Coronavirus and Your Eyes: What you should know

Coronavirus (COVID-19) can cause mild to severe respiratory illness. Symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath and pink eye can show up 2 to 14 days after a person is exposed. People with severe infections can develop pneumonia and even die from complications of the illness.

To cut your personal risk of contracting the COVID-19, avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth and face with unwashed hands. It is the mucous membranes (membranes that line various cavities in the body) that are most susceptible to transmission of the virus.

To avoid infecting others with the coronavirus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended the use of face masks to be worn when out in public. Face masks can reduce the spread of coronavirus by people who are infected but have no symptoms of the virus (asymptomatic). Face masks, however, do not protect your eyes from infection.

Here are a few tips on how to protect yourself and others:

1. Practice safe hygiene and social distancing — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer these general guidelines to slow the spread of disease:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds. (Singing Happy Birthday twice is about 20 seconds)
  •  You should especially wash your hands before eating, after using the restroom, sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose.
  • If you can’t get to a sink, use a hand sanitizer that has at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid touching your face — particularly your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • If you cough or sneeze, cover your face with your elbow or a tissue. If you use a tissue, throw it away promptly. Then go wash your hands.
  • Avoid close contact with sick people. If you think someone has a respiratory infection, it’s safest to stay 6 feet away.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Regularly disinfect commonly touched surfaces and items in your house, such as doorknobs, refrigerator door handles and counter tops.

2. Coronavirus may cause pink eye, so avoid touching eye discharge — Someone may have pink eye but it doesn’t mean that person is infected with coronavirus. But a recent study suggests that up to one third of people hospitalized with coronavirus experience eye problems, such as viral pink eye or conjunctivitis. It’s important to know that the virus can spread by touching fluid from an infected person’s eyes, or from objects that carry the fluid.

3. Avoid rubbing your eyes — We all tend to do it and natural habits can be hard to break but doing so will lower your risk of infection. Use a tissue instead of your fingers when you feel the urge to rub your eye or even to adjust your glasses. Dry eyes can lead to more rubbing, so consider adding moisturizing drops to your eye routine. If you must touch your eyes for any reason wash your hands first with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Then wash them again afterwards.

4. If you wear contact lenses, consider switching to glasses for a while — There’s no evidence that wearing contact lenses increases your risk of coronavirus infection although contact lens wearers touch their eyes more than the average person. Substituting glasses for contacts can decrease irritation and will lower the chances of you touching your eye. If you choose to continue wearing contact lenses, follow these hygiene tips.

5. Make sure you are well supplied on eye medicine prescriptions if you can — During this pandemic experts have advised patients to stock up on critical medications, enough to get by if you are quarantined or if supplies become limited. If your insurance allows you to get more than 1 month of essential eye medicine, such as glaucoma drops, you should do so. Some insurers will approve a 3-month supply of medication in times of natural disaster. Ask your pharmacist or ophthalmologist for help if you have trouble getting approval from your insurance company. Don’t wait until the last minute to contact your pharmacy, request a refill as soon as you’re due.

 

IF YOU’RE NOT FEELING WELL – Call your family doctor. If you suspect you may have pink eye (conjunctivitis), call an eye doctor near you. It is suggested that patients not go directly to medical or eye care facilities without a prior phone call to help to decrease the possible spread of the virus. A phone call allows the health facility to prepare for your visit and diagnose and treat you in a proper manner.
You may feel nervous about going to the doctor’s office during this pandemic. But treatment for eye emergencies should not be delayed. Ophthalmologists, like all medical professionals, follow strict hygiene and disinfection guidelines.

Ophthalmologists are available to treat urgent eye issues, deliver eye injections and provide critical care. Call your ophthalmologist or other medical doctor as soon as possible in the following situations:

  • You have macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy and get regular eye injections.
  • You notice changes in your vision (like blurry, wavy or blank spots in your field of vision).
  • You experience an eye injury, even if it seems minor.
  • You suddenly lose some vision.
  • You have eye pain, headache, red eye, nausea and vomiting.

