Medford (OR) Mail Tribune profiles Karen Barlow, a legally blind, independent businesswoman who teaches computer skills to the visually impaired in the Rogue Valley. Barlow's business, Barlow's Computer Training, has contracts with several organizations, including the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center and Clinics.

The Mail Tribune adds, Barlow is one of 50 vendors demonstrating adaptive technologies and other aids to employment at this week's "'Options for Success' conference.

Sponsored by the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, the seminar's theme is "attitudes for success." Advocacy, referral, work-incentive programs and inspirational speeches fill the sessions, which began Tuesday morning.

The goal is to improve the self-esteem and promotional skills of disabled persons eager to join the workforce, said Kristi Hyman of OVRS.

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26 percent of Americans have not seen eye-care specialist within past two years.

HealthDay reported that, according to a survey of 1,001 Americans age 18 and older commissioned by the American Optometric Association (AOA), 26 percent of Americans have not visited an eye doctor or eye-care specialist within the past two years, suggesting that many people aren't paying enough attention to their eye health.

AOA expert James Kirchner, O.D., recommended a comprehensive eye exam for adults at least every two years. He emphasized that eye exams are even more important for people who already use corrective lenses,who might just assume they just need a different lens prescription, when they really have a more serious problem. With eye diseases and disorders, as with most health issues, early detection and treatment are often the keys to avoiding permanent problems. For example, the survey showed that 62 percent of respondents didn't know that signs of diabetes may be detected by an eye doctor, while 71 percent didn't know that a comprehensive eye exam can detect hypertension, brain tumors (75 percent), cancer (78 percent), cardiovascular disease (80 percent), and multiple sclerosis (90 percent).

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Painkiller May Prevent Diabetes-Related Retinal Damage

The painkiller pentazocine may help prevent diabetes-related retinal damage that leads to vision loss, according to Medical College of Georgia researchers.

"The effects of this drug on retinal health are phenomenal," Dr. Sylvia Smith, a retinal cell biologist and co-director of the Vision Discovery Institute at MCG's School of Medicine, said in a college news release.

For the study, she compared the retinas of diabetic mice treated with pentazocine and those that didn't receive the drug and found dramatic differences. The findings suggest that the drug and related compounds that bind with the sigma receptor in the eye may help treat the two leading causes of vision loss -- diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma.

The study was published in the September issue of the journal Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science.

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Visual impairment may be more common in people with diabetes

UPI reports that, according to a study published in the Archives ofOphthalmology, visual impairment appears to be more common in people withdiabetes than in those without the disease. Researchers from the Centers forDisease Control and Prevention analyzed data from the National Health andNutrition Examination Surveys from 1999 to 2004, which included 1,237 adultswith diabetes...and 11,767 adults without the disease. The investigators foundthat people with diabetes were more likely to have uncorrectable visionimpairment than those withoutdiabetes.

Tags: Diabetes, Vision

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Low anti oxidants and blue light exposure may lead to AMD

Med Page Today reported, Some cases of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) may arise from a combination of low plasma levels of antioxidants and exposure to blue light from the sun, according to research in the October issue of Archives of Ophthalmology. Researchers studied 4,753 participants older than 65, who all provided blood samples, underwent fundus photography, and answered a dietary questionnaire. Sun exposure was estimated from participants' self-reported information about work, outdoor activities, use of hats, and eyewear (including contact lenses, glasses, and sunglasses). Complete data were available for 101 participants with neovascular age-related macular degeneration, 2,182 participants with early-stage age-related macular degeneration, and 2,117 controls.

Medscape added that the researchers concluded that there was no association between blue light exposure and neovascular AMD or early AMD. In participants in the lowest quartile of antioxidant level (vitamin C, zeaxanthin, vitamin E, and dietary zinc), there were significant associations between blue light exposure and neovascular AMD. Furthermore, odds ratio (OR) was approximately 1.4 for one SD unit increase in blue light exposure, but these ORs for blue light were higher with combined low antioxidant levels, especially vitamin C, zeaxanthin, and vitamin E (OR, 3.7; 95 percent confidence interval [CI], 1.6 - 8.9), which were also associated with early stages of AMD.

The U.K.'s Telegraph notes that AMD, in which the central part of the retina of the eye gradually thins, leaves one in 10 sufferers blind. Lead researcher Astrid Fletcher, Ph.D., of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said, In the absence of cost-effective screening methods to identify people in the population with early AMD, we suggest that recommendations on (eye) protection and diet target the general population, especially middle-aged people

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High Priority, Low Coverage

When asked what conditions would most affect their day-to-day living, a majority of Americans rated loss of eyesight as a 10 on a scale of 1 to 10. Paying for vision coverage though has been another story with only 17% of employees offering any kind of vision insurance.

