysburg to raise awareness and money for ... - WTAJ

Gene controls birth defect common in diabetes Science Daily Researchers have identified a gene that plays a key role in the formation of neural tube defects, a problem commonly found in infants of pregnant women with diabetes. This is the first time the gene has been shown to play this role; it opens up a new ...

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Gene controls birth defect common in diabetes - Science Daily

Stay active and track your reactions

Starstuff/ShutterstockWhen David Weingard was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 36, he faced with some tough adjustments. From taking his new medication to monitoring his blood sugar, he fought to stay active and fit, eventually founding his diabetes coaching company, Fit4D. For Weingard, exercising had to remain a part of his life and he encourages other diabetics to do the same.

"Exercise is critical to long-term physical and mental health. Mentally, we need positive energy (and endorphins) to combat the 24/7 strain of the condition. Physically, we need to help our bodies stay strong and avoid the long-term effects and complications of diabetes," he says.

But to figure out how much you can withstand and what works for your body, he also notes that keeping track your reactions will help create a plan that works uniquely for you. "Detailed record keeping is a key factor in realizing the benefits of exercise and minimizing blood sugar swingsespecially highs and lows. You can reference these records to repeat workouts and your body should yield similar results most of the time," he says. Find out what the best exercises are for people with diabetes.

g stockstudio/ShutterstockThough Rachel Zucker is only 24 years old, she's been managing her type 1 diabetes diagnosis since she was four years old, making her quite the expert. She described diabetes as a full-time job: She had to accept that there are no days off, no breaks or vacations. That's why she recommends having supportive friends and family around you who will move with your highs and lowsthey're essential to keeping a good attitude and mindset. Instead of hiding your diagnosis, Zucker says wear it with pride. "I tell anybody and everybody close to me that I'm diabetic. Making sure people around you know you're diabetic can be life-saving in an emergency situation. In college, I made sure everybody around me knew I had type 1 diabetes, so when I went out to a party or to a sorority fundraising event, there was always someone looking out for me. Some people are afraid or embarrassed to tell others about their medical condition; I would highly encourage them not to be. Nobody has to do this alone," she says. Find out how fruit can lower yourdiabetes risk.

Andrey Popov/ShutterstockNow 67, Carol Geewasn't diagnosed with type 2 diabetes until her late 50s. Although her new life was scary at first, she says that leaning into the unknown helped her manage her new lifestyle and adjust her habits, ensuring that she lived vibrantly throughout middle age. "Diabetes is scary, but with knowledge comes power. Take the medications the way you are supposed to and it will get easier. I was afraid of needles, so I considered it a great victory when I injected myself without passing out. Know that you 'can' survive and thrive with diabetes. You just have to say itand more importantlybelieve it." (Learn what interval training can do for diabetes.)

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Sergey Nivens/ShutterstockAuthor and diabetes advocate, Quinn Nystrom first watched her younger brother get diagnosed with type 1 diagnosis. Then, two years later, she got the news herself at the age of 13. While that day was one of the worst of her life, she says, it's taught her many life lessons and led her to help others. Even though living with diabetes is a 24/7 job, she encourages those who are newly diagnosed to not let it define them. Instead, she says, allow it to refine you. "We are not just a broken down pancreas. We're more than a label that a doctor gives us, society tells us, and even sometimes what we tell ourselves. Seek to understand how the diagnosis of diabetes has brought light into your life. Find the positives," she says.

wavebreakmedia/ShutterstockThough it can be difficult to focus on anything but your blood sugar, Mella Barnes has found that keeping all parts of her health top of mind helps keep her more satisfied and balanced. She discovered her type 1 diabetes at the age of eight, and has been managing the illness ever since. She says that focusing on each day has been helpful. She also discovered that staying in touch with her emotions is crucial. "Take care of your mental and emotional health. This impacts your diabetes more than you think! Stress causes a lot of issues as well as a lack of sleep. If you're depressed or anxious about your diabetes, find a therapist or free support group. Do something that makes you happy every day," she says.