Protect yourself and the eye care team by following these precautions:

  • Wear a mask to a medical appointment. The mask should cover your nose and mouth.
  • If you have a cough or a fever, or have been in close contact with someone who has these symptoms, you must call your doctor’s office ahead of time and let them know. After you speak with the health care profession, it may be decided that your visit is not an emergency, and you can be treated at home. If you arrive sick at the doctor’s office, you should wear a protective covering or mask, and they may want you to wait in a special room away from other patients.
  • If you need to cough or sneeze during your exam, move back from the microscope. Bury your face in the crook of your arm or cover your face with a tissue. Wash your hands with soap and water right away.

For more Coronavirus information visit: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus

For more information about the Discovery Eye Foundations new research for Coronavirus vaccine visit: www.discoveryeye.org/covid-19-emergency-research/

WARZONE

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM DEF’S AMBASSADOR OF VISION

At this writing, the death toll from CoronaVirus (COVID-19) has just surpassed 60,000 with over 1 million cases reported in the US. It is almost impossible to comprehend the scope of this horrific pandemic, and the price that is being paid by healthcare professionals along with so many families who are unable to say goodbye to their loved ones who have often been forced to die alone.

At the same time, it was striking to learn that the four month death toll from the virus has just eclipsed the number of lives lost in the entire Vietnam War. We have heard the pandemic described as a war fought against a hidden enemy. While healthcare professionals confront the enemy in overcrowded hospitals across our country, there are others working just as hard in search of solutions that will allow us to return to our treasured normal way of life.

Researchers are quiet heroes laboring in laboratories in virtual anonymity, but with the same urgency as the healthcare professionals serving on the front lines of the battlefield. Whether it is in search of a vaccine or of a drug that may increase the possibility of overcoming the virus, the Discovery Eye Foundation is presently funding some of the critical efforts. As in past wars, all of us must do our part in the effort to defeat an enemy that continues its death march across the entire American landscape. No city or town, state or county, is immune from the icy hand of this most Grim Reaper.

I was attending college at the height of the Vietnam War, and I remember watching the evening news as the death toll continued to mount. Somehow, I found myself numb and somewhat insulated even as the numbers of casualties kept rising. It all changed when two of my friends from high school were lost during the 1968 Tet Offensive. Death became oh-so-real. We cannot allow the constant media exposure to dampen our awareness and our commitment to finding a cure and achieving complete victory in this all-out war.

When you contribute to Discovery Eye Foundations COVID-19 Emergency Fund, your funds go directly into the hands of the researchers. Even more important, their work will begin immediately. Your generosity has allowed us to be difference makers in the preservation of vision. Please join us as we enter the fight and turn our attention to finding answers to this most lethal and present danger.

To help the Discovery Eye Foundation join the fight against COVID-19, donate today!

DonateNow

Tom Sullivan
DEF’s Ambassador of Vision
sullivanvision.com

OUR EYES WORK LIKE CAMERA’S!

The inner workings of the human eye are complex, but at the same time, fascinating. Have you wondered how exactly they do work or what are the major parts of the eyeball involved in creating vision? Let’s find out.

These tiny cameras spend every day processing millions of pieces of information at lightning fast speeds, and turn them into the simple images we see almost instantly.

In reality, this process is anything but simple. The eye has several distinct parts, each of which has specific responsibilities that work together like a machine.

The eyeball is just like a camera. In fact, human eyes are part of a classification known as “camera-type eyes.” And just like a camera, it can’t function without the presence of light.  As light hits the eyes, it’s focused by the eye in a way similar to a camera lens. This process allows the images we see to appear clear and sharp rather than blurry.

There are specific parts of the eye that make this focusing process possible. Each beam of light that hits the eye goes through a series of steps:

Step 1: Light passes through a thin layer of moisture

Step 2: Light hits the cornea.  The cornea is transparent, and is the first layer to begin focusing light within the eye. The cornea is connected to the sclera, which is a tough fiber on the outside of the eye that acts as protection.

Step 3: Behind the cornea is another liquid layer known as the aqueous humor, and its job is to maintain pressure levels in the front of the eye as light is passing through.

Step 4: Once light has passed through the aqueous humor, it has finally reached the pupil. The pupil is the round entryway of the colored iris.

Step 5: Once the pupil determines how much light it will let inside your eye, the job passes to the lens. The lens factors in the amount of light the pupil lets in, and figures out how far away you are from the object that the light is reflecting off of, or the object you’re trying to see. From there, the lens focuses your image into an accurate view of what you’re looking at. Part of this process is controlled by muscles in the lens called ciliary muscles, which expand and contract to pull on the lens and allow it to focus properly.