A new report by The Vision Council, Vision Care: Focusing on the Workplace Benefit, examines consumer and business perspectives on vision care and trends in vision care coverage. According to the report, two-thirds of Americans say they would be more willing to get an eye exam if they had some coverage, yet only 17 percent of employers report offering vision insurance. Vision benefits lag behind health and dental benefits, with as many as 44 percent of employers offering dental coverage.

"We know that in today's tough economy everyone is taking another look at their finances," said Ed Greene, chief executive officer for The Vision Council. "As the second most prevalent health condition in the country, vision disorders affect individuals and businesses, making vision coverage an important benefit for both groups."
Vision health is highly valued by most Americans according to the National Eye Institute. When asked what conditions would most affect their day-to-day living, a majority of Americans rated loss of eyesight as a 10 on a scale of 1 to 10.

"Regular eye examinations are an important part of helping Americans maintain their health," said ophthalmologist Elaine G. Hathaway, M.D. "In addition to detecting vision problems and asymptomatic eye disorders, routine eye exams by an eye care professional can detect major health problems such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes," she added.

With 11 million Americans living with an uncorrected vision problem, a number expected to rise as the population ages, the expense to businesses can also be severe. According to the report, the annual financial burden of major adult vision disorders exceeds $35 billion to the U.S. economy, including an estimated $8 billion in lost productivity.
"Uncorrected vision problems are very costly to employers, and it is important for them to recognize that vision health coverage not only maintains a healthy workforce, but has a positive impact on their bottom line," said Greene. For example, studies show that employers gain as much as $7 for every $1 spent on vision coverage.
As with many other benefits, employers are increasingly forced to pass along some of the cost of providing health insurance to employees. Offering vision coverage can help employers enhance their benefits package at a relatively low cost. Such coverage typically costs one-tenth that of medical benefits, and is often utilized more by employees than medical plans.

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Crazy fashion accessory

First it was tattoos, then it was body piercing, but the latest fashion craze looks so painful it's literally eye-watering.
A Dutch designer has come up with a bizarre fashion accessory – eye jewelery that hangs from wire attached to a contact lens.

Eric Klarenbeek has created the eye jewellery that includes items like crystals or flowers.

It hangs beneath the eye, and is fastened to the lens by medical wire. It makes the wearer look as if they are crying.
I feel sad for the models who have to wear these....

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Researchers to study depression in AMD patients

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in Americans 60 years of age and older. It gradually destroys sharp, central vision, which is needed for seeing objects clearly and for common daily tasks such as reading and driving. AMD affects the macula, the part of the eye that allows you to see fine detail. In some cases, the disease advances so slowly that people notice little change in their vision. In others, it progresses faster and may lead to a loss of vision in both eyes

Medical News Today reports that researchers at the Farber Institute for Neurosciences at Thomas Jefferson University and the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University were recently awarded a $3.7 million grant from The National Eye Institute to study depression in patients diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration.

During the trial, called the Low Vision Depression Prevention Trial, researchers will test a combined treatment to prevent depression and disability associated with AMD. They will also test the efficacy of a low vision rehabilitation and psychological intervention program designed to treat/prevent depression in patients diagnosed with the disease by helping them maintain their independence and participation in enjoyable activities.

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Apples Benefits for Health & Vision

In a food column in New Hampshire's Telegraph, dietitian Lynda Murray, R.D., writes about the positive effects eating apples may have on overall health.

For example, through the quercetin found in their skin, apples have the unique ability to inhibit the production and release of histamine and other allergic or inflammatory agents. ... Eating an apple a day has been shown to reduce allergic symptoms 46 percent. In addition, the fruit's high flavonoid content...may help protect arteries from harmful plaque buildup. This helps keep cholesterol from oxidizing, and prevents platelets from clumping. Murray recommends that readers eat a diet rich in apples to run a lower incidence of heart disease and stroke. People diagnosed with elevated C-reactive protein and homocysteine probably also face a greater risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD). So, even though an apple isn't the richest source of lutein, combining three or more servings of fruit per day over a period of 12 to 18 years reduces the risk of developing AMD by 30 percent, compared to eating only 1-1/2 servings per day or less, Murray contends.

