Posts Tagged ‘Visual Impairment’

VisionZone – You’re Not Alone Anymore – Low Vision Awareness

Thursday, August 19th, 2010


Alarmingly, more than 16 million people in the US and 314 million worldwide report some form of visual impairment. “VisionZone: You’re Not Alone Anymore,” a creative short film written/directed by notable Funny Or Die filmmakers “a bick/antzis thing” (Drew Antzis and Tamara Bick), features an atypical perspective on disability and vision loss through the use of truth and comedy. It was created to support Optelec’s VisionZone, a new nationwide movement to promote ocular health awareness. The short film features a fictional character/non-fictional man with an unrecognizable visual impairment, Brian Fischler, a legally blind stand-up comedian and Founder of Laugh for Sight not-for-profit who was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa in his teens. It was shot throughout San Diego, including footage from Acqua al 2, a popular Italian restaurant in the Gaslamp Quarter. “VisionZone: You’re Not Alone Anymore” chronicles Brian’s challenge of doing something we all take for granted — independently ordering and eating at a restaurant. Brian then walks through downtown San Diego to later reach the VisionZone “heavens,” where he discovers video magnifiers, travels to Paris (yep!) and flirts with the ladies. VisionZone’s film is a casual and light-hearted way to educate mainstream public; providing the viewers a glimpse at living with low vision and the before/after benefit of utilizing assistive technologies and community support to empower ones’ disability. VisionZone is the low

Women urged to take charge of their eye health

Saturday, May 8th, 2010


This year, a group of scientists and top eye experts that comprise Women’s Eye Health.org will focus their attention on gender and eye health as part of this year’s World Sight Day (October 8). Ophthalmologist Dr. Mary Elizabeth Hartnett of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is among experts who urge women to take charge of their eye health. “Three quarters of visual impairment is preventable or correctable. Women spend so much time caring for others, it’s time we care for ourselves, beginning with our eye health.” Video Produced by Courtney Potter.

Eye Supplement

Saturday, March 13th, 2010

Your eyes are a precious gift and should last a lifetime. But unfortunately, many people take their vision for granted. The reality is that most people do not believe they are at risk of developing eye problems. And ironically, most of those included in the 78000000 baby boomers who are actually the highest risk category. And to make matters worse, a large majority of “graying” America does not even have regular examinations of sight, even if they have a family history of eye disease. Most are completely unaware of the factors which may increase their susceptibility to develop eye problems. Today, virtually the medical community as a whole is in total agreement that everyone is at risk of eye health problems. Here are some animal health rules common sense to support eye health. Do not smoke. . . and if you do, stop. Smoking exposes your eyes to high levels of oxidative stress. And while the connection to age-related macular degeneration has not been clearly identified, it is known that smoking increases the risk. Exercise. . . It improves circulation and helps keep eyes moist, clear and functional. Have an eye exam every two years. Just as mammography or stress tests, detection of eye problems at an early stage is essential to prevent further damage. Wear protective goggles while playing sports. Take regular breaks from the computer or working near others to relax your eyes. It is time that the “generation of baby boomers who are now in their 50s and 60s, became more serious about eye health age-related vision problems because if failure remain undiagnosed or treaties, they could cause permanent dysfunction. Clearly, age-related eye disease can seriously affect your quality of life and well-being. Visual impairment, it is more difficult for seniors to live independently and cope with the challenges of everyday life. Plus, failing vision increases the risk of accidents and falls. Vision problems may also reduce the ability of a person to develop and maintain relationships and participate in various activities, which can then lead to depression and social isolation. But what you may not realize is that, with a vision impaired, you may also have cognitive disabilities or problems with thinking, learning and memory, according to a study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology, one of the JAMA / Archives journals. Nutrition plays a vital role in health and care of our eyes. Some vitamins, minerals and herbs are generally known to support, protect and maintain good vision. Not only a healthy diet important for the immediate health and long-term view, but several research groups are studying these nutrients to see how much of a role they have in reducing the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. Antioxidants vitamins A, C and E play a vital role in eye health with other important nutrients. Vitamin A Vitamin A is found abundantly in food sources that contain carotenoids, yellow and red pigments in plants and animals that act as antioxidants. Some carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin are abundant in the lens and retina of our eyes. Science Daily (December 6, 2004) reported a study from Ohio State University that provides evidence from laboratory experiments performed on human lens cells showed that lutein and zeaxanthin help to protect cells against exposure to ultraviolet rays, a major cause of cataract formation. Vitamin A is currently being studied for its role in helping the body by reducing the risk of night blindness and the risk of blindness from macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in the world. Sources of vitamin A are liver, butter, squash, peaches, apricots, broccoli, spinach, yellow peppers, blueberries, egg yolks and of course, carrots. Vitamin C Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps the body by reducing the level of accumulation of proteins in the eye that may lead to blurred vision. Without adequate intake of vitamin C, studies show that the sighting may begin to deteriorate. It is interesting to note that the concentration of vitamin C in the vitreous (the clear fluid in the eyeball) is about twenty-five times the vitamin C in blood. It is 100 times greater in the retina. Citrus fruits, berries, peppers, tropical fruits are good sources of vitamin C. Vitamin E Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant working to counter the effects of oxidation on the fabric and structure of the eyes. Much research is underway to determine whether vitamin E May nutritional support, eye health, helping to reduce or delay the potential risk of cataracts and macular degeneration (AMD). Sunflower seeds and nuts are good sources of vitamin E. The vitamin B complex B vitamins are associated with eye health. Studies have suggested that a lack of B complex May cause sensitivity to light, the eye muscles paralyzed, itching, burning, stroke, eyes watering. Vitamin B1 (thiamin) is important for the metabolism of the eyes. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) affects the mucous membranes and helps maintain tissues in the eyes and nose wet. It also supports the provision of glutathione, a major antioxidant in the lens of the eye. Vitamin B3 (niacin) helps increase blood flow to the optic nerve. Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) is particularly important for eye stress. A deficiency results in May and degeneration of optic nerves. Vitamin B7 (Biotin) is a metabolizer energy and synthesizer of niacin. Vitamin B12 affects the optic nerve tissue, helping to strengthen it. Vitamin B9 (folic acid) is known to improve the overall visual problems. Minerals Minerals such as selenium, helps your body absorb vitamin E and can also make its own antioxidants. Zinc promotes the absorption of vitamin A in the body. She is also an enzyme that reduces the number of free radicals. Other nutrients for healthy eyes Alpha-lipoic acid provides protective anti-oxidant power. N-acetyl-cysteine helps prevent dry eyes by keeping the humidity level in the eye in the balance. Choline is important in the management of glaucoma. Bilberry helps to improve blood flow in the capillaries in his eyes. It is also used to treat diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. Grapeseed improves peripheral circulation of the eyes, and strengthens the capillaries. Eyebright is a plant that helps soothe the eyes in distress. Ginko biloba helps to reduce eye bags and dark circles. Bayberry root powder has astringent and antibacterial properties. New sources of these nutrients are the best support for eye health. But if this is not always possible, consult your health care provider about the benefits of supplementation. There is accumulating scientific and clinical evidence that supports the fact that the potent mix of nutrients and special protection in May significantly help strengthen the eyes and help support healthy eye tissue, retinal function and good vision in old age.