Step 6: As light reaches the center of the eye passes through another layer of moisture, called the vitreous, or vitreous humor. Then, it reaches the final stop in the process: The Retina.

The retina is the back of the eye. If the lens in your eye is most like a camera, the retina is most like its film – this is where the final product is projected. The retina has several parts:

  • Macula: The center of the retina. The center point of the macula is called the fovea, and it has the most photoreceptors and nerve endings of any part of the eye.
  • Photoreceptors: Split into two designations – rods and cones.
    • Cones are in the macula. When there is bright light, cones provide clear, sharp central vision and detect colors and fine details.
    • Rods are located outside the macula and extend all the way to the outer edge of the retina. They provide peripheral or side vision. Rods also allow the eyes to detect motion and help us see in dim light and at night.

  • Retinal pigment epithelium: Abbreviated RPE, this is a tissue layer below the rods and cones which absorbs any extra, unneeded light.
  • Choroid: The choroid is behind the retina, and is in charge of making sure the retina and RPE have enough nutrition flowing from small blood vessels.

Once the photoreceptors have converted light into an electronic signal, they send a signal to the brain’s visual command center and you have vision. It’s amazing what even small parts of our bodies can do.

 

How the Eye Works

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month

National Glaucoma Awareness Month reminds all of us to get regular eye exams and show support for those suffering from this condition.  Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of vision loss and blindness.  Glaucoma is often called “the sneak thief of sight” because glaucoma has few symptoms or warning signs in its early stages. It can be diagnosed only by a full eye exam by an eye care practitioner.

Glaucoma is a disease where pressure builds up and damages the eye’s optic nerve. Types of this disease include the common Primary Open Angle Glaucoma, which causes peripheral eyesight to slowly diminish and is age-related. Angle Closure Glaucoma, where the fluid drainage system is narrow and closed so that the aqueous fluid remains in the front chamber of the eye and intraocular pressure rises; and Low Tension Glaucoma, where the optic nerve becomes damaged in spite of the intraocular pressures being within the normal range. There’s currently no way to restore vision lost from glaucoma because once the nerve cells become damaged, they do not regenerate.

 

A few important facts you should know about Glaucoma in adults:

  • More patients than ever are affected – Over 3 million people in the U.S. have glaucoma, and the number is rising.
  • Glaucoma can affect people of all ages – The most common form of glaucoma, Primary Open Angle Glaucoma, becomes more prevalent with increasing age. However, glaucoma can strike anyone, even infants and children but it is rare.
  • Demographics do play a role – Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness among African Americans; it’s also highly prevalent in Hispanics over the age 65.
  • Is glaucoma hereditary? The risk of developing Primary Open–Angle Glaucoma is up to nine times more likely if parents or siblings have the disease.
  • Hope for future glaucoma patients – Although there is no cure for any form of glaucoma, early diagnosis and treatment help control the disease and slow the process of vision loss or blindness.

Newer Glaucoma Treatments 

Glaucoma treatment usually begins with the use of topical (eye drop) medications which lower the intraocular pressure. Within the past two years, two new topical medications have been approved for the treatment of glaucoma: VYZULTA® and Rhopressa®. VYZULTA® is a modification of a class of medications currently used to treat glaucoma – the prostaglandin analogs. This drug helps lower intraocular pressure by increasing the drainage of fluid (aqueous humor) from the eye.

Rhopressa® is part of a new class of drugs used to treat glaucoma called Rho kinase inhibitors. Rhopressa®, like VYZULTA®, also lowers intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous outflow. Both Rhopressa® and VYZULTA® are dosed once daily and pose few, if any, systemic safety concerns.
 

Laser

Using a laser to make a small opening in the iris to help with fluid drainage usually cures Angle-Closure Glaucoma.  This procedure is called a laser peripheral iridotomy.

For Primary Open Angel Glaucoma, when eye drops are not enough to reduce the pressure then a procedure called Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) can be used. The SLT reduces intraocular pressure by stimulating increased outflow of fluid from the eye. SLT offers an improved safety profile compared to older glaucoma laser therapies and may lower eye pressure by as much as 20 to 30 percent. It is typically used as the next step in patients whose glaucoma is uncontrolled on medical therapy. Because of its excellent benefit-to-risk profile, however, SLT can sometimes be used in place of medications, especially in patients who have difficulty with their eye drops.
 