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Rawpixel.com/ShutterstockFred Winchar discovered he was a type 2 diabetic six years ago and has worked hard to manage his diagnosis. A successful businessman who knows the importance of good advice, he quickly realized that he needed to talk to someone who had been through the struggle. "When I first was diagnosed, I told a friend who was a type 1 diabetic, and he helped me learn how to test and monitor my sugars. He was one of the most energetic and happy people I have ever met. He was delighted to help another person on the same journey. Not only did I learn but I was able to bond in a special way with someone who knew what I was going through," he says.

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Simple Tricks for Living Well with Diabetesfrom People Who Have It - Reader's Digest

A Halifax photojournalistonce facing blindness from a rare disorder is celebrating the news that after many painful surgeries, his vision is safe.

"I got the notification [Wednesday] that all the treatments they've done have fixed everything. I'm back on track and my vision is now 20/20," Darrell Oake said from his home in Cole Harbour, N.S.

In 2011, he was diagnosed withGuillain-Barrsyndrome, a rareautoimmunedisorder that can cause weakness and paralysis. He spent a week in intensive care, barely able to move, before starting to rebuild at the Nova Scotia Rehabilitation Centre.

With the help of family and friends, Oakerelearned how to walk and got back into limited action in his work as a freelance photojournalist. But in 2014, he learned blood vessels were leaking into his eyes, causing him to "cry" when he wasn't cryinga sign the disorder was now taking his vision.

Oake's son Cordel doubles as his model for this thunder cloud photo. (Courtesy Darrell Oake)

He embarked on a long course ofeye surgeries. "He did it the least invasive way he could, but it was still very painful," Oake said. "I dealt with the pain and muscled through it."

He said it's like having "new eyeballs."

"I'm still able to pick up my camera and shoot my children doing whatever they're doing, go out and enjoy nature and I can record something."

He shared some of the photos he's taken while reclaiming his vision, and they're posted throughout this article.

While most people diagnosed withGuillain-Barr syndromemake a full recovery, Oake said a pre-existing medical conditionmeanshis after-effects are lingering. He has little feeling below his knees and while he can walk, he must do so carefully. He once stepped on a carpet tack and walked with it in his foot for hours.

"I have to watch every step I take," he said. "I could trip over a pebble and break something, and if I break something, I'm doomed."

Eagle-eyed Oake snapped this bird perched and looking for lunch. (Courtesy Darrell Oake)

It would take more than semi-paralysis and the threat of blindness to keep Oake away from his camera. He fell in love with photography when he was 12 and his dad was stationed with the military in the U.S. Oake went into the attic and found an old camera. He was hooked.

His photographyearned him the nickname Flash in high school and many friends and colleagues would struggle to come up with his first name.

As he can't chase breaking news, he's focusing his lens on nature and his family.

"I can sit in a ditch, take a picture of one flower, and take a picture of everything around it, and be happy and content for hours."

A surfer looks on as a huge wave breaks on a Nova Scotia beach. (Courtesy Darrell Oake)

His wifeLeanne, Oakeadmits, gets "bored out of her skull" accompanying him at times, as he needs to have someone with him when he's out.

"It says in the vows, for better or for worse, sickness and health. Well, she's gone well beyond any of those vows," he saidof his partner of 23 years.

"She nursed me back to health. If I had something I needed to have changed, she changed it. If I needed to have a feeding, she fed me. If I need somebody to lean on well, I'm leaning on her more than just my marriage vows. I'm literally leaning on her."

A seagull enjoys a bite of crab on an icy day. (Courtesy Darrell Oake)

His teenage sons are likewise always ready to step up when their father needs something. Oake has helped himself by taking a stoic approach to his predicament.

"You can't control what happens in life. You take what life gives you. I was taken down, I got back up, and I'm going to continue on. My epitaph on my tombstone is going to read:'He wasborn, lived, loved, died.' That's all life is. I'm like a duck it just rolls off my back. I don't let it get to me.

"What's it going to do? It's going to make me miserable. I don't want to be miserable. I want to be happy."

Oake shared advice for others facing hardships. "Don't give up. I don't care if it's cancer, ifit's GBS live your life to its fullest. Don't let it take you down," he said. "If I died tomorrow, I'd die happy knowing my wife was there for me, my kids supported me and all my friends supported me.

"I got it. It's past. I'm moving forward to the future."