While there, take note of recipes for Apple Sauce and Apple Crisp

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Optical Illusions

As a child I have always loved optical illusions. I still am fascinated by the effects they produce. Here is one

New Scientist reported that the cause of the above optical illusion, where the spirals appear to flow, has finally been solved.
This illusion was made famous by a 1981 painting, Isia Leviant's Enigma

Researchers from the Barrow Neurological Institute in Arizona have demonstrated that the way our eyes constantly make tiny movements, called microsaccades, is responsible for the way concentric circles in the painting seem to flow before onlookers' eyes. For the experiment, the investigators had three participants view the painting while cameras recorded their eye movements 500 times every second. Next, the participants were asked to press a button when the speed of the optical 'trickle' of the illusion appeared to slow down or stop, and release it when the trickle seemed faster. The results showed that the illusion became more pronounced when microsaccades were happening at a faster rate. But, when the rate slowed to a stop, the illusion vanished. The authors said that their research may also explain other similar illusions

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Hurler regains sight after 'miracle' diet supplement

The Irish Independent reported that age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition affecting the central part of the retina at the back of the eye. AMD affects one in 10 people over the age of 50, and is the leading cause of blindness in the Western world.



Dara Kilmartin, consultant ophthalmic surgeon at the Eye and Ear Hospital in Dublin, Ireland, explained that, by 2020, the number of people with AMD is going to at least double, because people are living longer. Dr. Kilmartin said that the risk of AMD becomes greatest over the age of 65. One in five people over 75 will have AMD. Dr. Kilmartin pointed out that risk factors include age, family history, and smoking. In addition, there is a possible link between AMD and obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Dr. Kilmartin urged older people to get their eyes tested more often, and to check their 'straight ahead' vision" in each eye separately. The article also discussed the experience of Rosemary Smith, a patient with the wet form of AMD, who is now a peer counselor with the National Council for the Blind of Ireland.

Here is a story of remarkable improvement from Vitamin Therapy

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IOl blocks UV Rays

Intraocular lenses, or IOLs, are the artificial lenses that replace the eye's natural lens that is removed during cataract surgery. IOLs have been around since the 60s, though the FDA gave its approval for one occurred in 1981. Before that, if you had cataracts removed, you had to wear very thick eyeglasses or special contact lenses in order to see afterward, since the natural lens that had been removed wasn't replaced with anything. Traditional IOLs are monofocal, meaning they offer clear vision at distance only, making the need for reading lenses an absolute necessity. New 'multifocal and/or accommodating' IOLs offer the possibility of seeing well at more than one distance, without glasses or contacts.

WHAM-TV Rochester, an ABC affiliate, reported that patients undergoing cataract surgery might want to ask about new replacement lenses that work like heavy duty sunglasses. By blocking ultraviolet (UV) rays and blue light from getting into the eye, the Acry Sof Natural lens filters out potentially damaging rays that can damage the retina in two ways: worsening or creating macular degeneration and tumors or melanoma inside the eye. The new intraocular lens is covered by medical insurance plans.

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Complementary, alternative medicine becoming more mainstream

I was recently @ the local chapter of Optometrist meeting where the topic of discussion was Complimentary Medicine as applied to Dry Eye and Hormonal Balance. I was very intrigued by what I heard.

On the front page of its Health section, the Washington Post reports that the Johns Hopkins Integrative Medicine and Digestive Center...is the latest indication that alternative medicine is making its mark in mainstream healthcare settings.

This link with Hopkins is part of a trend toward integrating CAM [complementary and alternative medicine] with conventional medicine. A recent survey of 1,400 hospitals found that 27 percent offered some sort of alternative or complementary treatment, which represents a significant increase from eight percent in 1998.

Last year, Hopkins -- a bastion of mainstream medicine -- joined the Consortium of Academic Health Centers for Integrative Medicine. This group of 41 medical centers has pledged to invest in CAM research, and to introduce integrative models of clinical care. The Post notes that the National Institutes of Health will invest about $300 million in CAM research this year.

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Boy with low vision plays offensive tackle on youth football team!

California's San Mateo Daily News reported that 10-year-old Tino Benelli, a student who plays offensive tackle as well as defense for the local Pop Warner team, Bayside Broncos, has albinism, a condition that renders him legally blind.

Currently, the boy plays football with low to no vision, because referees do not allow him to wear a doctor-prescribed, tinted face shield, for safety reasons. But, starting next week, he will wear tinted goggles instead. Until then, Tino will play without any light-filtering protection. The Daily News explained that albinism refers to a group of inherited conditions in which people have little or no pigment in their eyes, skin, or hair. They have altered genes that do not make the usual amounts of a pigment called melanin. One in every 17,000 residents in America has some type of albinism. According to the Daily News, people with albinism always have problems with vision, which are not correctable with eyeglasses, and many have low vision.

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Radiation for Macular Degeneration

One can tel how much time/money and effort is being placed on the problem that's facing the older generation by looking at media exposure and technological advances. Here is another report shown on KGO-TV San Francisco, an ABC affiliate, yesterday.