Surgery

When other treatments fail, there are many surgical therapies to lower the eye pressure. These surgical approaches, which are riskier than medical therapy or lasers, are usually employed when non-surgical means do not work well enough to stop vision loss.
 

MIGS

The goal of Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) is to reduce intraocular pressure by enhancing the eye’s own internal aqueous humor drainage system. Some MIGS can be performed as stand-alone procedures, while others are typically done along with cataract surgery in patients with visually significant cataracts and mild to moderate glaucoma.

There are now a variety of recently FDA approved MIGS available for use in this country. MIGS typically are performed through a small incision in the eye with minimal tissue trauma and offer a favorable safety profile as well as more rapid visual recovery than traditional glaucoma surgery. There are many well qualified glaucoma specialists that perform the MIGS procedure.

 

Glaucoma Treatment Overview


 

National Glaucoma Awareness Month reminds all of us to get regular eye exams. Don’t let glaucoma steal your sight!  The best way to protect your sight is to get an annual comprehensive eye examination.

Thanks to funding from private philanthropists, DEF’s research continues to make great strides toward cures and treatment for glaucoma.  If you would like to support DEF’s sight saving research please donate today!

 DonateNow

September is Healthy Aging Month

Healthy Aging Month is an annual health observance designed to focus national attention on the positive aspects of growing older.  Aging is a process that brings many changes. Vision loss and blindness, however, do not have to be one of them. There are several simple steps you can take to help keep your eyes healthy for the rest of your life.

Eye diseases often have no early symptoms, but can be detected during a comprehensive dilated eye exam.  A comprehensive dilated eye exam is different from the basic eye exam or screening you have for glasses or contacts. By dilating the pupils and examining the back of the eyes, your eye care professional can detect eye diseases in their early stages, before vision loss occurs. By performing a comprehensive eye exam, your eye care professional can check for early signs of –

Here are some other tips to help maintain healthy vision and body now and as you age:

  • Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Loading up on fruits and vegetables can help keep your eyes healthy and disease free.
  • Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight increases your risk for heart disease and diabetes. Complications from diabetes, such as diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma, can eventually lead to vision loss.
  • Don’t smoke. Smoking increases your risk for age-related macular degeneration, cataract, and other systemic diseases, including cancer. Wear protective eyewear when outdoors. Protecting your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet rays when you are outdoors is important for your eye health. Choose sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiation.

Even if you are not experiencing vision problems, visiting an eye care professional regularly for a comprehensive dilated eye exam is the most important thing you can do to reduce your risk of vision loss as you age.

 

Download “Everyone’s vision can change with age”
A handout with explanation on how vision can change with age.

Children’s Eyes

It’s said that the “eyes are the windows to the soul.”  If that is true, looking into the eyes of a child, it’s easy to see the beauty and innocence that all of us wish could be more a part of the world they will live in.

I’ve also heard that there is a wonder found in those eyes – a curiosity that opens the child’s brain and heart to all of life’s joys and potentials. 

The thought that those eyes could be threatened through accident or disease is a painful reality that all of us at Discovery are working to prevent through all of our cutting-edge research with your on-going support.

All too often I have been present in an ophthalmologist’s office when a caring doctor is forced to tell a family that there is a major problem with their baby’s vision.  Diseases of the retina such as glaucoma, or retinitis pigmentosa, are joined by diseases of the cornea like keratoconus.  It’s even worse when a family has to hear the diagnosis is retinoblastoma – or a cancer of the eye.  In these personal and painful moments, a family’s entire life is forever changed and their child’s struggle with vision will remain on-going and difficult.

August is “Children’s Eye Safety” month, and I can’t think of anything else more important to protect.  The eyes of a child are beautiful, full of innocence and love.  So, let’s make sure that they will continue to see the world with beauty and clear vision. 

The Discovery Eye Foundation is committed to finding the answers that will preserve the vision of millions of people.  Our groundbreaking research needs your help to move forward! 