Oake captures the moment a blue jay captures her lunch. (Courtesy Darrell Oake)

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Photojournalist once facing blindness celebrates return to 20/20 vision - CBC.ca

These stunning images are remarkable - all the more so because the snapper behind them is blind.

Paul Jenkinson, 43, has Panhypopituitarism, a disease which has caused him to lose 90% if his vision in his left eye and 50% of his vision in his right eye.

He also has nystagmus, which means his eyes are constantly twitching.

Despite this, Paul, who is also colourblind and has no perception of 3D, is a keen photographer who spends most of his time taking pictures of zoo animals and beaches.

Paul, who lives in Y Ffor with his wife and two kids, said: I was diagnosed when I was 28.

At the time I was working as a buildings regulator for Gwynedd council, but I havent been able to work for 10 years due to my health issues.

I got quite depressed about everything and my photography helped pull me out of it.

Rather than sit at home twiddling my thumbs I make the most of my time taking pictures.

At times my photography can be quite limited as I have to rely on people to take me places, which is why most of my work is of animals and beaches.

Pauls Panhypopituitarism was caused by a birth defect which left him with a piece of his skull missing.

Because of the missing bone, fluid from Pauls brain has squashed his pituitary gland and his optic nerves which has caused brain haemorrhage in the past.

Along with Pauls visual issues, the condition has also caused osteoarthritis in his knees, hips and back as well as diabetes.

Paul, who was also diagnosed with prostate cancer a year and a half ago, said: It really has affected me in so many ways, but Ive not allowed my condition to hold me back.

There have been occasions when Ive taken some pictures and when I put them up on the big screen I realise theyre no good.

Because of the problems with my eyes sometimes the focus can be off or I havent been able to capture a picture the way I would have liked, but thats where Photoshop comes in!

I do like to edit pictures too, it was difficult to begin with but I got the hang of it.

I take pride in my pictures and my equipment, it really is a passion of mine.

You have to try to not let your disability ruin your life.

There is a great deal of things that limit my daily life, but I cant let it get me down, you have to get out when you can and enjoy your hobbies to the fullest.

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How photography helped Gwynedd man overcome depression caused by blindness - Daily Post North Wales

Ayelet Shaked and Yariv Levin are leading Israel to one of two bad prospects: its end as a state that is Jewish and democratic, or its official transformation into an apartheid state

Cabinet ministers Ayelet Shaked and Yariv Levin are working to impose Israeli law on the West Bank, Yedioth Ahronoth reported on Friday. They propose that every government-sponsored bill specify whether it will also apply to the territories. In practice, every new law would automatically apply to the territories, except in rare cases where the government does not want to give Palestinians the rights enjoyed by Jews. The sponsors intent is clear: to take one more step toward erasing the Green Line and annexing the West Bank its territory, not its inhabitants, in order to deprive them of any say in determining their own fate.

That is how creeping annexation works: First come the half-tracks, creeping in on their treads, then the settlers creep in, with or without the governments encouragement. The government follows, extending its official patronage to all. The law creeps in last, to lend the appearance of propriety to a situation that discriminates against the local population, is not recognized by any foreign state and whose future depends on negotiation.

Israel annexed East Jerusalem shortly after the Six-Day War, but even though in theory its residents can become naturalized citizens of Israel, in practice it is very difficult due to the obstacles Israel puts up. This is in keeping with its policy of preserving a large Jewish majority. When it annexed the Golan Heights 14 years later, de facto if not de jure technically, it only extended its administration and law to the territory that was conquered from Syria, in a disingenuous step Israel forced the areas relatively small population to accept Israeli citizenship. The state does not dare to openly violate international law by doing the same thing in the West Bank.

Three years ago, before they joined the Netanyahu government, Shaked and Levin (representing Habayit Hayehudi and Likuds right flank, respectively), together with other Knesset members, proposed a creeping annexation under the guise of imposing judicial equality on either side of the Green Line but only for Jews. That constitutes exploitation of the 50-year-old fiction that the West Bank is a military area and as such is under the rule of the commanding army officer, whose actions are dictated by military necessity. Since the Israeli military is subordinate to the cabinet, which is bound by the laws passed by the Knesset, the legislative process can be used to smuggle annexation and discrimination past the military.