Eye Health and Nutrition

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

What is normal vision? Normal vision occurs when there is no abnormality in the structure or functioning of the eye, and you can clearly see objects near and far. There is also a term used by ophthalmologists to describe what a “normal” person can see when you look at a map of the eyes. Children’s Eye Health and SafetyMore 12 million children suffer from visual impairment. Vision problems affect one in twenty preschoolers and one in four school-age children. Vision problems can begin at an early age, it is important that children receive proper eye care. Untreated problems can worsen and cause permanent vision loss and delayed development. Causes blindnessWhen you think, the very act of actually seeing the world around us is an amazing thing. It depends on the interaction between the brain and the eyeball, two extraordinarily complex organ, so it is hardly surprising that there are so many ways we can suffer sight loss or reduction. CataractCataract is the clouding of the eye – the part of the eye responsible for focusing light and producing clear, sharp images. River blindness blindnessRiver is caused by a worm that breeds in fast flowing rivers. It is a major cause of blindness in West and Central Africa. Sightsavers is it to fight against the drug Mectizan. Eye CancerCancer eye is rare. It can affect the outer parts of the eye as the eyelid, which are composed of muscles, skin and nerves. If the cancer starts inside the eyeball is called intraocular cancer. The cancers most common intraocular adults are melanoma and lymphoma. The most common cancer of the eye in children is retinoblastoma, which starts in the cells of the retina. What are the symptoms of Age-Related Macular Degeneration? The symptoms of macular degeneration include: the lines start to appear distorted, or central vision becomes distortedDiminished or modified perceptionTreatmentHere color is no cure, but treatments related to the age of preventing macular degeneration in May of severe vision loss or slow the progression of the disease considerably. Several treatment options are available, including: Vitamins. An extensive study by the National Eye Institute National Institutes of Health, called AREDS (Age-Related Eye Disease Study) showed that for some people, vitamins C, E, beta carotene, zinc and copper can reduce the risk of vision loss in patients age intermediate to advanced dry macular degeneration linked. Laser Therapy. In light of high energy laser can sometimes be used to destroy actively growing abnormal blood vessels that occur with age-related macular degeneration in the. Laser Photodynamic Therapy. Treatment with two steps in which a medicine sensitive to light is used to damage the abnormal blood vessels. The doctor injects the drug into the bloodstream to be absorbed by the abnormal blood vessels in the eye. Nutrition for EyesCarrots contain a carotenoid called beta-carotene. Your body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A, which is an anti-oxidant. Anti-oxidants such as vitamin A is essential for healthy eyes. An antioxidant is a substance that prevents or impedes cell oxidation (destruction) by free radicals. A deficiency in vitamin A can cause many problems, but this is usually not a problem in the United States, especially in developing countries. Natural eye care healthOcu + is a scientifically advanced Ocular Nutraceutical Dietary Supplement specifically formulated to meet the needs of the physiology and functioning of the eye. Specific nutritional care and support for our eyes may help preserve vision decline as we age, and that helps us protect against specific eye problems and common but incapacitating dysfunction.

Eye Health Solution