Macular Degenaration is the most common form of vision loss among people over 60. In a clinical trial taking place in San Jose, Calif., "a combination therapy" is "being tested by Amr Dessouki, M.D. For the trial, Dr. Dessouki will first inject patients' eyes with Lucentis (ranibizumab), a drug approved to treat wet age-related macular degeneration, that is proven to block abnormal blood vessel growth and prevent bleeding. Next, Dr. Dessouki will saturate the cluster of blood vessels with a targeted dose of radiation delivered by "a laser device about the size of a fountain pen. ... The laser radiation is calibrated precisely for the size of the lesion, and administered for a preset amount of time." Should the clinical trial be successful, the combination treatment could free patients from a life of monthly injections!

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Implantable capsule may help treat dry macular degeneration

Last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration fast-tracked a novel treatment for two eye diseases: age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP). The new treatment, developed by the Lincoln, RI, biotech company Neurotech, is a capsule that's surgically implanted in the eye.



Inside are genetically engineered cells that produce a protein that may prevent light-sensitive cells in the retina from dying, thus protecting vision. The device is currently in phase II clinical trials. Retinal cells translate light into electrical signals, which are relayed to the brain. But, in both retinitis pigmentosa and in the dry form of age-related macular degeneration, light-sensitive cells in the retina degenerate over time, resulting "in loss of vision."

Currently, RP and dry AMD patients have few or no treatment options. Implanted in the vitreous humor, the device, which is made of a semipermeable plastic, allows ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) protein to diffuse into the retina. In animal studies," CNTF "slowed the degeneration of retinal cells in diseases analogous to RP.

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Intra Ocular lens

Ohio's Newark Advocate reported that, during cataract surgery, doctors remove the natural lens of the eye and replace it with a new one.



Now, a series of premium lenses allows...more freedom for cataract patients than traditional monofocal lenses. Two multifocal lenses -- ReZoom and ReStor -- have concentric circles with different focusing zones. By comparison, the Crystalens is a homogenous lens that has special arms that allow eye muscles to focus naturally by moving the lens back and forth within the eye.

The Advocate pointed out that each lens has its advantages and drawbacks. For example, rings in the ReStor and ReZoom lenses can cause some patients to experience a halo effect or glare, which should diminish with time. The single lens Crystalens has less glare. The ReStor lens is best for close-up vision; ReZoom and Crystalens are stronger for intermediate and distance vision. A soon-to-be released, new version of Crystalens...is supposed to improve reading vision over its previous design. Despite their advantages, premium lenses are often not covered by insurance, and cost roughly $1,295 per eye, on average.

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Eye drops no more

A tiny coil, which is implanted in the eye, could mean an end to the injections and drops used by thousands of patients with common eye complaints.

The spiral-shaped" device, which is inserted through a hollow needle, can be loaded with drugs to treat conditions, such as glaucoma and diabetic macular edema. Called the I-vation, the device is similar to a Slinky toy, and made from a metal alloy. The implant is injected into the eye...in a minimally invasive procedure that takes just 15 minutes.


Medications are mixed into a material which coats the device. Then, as the coating slowly dissolves, they are released over a period of up to two years, medicating the eye continuously.
Here is a comparison of the device with a quarter:

The device's "coiled shape" provides a large surface area available for the drug coating, and also makes it possible to lodge it against the white of the eye, without the need for stitches, and where it can be easily removed and replaced.

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High Tech for Low Vision

More than 16 million Americans report some form of visual impairment, even when wearing glasses or contacts. That number is expected to double by 2030 as the aging population brings rising rates of macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and other eye diseases.



For people who suffer from "'low vision' (technically, worse than 20/60 in the better eye), an ever-growing array of devices can help them maximize their remaining vision and, in many cases, compensate for what they've lost. Still, people who are visually impaired should have a comprehensive vision rehab assessment. This includes a visit with an eye doctor, a technology specialist, and an occupational therapist who can evaluate a person's limitations and goals. While Medicare and private insurance will pay for a doctor's evaluation and occupational therapy, most devices generally aren't covered. But, low-vision clinics may be able to get discounts for you, or suggest lower-priced alternatives. Wall Street Journal's Personal Journal section, Melinda Beck lists a number of devices, computer programs, and gadgets designed specifically for people with low vision.

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Ghost Town - Comedy

The comedy movie Ghost Town revolves around a dentist (Gervais) who just went through a NDE (near-death experience) during routine surgery and who now see dead people who don't stop asking him for help in contacting the living.

Here below the latest international trailer of the upcoming comedy Ghost Town



Sounds like a must watch!

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