Shaked and Levin are introducing their bill just weeks before U.S. President Donald Trump, who hopes to renew the peace process, is scheduled to visit Israel and the Palestinian Authority. The justice minister and tourism minister seek to preclude any chance of a possible agreement with the Palestinians, while pandering to settlers and their supporters in the headquarters and constituencies of the right-wing parties. In their ideological blindness, Shaked and Levin are leading Israel to one of two bad prospects: its end as a state that is Jewish and democratic, or its official transformation into an apartheid state.

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The above article is Haaretz's lead editorial, as published in the Hebrew and English newspapers in Israel.

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The ideological blindness of two right-wing Israeli ministers - Haaretz - Haaretz

BISMARCK, N.D. - More than 100 people filled Legacy High School for the annual 'Walk to Cure Arthritis' event. People, and dogs, rallied together to raise funds to conquer arthritis once and for all.

Volunteers and participants joined the fight to help cure the joint disease, whether it's a personal experience with arthritis or not.

"We walk and volunteer for everyone that hurts. Weather it's the grandma that's just got old age Osteoarthritis, or kids who are born with a disease they don't deserve," says Andrea Pansegrau, participant.

Pansegraus daughter was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis when she was an eighth grader. She says walking means a lot not only to her, but also her daughter.

"We're trying to raise hope. Because when you get this diagnosis it's devastating because as a parent, your mind just jumps to all the things they're not going to be able to do, all the experiences they may not be able to have, the things they're losing. Eventually you get a little hope, and things change," says Pansegrau.

The event hopes to spread awareness and to spread the champion of yes for the Arthritis community.

"It's really fun, because you can see the smiles and see that anything is possible. even with having a diagnosis of Arthritis that you can still do what you love," says Development Manager Britt Ingersoll.

The walk had family, fun games such as Twister and inflatables for kids to enjoy while parents walk for the cause.

The money raised during the event goes back to the Arthritis Foundation to bring programs back into North Dakota.

http://www.arthritis.org/north-dakota/

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Annual Walk to Cure Arthritis event raises awareness in the community - KFYR-TV

Mouse stem cells could have just helped with the answer to solving chronic diseases.

The stem cells are created through gene-editing technology and are known as stem cells modified for autonomous regenerative therapy, or SMART cells. The newly-edited cells are being used to treat inflammation with a goal of pinpointing localized pain, said Farshid Guilak, senior author and professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine.

Our goal is to package the rewired stem cells as a vaccine for arthritis, which would deliver an anti-inflammatory drug to an arthritic joint but only when it is needed, Guilak said in a press release. To do this, we needed to create a smart cell.

The study authors said that genetic engineering can be used to rewire cell circuits in order to specifically change the relationships between inflammatory mediators and their antagonists. The engineering helps to provide a foundation for cell-based drug delivery that speeds up the rate at which a vaccine can start working.

We want to use our gene-editing technology as a way to deliver targeted therapy in response to localized inflammation in a joint, as opposed to current drug therapies that can interfere with the inflammatory response through the entire body, Guilak said. If this strategy proves to be successful, the engineered cells only would block inflammation when inflammatory signals are released, such as during an arthritic flare in that joint.

Related:Scientists Grow Beating Heart Cells on Spinach Leaves

Mouse cells were grown and used in the study to test the gene-editing technology. The researchers were able to replace an inflammation mediator with a drug that suppresses the bodys response to inflammation response, known as a TNF-alpha inhibitor, using CRISPR technology.

Exploiting tools from synthetic biology, we found we could re-code the program that stem cells use to orchestrate their response to inflammation, said Jonathan Brunger, the studys first author and a postdoctoral fellow in Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology at the University of California, San Francisco. We hijacked an inflammatory pathway to create cells that produced a protective drug.

The team also coded cells that lit up when responding to inflammation, so they could determine which cells needed attention. The stem cells have the potential to help with several different health issues, Guilak said.

When these cells see TNF-alpha, they rapidly activate a therapy that reduces inflammation, Guilak said. We believe this strategy also may work for other systems that depend on a feedback loop. In diabetes, for example, its possible we could make stem cells that would sense glucose and turn on insulin in response. We are using pluripotent stem cells, so we can make them into any cell type, and with CRISPR, we can remove or insert genes that have the potential to treat many types of disorders.