To learn how you can help, click here Ways to Help DEF or click the button below to donate online. 
DonateNow

Tom Sullivan
DEF’s Ambassador of Vision
sullivanvision.com

Cancer in the EYE: Unexpected Thought

When you think of cancer, most of us do not think about the eye or vision. Though rare, cancer can start inside or outside of the eye. If cancer starts inside the eyeball it’s called intraocular and if it starts outside the eye (eyelid or in the eye socket) then it’s called extraocular tumor. It can occur in both children and adults. Most major eye centers have specialists who are trained in the diagnosis and treatment of eye cancers.

Here are a few types of cancer in eye:

  • Eye Cancer in Children: The most common cancer seen in the eye of children is retinoblastoma. This occurs in children at very early age so these are the youngest cancer patients. This cancer starts inside the eye and affects the retinal cells. This is a cancer that presents very quietly, the child has no pain, no complaints and plays happily without any problem until one day parents notice that the pupil of the eye has some abnormal ‘White Glow’ (leukocoria) rather than the usual ‘red-eye’ reflection seen in a photo—that can be the first sign of retinoblastoma. So, it requires prompt evaluation by an ophthalmologist. Retinoblastoma is a curable cancer but if it is not treated on time, it can grow quickly and fill the eyeball. It can lead to loss of vision and life-threatening problems.

At the later stage of this cancer, the only one way to survive is to remove the eyeball (enucleation). Like many of other types of cancer, retinoblastoma has a genetic component so genetic testing needs to be done. The tumor begins with the RB1 gene mutation that stimulates retinal cells to develop into a tumor called a retinoblastoma. The RB1 mutation can be inherited from the parents, but in some cases it is sporadic and not inherited. There are various treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy etc. to cure retinoblastoma cancer. Rarely it can spread beyond the eye. 

  • Eye Cancer in Adults: The development of a tumor in the back of the eye in adults can be from a metastatic cancer from elsewhere in the body or can arise in the eye itself. The most common primary eye cancer is called uveal melanoma and is a cluster of rapidly growing cells underneath the retina, which can lead to vision loss. The tumor can also appear as a dark black spot on the iris. Ideally the uveal melanoma can be treated when the tumor is still only in the eye.However, unfortunately, in approximately 50% of patients the uveal melanoma spreads (metastasis) to other part of the body, making it the most dangerous eye cancer in adults. Depending upon its location the uveal melanoma may not cause early symptoms but the patient may experience blurred vision or large numbers of floaters. The uveal melanoma can be diagnosed only when an ophthalmologist or eye care specialist examines your eye. What is the main cause of uveal melanoma? How it starts, grow and spread? These questions are still unanswered. The risk of this cancer increases in persons having fair skin (white), light eye color and inability to tan. There are certain changes in the genes linked to uveal melanoma. Currently the most common are GNAQ and BAP-1 gene mutations that are associated with greater risk of metastasis, where it spreads to other parts of the body. The standard treatment of this tumor is fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB), brachytherapy (radioactive material inside a small capsule placed next to the tumor), radiation therapy and possibly enucleation. 
  • Metastasis to Eye: Finally, the other types of cancers found in the eyes are because of the spreading of a primary cancer (from a distant site such as the breast, lung or liver) to the eye.  Sometimes an eye exam can identify a metastatic tumor before the primary tumor is recognized elsewhere in the body.  Examples of cancers that spread to the eye are breast cancer in women and lung cancer in men. Less commonly, the prostate, kidney, gastrointestinal and blood cancers (leukemia and lymphomas) can spread to the eye.  Treatment depends on the type of cancer involved. 
  • Eye Damage from Chemotherapy: Eye problems can also develop through the side effects of chemotherapy or hormone therapies given for tumors outside the eye. When a person has any type of cancer, they often must undergo treatments with chemotherapeutic drugs.  A commonly used cancer drug is called cisplatin.  When treated with cisplatin, there can be damage to the retinal pigment epithelial cells in the inner part of the retina. Hemorrhages or bleeding can occur within the retina itself and vision can decrease temporarily. If a person is undergoing cancer treatments, it is a good idea to have their eyes checked, especially if they are having any vision problems. The chemotherapy does not actually cause cancers but only side effects.

Therefore, if you are having any decreased vision, it is always makes sense to have a good eye examination to identify any problems at early stage.