The autoregulation that the stem cells can provide has the possibility to help treat diseases early, before symptoms become serious health issues, the study said. The possibilities are exciting, Brunger added.

The ability to build living tissues from smart stem cells that precisely respond to their environment opens up exciting possibilities for investigation in regenerative medicine, Brunger said.

Related:Dairy-Free Diets Could Harm Young Peoples Bone Health

Tori Linville is a freelance writer and editor from Clarksville, Tennessee. When she isnt writing or teaching, shes faithfully watching her alma mater, the University of Alabama, dominate the football field.

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Arthritis Vaccine Could Emerge From Stem Cell Technology - Vital Updates

Characterized by painful inflammation and stiffness of the joints, arthritis is an affliction that ails many. As weight-bearing joints, the knees are particularly prone to the most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis. In an effort to find relief, some may consider surgery and medication. For others, corticosteroid injections in the knee have become an effective means to combat their osteoarthritis.

To find out more about these knee injections and their effectiveness, Take Care spoke with Dr. Robert Shmerling, associate physician and clinical chief of rheumatology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

Osteoarthritis, Shmerling explains, is highly associated with aging and the degeneration of cartilage lining the joints. This cartilage, along with naturally occurring hyaluronic acid, is what allows joints to move smoothly through their range of motion. Osteoarthritis can occur in any joint, but due to the stress we put on our knees throughout our lifetime, as well as the genetic inheritance factor, knee joints are frequently those affected.

Through an analysis of the patients history, their symptoms, a physical examination, and regular x-rays, doctors can confirm an arthritis diagnosis. Once the diagnosis has been verified, there are a few options to consider moving forward.

The first step, says Shmerling, is typically to offer pain relievers or mild anti-inflammatory medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Osteoarthritis is less of an inflammatory issue than rheumatoid arthritis, for example, but the anti-inflammatory properties of medicines like Tylenol or Advil can still offer some relief.

Monitored exercise is also an option, as is physical therapy, and additionally, the application of heat or cold to the affected area can help as well, Shmerling says. And if none of those are effective? That is when injections are considered. They are not the first line of defense, explains Shmerling, and are typically reserved for those who havent found relief with the aforementioned options.

To combat the inflammation, the medication itself is a corticosteroid, which acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory when injected in the affected knee. Unlike other treatment options, says Shmerling, injections can provide fast relief, especially when the corticosteroid is combined with Novocain. The Novocain provides fast temporary relief, while the effects of the corticosteroid can be distinguished within 24 to 48 hours, he says.

And post-injection, the duration of benefit is variable from patient to patient. Relief can last from weeks to months. In fact, Shmerling recalls, he has seen patients who didnt need another injection for up to a year. However, in osteoarthritis of the knees, the duration of injections is typically in the order of weeks or months.

Its important to remember that injections arent a cure, Shmerling notes, and are only meant to provide temporary relief. The rule of thumb for frequency is typically three to four per year. In fact, having too many injections is not wise due to the risk of infection in the injection site, as well as the possibility of damaging structures within the knee from exposure to the cortisone. This combination of risks means limiting injection frequency, although no one knows what the ideal interval is, Shmerling says.

Another injection option involves a synthetic hyaluronic acid. In osteoarthritis, the thickness of the naturally occurring hyaluronic acid in the joint becomes less lubricative, so through injection of a synthetic form, the joint gets some of that lubrication back, as well as some mild anti-inflammatory effects.

And if none of these methods work, the final option is surgery, Shmerling says. This decision is based on a host of factors, including the patients pain and quality of life, joint function, and x-ray analysis. There isnt always a distinct moment when surgery becomes a must, he explains, so it often has to do with the effectiveness of previous treatment methods like injections, as well as how the individual is coping with their arthritis.

And like so many medical treatments, the responses to injections are varied. In fact, Shmerling adds, the overall effectiveness has been brought into question in numerous studies, with no clear conclusion on how long they can delay an inevitable surgery. But Shmerling says injections are worth a try for patients who are considering surgery but may not be an ideal candidate. While they arent a cure for arthritis, for those seeking relief, knee injections are a worthwhile option to consider to ease the effects of osteoarthritis.

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Combating arthritis: The word on knee injections - WRVO Public Media

Home Anti-Aging Arthritis Arthritis Awareness Month: Arthritis symptoms, arthritis mutilans, infectious arthritis, psoriatic arthritis

It is Arthritis Awareness Month, and we at Bel Marra know how it can be living with arthritis pain. Having joint pain can affect people of any age, but when its something that has to be dealt with on a daily basis, it can be extremely debilitating. So, in order to assist those suffering from the condition, we have compiled a list of articles we think will help with arthritis symptoms. You will find articles on the topics of not well-known types of arthritis such as infectious arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, septic arthritis, and arthritis mutilans.

Having arthritis pain can be quite a nuisance. It hampers our day, making the most mundane things difficult and subjecting us to unnecessary agony. But the pain associated with arthritis isnt the only symptom people have to endure.

In a lot of cases, people notice other things showing up before they ever have pain, says Kevin Shea, an orthopedic surgeon at St. Lukes Health System in Boise.

While arthritis may be seen as one entity, there are actually hundreds of different types, and each person diagnosed with the condition may present with an entirely different constellation of symptoms from the next, making each case unique.

Being aware of the symptoms arthritis sufferers may present allows you and your doctor to possibly slow down its progression. Early detection can allow for the use of anti-inflammatory medication or certain lifestyle changes to help preserve normal functioning. The following are a list of non-pain-related symptoms that are associated with arthritis to keep a look out for. Continue reading

Arthritis is a common term used to describe disorders that affect the joints, but we dont often hear about arthritis mutilans (AM). It is a severe but rare form of arthritis that attacks bone and cartilage in the joints.

People who suffer from arthritis mutilans usually face deformation in the joints of the hands and feet. The condition gets its name from its mutilating potential. It is a type of psoriatic arthritis that destroys the joints and can lead to the shortening of affected fingers and toes. Less than five percent of people who suffer from psoriatic arthritis (PsA) develop arthritis mutilans, but it is often confused with rheumatoid arthritis since RA can also cause joint deformity. Some doctors refer to arthritis mutilans as chronic absorptive arthritis because it causes bone resorption. Continue reading

Living with persistent pain, such as arthritis pain, is always a challenge. You can manage occasional episodes of pain with quick go-to remedies like over-the-counter painkillers, but if the pain is chronicmeaning, its here to stayyoull need a long-term solution to continue functioning (and to do so in a safe manner) and still enjoy your life. In other words, you need to learn how to deal with pain day in and day out and adjust your lifestyle to include this new value into the equation.

You may not like this idea, but in order to effectively transition into this new way of living, youll need to accept your pain as a family member. When you start living with someone, conflicts are unavoidable, but the longer you two co-exist under one roof, the more you become accustomed to each other and the better you get along. True, your relationship with pain is one-sided, but thinking of things this way should help you prepare for effectively handling pain in the long term without compromising your regular lifestyle. Continue reading

Infectious arthritis is an infection in a joint, and it may also be referred to as septic arthritis. It typically occurs due to an infection caused by bacteria or a virus that spreads to a joint or the fluid surrounding itthe synovial fluid. Infections usually begin in another area of the body and spread through the bloodstream to the joint, causing it to become infected. Other routes of infection include surgery contamination, open wounds, or injections. These types of infections usually only affect one joint at a time, with larger joints such as the knee, hip, or shoulder seeing the most cases. Infectious arthritis can occur in people of all ages, and especially in those who use intravenous drugs. Here you will learn how to get infectious arthritis, how long it lasts, and septic arthritis criteria for diagnosis. Continue reading

You may have heard of psoriasisa condition that features red patches of skin with silvery scales. You may have also heard of arthritis, the joint pain disorder. What most people dont know is that these two conditions can actually present together in an entirely separate condition.