Kids and Sunglasses: Why it’s important!

Due to widespread awareness about the dangers of ultraviolet (UV) rays, most parents have been very cautious about protecting kids’ skin with sunblock, hats and clothing. However, what is usually overlooked is a good pair of sunglasses. 

Children are more susceptible to damage from UV exposure, which can penetrate deep into the eye and can increase the onset of eye problems in the future.  It’s really important we protect their vision, especially because kids spend lots of time outside and their eyes haven’t fully developed yet. More importantly, sunglasses may save their skin and eyes later in life by blocking the sun’s powerful UV rays.  Children under age 10 are at a high risk for skin and eye damage from UV exposure. The skin on their eyelids and around their eyes is more delicate and vulnerable than adult skin. 

UV ray damage builds over time, so the sooner you start protecting your children’s eyes from the sun, the lower their risk will be of ever developing future eye problems.

Here are a few tips to follow to help you find the right sunglasses for your kids:

  • UV Protection – Sunglasses for children should block 100% of UV radiation as well as between 75 – 90% of visible light. Any sunglasses you buy should have this information provided in the packaging 
  • Durability – Kids run, trip and fall. Their sunglasses should match this active lifestyle. Lenses should be made of a high impact material such as polycarbonate to prevent any breakages or scratches. Frames should be bendable but unbreakable. Make sure the glasses fit snugly, close to the face.
  • Spring hinges – Hinges that extend beyond 90 degrees and have a spring action to keep the fit of the frame snug will decrease the risk of your child’s sunglasses falling off or getting damaged during sports and other play.
  • Let them choose – You’re not the one who has to wear the glasses or hear other kids’ comments on them. Children and especially older kids/teens – are likelier to actually wear them if they select them themselves.
  • Fit & Comfort – Children’s sunglasses should offer good eye coverage and fit comfortably. Allow your child to try on various pairs to find something that is comfortable and fits correctly.
  • Set an Example – Kids at a young age look up to their parents so set a good example! Ensure you’re wearing your sunglasses every time you go outside if you want your child to do the same.

If your child has prescription sunglasses, be sure they are made with UV blocking clear lenses. You can get them a second pair with tinted polycarbonate lenses, or you can get photochromic lenses that change from light to dark to avoid having two pairs.

Sunglasses do not have to be expensive.  Many inexpensive children’s sunglasses provide excellent UV protection because they include polycarbonate lenses which blocks 100 percent of UV.

Beware because some cheap brands of sunglasses for children can include an unacceptable level of lead and usually are not durable or as high-quality as other sunglasses.

Start with an eye exam – because children’s eyes change so rapidly, make sure your child is seeing well.  Children who do not need vision correction should have an eye exam at least every two years.  Children who need glasses or contact lenses should have an eye exam annually or as recommended by your eye doctor.

 

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June is Cataract Awareness Month

I remember my father experiencing the removal of cataracts in the early 60’s, and being told by his Ophthalmologist that the recovery time would be weeks rather than days and a positive outcome was not guaranteed.  The truth is that surgery of any kind carries with it a certain amount of risk.  But now the removal of cataracts has become routine for thousands thanks to amazing technology and gifted eye surgeons.  To the doctor, the surgery might be considered routine.  But to the patient, when vision is at risk their concerns and real fears are not in any way routine.

A year ago at 96 years young, my friend and actress Betty White was worried about her vision.  She told me that she was having a great deal of difficulty reading scripts and that her eyes would tire with the strain of trying to see the pages.  Her ophthalmologist determined that the removal of cataracts was necessary and the surgery on the first eye was scheduled for the next Tuesday.  “Is it safe? she asked me.”  I assured my friend that the removal of cataracts was not something to be afraid of.  “It’s routine” I told her.  “Please don’t be frightened.” Betty’s surgery was completely successful.  In fact, she tells me she can read everything including the smallest print on any label.

At the Discovery Eye Foundation (DEF), we are committed to supporting research that we believe will make the treatment of many forms of vision loss far more predictable and successful. Whether it’s through the breakthroughs in surgery or the development of new drugs or the advancement in genetics or the use of stem-cells the major forms of vision loss are being greatly affected through the power of your contributions and the commitment of the gifted researchers DEF supports. 