Psoriatic arthritis (PA) is a chronic autoimmune condition resulting in increased inflammation of the body that gets worse over time, but those affected may have symptom-free periods on occasion. The symptoms of PA often resemble that of rheumatoid arthritis, as both diseases cause the joints to become painful, swollen, and warm to the touch. However, PA is more likely to cause swollen fingers and toes, foot pain, and lower back pain, and of course, it also presents with the typical skin abnormalities seen in psoriasis patients. Individuals with PA may also have an increased risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. This joint pain can lead to significant joint damage over time, so it is advised to see your doctor for treatment. Medications used for PA can carry many side effects, but luckily. the food you eat can be a big help in reducing symptoms and even decreasing risk factors associated with excessive inflammation. Continue reading

Related Reading:

Polyarthritis: Causes, symptoms, and treatment

Palindromic rheumatism (a cause of rheumatoid arthritis): Causes, symptoms, and treatment

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Arthritis Awareness Month: Arthritis symptoms, arthritis mutilans, infectious arthritis, psoriatic arthritis - Bel Marra Health

A new study has shown a staggering number of Brits are shunning eye tests.

Worryingly, as many as 10million Brits could lose their eyesight, experts have warned.

One in six adults dont bother to attend appointments to have their vision checked, the Mirror reports.

And, as such, Brits risk making their eye health worse than it needs to be.

Incredibly, half of all patients who are seen first time by an optometrist need some sort of vision correction.

But, according to the report, 24 per cent of people dont go to eye tests because they dont like the idea of wearing glasses.

While a quarter think wearing glasses will actually make their eyesight worse.

The Vision of Britain report was commissioned by Optegra Eye Health Care , studied 2,000 people.

Dr Clare ODonnell, Head of Optegra Eye Sciences and registered optometrist, commented: Without regular eye examinations, problems are being left undiagnosed and untreated which can lead to serious vision damage.

It is vital for everyone to have regular eye checks, even if they suspect nothing is wrong with their eye sight. By giving up just 20-30 minutes of your time once every two years, you can potentially save your vision.

The study shows that, despite shying away from eye tests, 82 per cent of people would love to have perfect 20:20 vision and more than half value their eyesight above any other sense.

But many dont bother to make the necessary appointments and, as such, conditions such as cataracts treatable if diagnosed are being detected late.

Other conditions which can potentially cause blindness if left untreated are age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma.

But just 38 per cent of British adults have their eyes tested every two years, and only 46 per cent of those who already wear glasses continue to get regular checks.

Only a third of people have annual eye tests.

Mr. Robert Morris, Consultant Eye Surgeon and Medical Director at Optegra Eye Health Care, says: There are serious eye conditions such as a retinal tear that a patient could easily have no idea they are living with but which do need to have immediate, emergency surgery. If left too late many conditions can only be treated to keep the condition under control, rather than attempt to cure it.

Dr ODonnell concludes: Every day 100 people in the UK start to lose their sight and two million people live with significant sight loss. Vision is such a precious sense, a simple, regular eye test can prevent eye diseases and future worry, missing out simply isnt worth the risk.

Regular eye tests

Wear sunglasses for UV protection

Do not smoke

Safe use of contact lenses

Protect eyes with safety glasses

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Why millions of Brits are risking losing their eyesight - Birmingham Mail

Quarteravoid exams as they don't like idea of wearing glasses, study reveals

ALMOST 10 million Brits could lose their eyesight by shunning regular eye tests.

A new study shows one in six adults dont bother to attend appointments to have their vision checked, and as such risk making their eye health worse than it needs to be.

Alamy

Incredibly, half of all patients who are seen first time by an optometrist need some sort of vision correction.

But, according to the report, 24 per cent of people dont go to eye tests because they dont like the idea of wearing glasses.

While a quarter think wearing glasses will actually make their eyesight worse.

The Vision of Britain report was commissioned by Optegra Eye Health Care, studied 2,000 people.

Dr Clare ODonnell, Head of Optegra Eye Sciences and registered optometrist, commented: Without regular eye examinations, problems are being left undiagnosed and untreated which can lead to serious vision damage.

It is vital for everyone to have regular eye checks, even if they suspect nothing is wrong with their eyesight. By giving up just 20-30 minutes of your time once every two years, you can potentially save your vision.

The study shows that, despite shying away from eye tests, 82 per cent of people would love to have perfect 20:20 vision and more than half value their eyesight above any other sense.

But many dont bother to make the necessary appointments and, as such, conditions such as cataracts treatable if diagnosed are being detected late.

Other conditions which can potentially cause blindness if left untreated are age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma.

Its vital for everyone to have regular checks

But just 38 per cent of British adults have their eyes tested every two years, and only 46 per cent of those who already wear glasses continue to get regular checks.

Only a third of people have annual eye tests.

Mr. Robert Morris, Consultant Eye Surgeon and Medical Director at Optegra Eye Health Care, says: There are serious eye conditions such as a retinal tear that a patient could easily have no idea they are living with but which do need to have immediate, emergency surgery.

If left too late many conditions can only be treated to keep the condition under control, rather than attempt to cure it.

Dr ODonnell concludes: Every day 100 people in the UK start to lose their sight and two million people live with significant sight loss.

Vision is such a precious sense, a simple, regular eye test can prevent eye diseases and future worry, missing out simply isnt worth the risk.

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368

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Up to 10 million Brits risk losing their eyesight by shunning regular tests - The Sun

Madison (WKOW) --Everywhere you turn, people are constantly looking at a screen.

Most of my day is consistent of somehow being on an electronic device, said Sydney McCourt.

Whether its a computer, tablet or cell phone, according to doctors, our daily usage could negatively affect our eye health.

Most of us spend at least 7 hours a day on a computer. That results in headaches, eye strain, even dry eyes for many individuals, said Dr. Timothy Wilson.

Doctor Wilson is an optometrist atIsthmus Eye Care. He saysComputer Vision Syndrome(CVS) is something that affects countless Americans.

Many times they just dont understand why these things are taking place, said Wilson. They never link their day to day life with much screen time and symptoms.

Sydney McCourt is a sophomore at UW Madison. As the semester comes to an end, shes spending more and more time in front of a screen.

Usually my eyes will grow tires, blurry vision after looking at the screen for a while, said McCourt. If youre in a dark place looking at a bright screen, that can cause some tension in your eyes.

According to theWisconsin Optometric Association(WOA), fifty-eight percent of American adults report experiencing eye strain or vision problems as a direct result of using technology, including; computers, tablets, smartphones and other digital devices.

My eyes get really dry, so by the end of the day which is around 4:00 p.m. from classes I have to go home and take out my contacts and put on glasses, said Adam Schmidt, UW Madison Junior.

To avoid Computer Vision Syndrome, WOA members recommend practicing the 20-20-20 rule when using digital devices for an extended period of time. Users should take a 20 second break during every 20 minutes of device use and look 20 feet away.

The biggest thing with Computer Vision Syndrome is peoples quality of life, said Dr. David Nelson. At the end of the day, they come home and are to tired to participate in events with their families.

As the current president of the WOA, Dr. David Nelson says people blink 75 percent less when sitting in front of a computer screen because they become so engrossed with what theyre doing that they forget to blink.

Keeping a little bottle of artificial tears next to the computer and putting some eye drops into your eyes before they get dry and irritated is important, said Dr. Nelson.

The WOA recommends the following guidelines to prevent or reduce vision and eye health problems associated with CVS: Computer screens should be about 4-5 inches below eye level as measured from the center of the screen and held 20-28 inches away from the eyes. The most efficient viewing angle on a computer screen is slightly downward about 15 degrees.

If possible, windows or other light sources should not be directly visible when sitting in front of the monitor. If this occurs, turn the desk or computer to prevent glare on the screen. Reduce the amount of lighting in the room to match that of the computer screen.

Both Dr. Nelson and Dr. Wilson say their seeing issues related to Computer Vision Syndrome across all age spectrums.

"Considering the dependence on computers, this is something that is going to continue, but there is help," said Dr. Wilson.

There are specialty glasses that block and filter some of the blue light that comes from computer screens. If you think you suffer from dry eyes, doctors can test the quality of your tears to find out if you have Dry Eye Syndrome and if its linked to Computer Vision Syndrome.

When it comes to really seeing whats going on with your eyes, there is no substitute for a comprehensive, yearly eye exam by a licensed eye doctor.

"Comprehensive, yearly eye exams preserve vision and constitute the only way to accurately assess eye health, diagnose an eye disorder or disease, and determine if you need corrective lenses says Dr. Nelson.

Click hereto locate a nearby doctor of optometry.

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Protecting Your Eyesight: The impact digital screens have on you - WQOW TV: Eau Claire, WI NEWS18 News, Weather ... - WQOW TV News 18