Please know that the dollars you contribute to DEF will go directly into the hands of the researchers where they can do the most good.

All of us at the Discovery Eye Foundation thank you for your support and look forward to a time when most forms of blindness will no longer limit vision.

 

Tom Sullivan
DEF’s Ambassador of Vision
sullivanvision.com

Low Vision

Low vision is the term used to describe significant visual impairment that can’t be corrected fully with glasses, contact lenses, medication or eye surgery.  Low vision causes a person to be unable to accomplish some daily tasks due to sight impairments. Low vision occurs when an individual struggles with any of the following common activities:

  • Reading
  • Everyday tasks like personal grooming
  • Viewing photos
  • Recognizing faces

Millions of Americans experience a normal loss of vision as they get older and the number of individuals who develop vision problems due to health conditions is projected to continue to rise.

There are many things that can cause low vision, including:

A few simple approaches can be:

  • Getting an eye exam
  • Update your reading glasses
  • Use bright light for reading

If these do not work for you, ask your eye care professional for help or ask for a referral to a low vision specialist.

Low Vision Technology 

Individuals with eye disease related to age, or vision compromised due to injury, may benefit from the usage of low vision devices.

There are two primary categories for low vision devices: Magnifiers for viewing things and objects that are close to you (magnifying lenses or machines), and magnifiers used for viewing objects and images at a distance (telescopic lenses). Many lighted magnifiers for close objects improve readability by increasing illumination.  With the advances in technology, many low vision devices are available to provide multiple function (near and distance) magnification and visual aid.

Technology is advancing to meet the growing needs of people with low vision impairment. There are a number of products that can help individuals with low vision. While considering the correct vision enhancer, keep in mind a few objectives:

  • What is the visual ability of the individual? Low vision aids are created with different options for specific low vision needs.
  • What tasks will the visual enhancer be used for? Find out what each product is best used for to decide if it will meet the needs of the individual.
  • Is the device easy to use? The right device should be easy for you to use.
  • How much does it cost? The cost of low vision aids can vary depending on a number of factors.

Popular products include:

Portable magnifiers and lighted magnifiers- offer magnified reading on the go. Perfect for menus, shopping lists, label reading, and more, portable magnifiers can fit in your pocket, purse, or be worn on the belt for quick, easy use.

 

Wearable magnifiers – wearable technology is the future for those with low vision who live an active lifestyle.  Wearable options make it possible to see and take part in everyday tasks, such as reading and recognizing faces.

 

Transportable magnification screens– are perfect for close up viewing as well as distance viewing. These great viewers offer great flexibility, from watching TV to using the mirror image feature for self-viewing. There are APPS for smart phones that can be used to magnify reading material.

  

Desktop devices for reading books, bills or letters – these have large, bright screens. A reading table offers visual aid for reading books, optional computer connectivity and more. This family of portable magnification units offers up to 75x magnification.

 

 

Consult a Low Vision Specialist–Consider making an appointment with a trained low vision specialist if you have specialized needs. They are available in larger cities or can be found by contacting The Braille Institute or by an internet search. Talk with your low vision specialist to find out which is right for you and where you can find them.

In addition to low vision devices and good lighting, inexpensive non-optical adaptive aids can assist with routine daily activities. These devices include:

  • Large-print cookbooks
  • Large-numbered playing cards, clocks, telephones and watches
  • Electronic “talking” clocks, kitchen timers, thermometers, blood pressure meters and even pill bottles
  • Large felt-tip pens and wide-lined paper for writing notes
  • Color-coded pill boxes
  • Signature guides help in writing your signature in the correct place

Many of these items can be found at your local drugstore, discount store or bookstore. Your low vision specialist can recommend retail sources for non-optical adaptive aids.

Vision loss can definitely be alarming but learning how to adapt, with the aid of low-vision specialists, can result in continued independence.  As low vision aids are tools focused on helping with the physical aspect, it is also important to seek the help of a counselor for psychological counseling if needed or join a support group, that may provide the help you need. Finally, maintaining a social network and asking for help will enrich your life, and help maintain your independence and quality of life.

Resources:
www.enhancedvision.com
www.allaboutvision.com
www.nei.nih.gov
www.brailleinstitute.org
www.visionaware.org
www.aao.org
www.amd.org
www.californiaphones.org