Geographic Atrophy in AMD
Geographic atrophy (GA) is an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that affects the retina. Those with GA can have good vision if the macula, the center part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision, isn’t damaged. While there are ways to assess the how well different therapies are working, visual acuity tests […]
Prozac & Carbon Monoxide—Unlikely Items That Can Help Preserve Vision
You read correctly. Two separate studies have shown that the antidepressant Prozac and the gas that comes out of car and truck exhausts, carbon monoxide, can be used to preserve vision. Starting with Prozac, also known as fluoxetine, it may be effective against dry or atrophic age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Bradley D. Gelfand, PhD at […]
When the Rods & Cones Need Fixing
The rods and cones in the retina do a lot work when it comes to vision. Rods are sensitive to changes in light and dark, as well as shape in movement. Cones are sensitive to one of three colors, red, green and blue, and can detect fine details. If the rods and cones aren’t working […]
Two Additional Reasons to Get an Eye Exam
Everyone agrees on the importance of regular eye exams. After all they are good for vision correction, eye disease prevention and vision maintenance when a person has a condition like glaucoma. Now you can add improving gut health and preventing heart attacks by way of an eye exam. Gut Health via the Eyes Chronic noninfectious […]
AMD Research News
Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a vision condition that no one wants. As the name suggests, this affects persons over the age of 50. It comes about when the macula, the part of the retina that controls sharp, straight-ahead vision, becomes damaged over time. While it doesn’t lead to total blindness, losing central vision […]
Optical Illusions
Optical illusions are intriguing and sometimes baffling. In the 1990s “Magic Eye” pictures were everywhere, from mall kiosks to the back of cereal boxes. The “Magic Eye” were pictures that were distorted in such a way that a 3D image would over time appear to the viewer. The image never appeared to me, no matter […]
The Genes Have It
Genetic research has revealed many things about eye diseases. Two studies in particular have revealed how gene variants in inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs), such as retinitis pigmentosa, lead to these diseases and how gene therapy can help preserve vision. Whole-Genome Sequences Researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine and at Shiley […]
Contacts—They’re Not Just for Adult Vision
There are a lot of benefits associated with contact lenses. Increased field of vision, less vision distortion and contacts don’t fog up when it is cold, rainy or while wearing a mask. For the most part, contacts are first recommended for teenagers. Children as young as 7 can wear and care for contacts and here […]
Stopping Degeneration in its Tracks Part One
Retinitis pigmentosa is a group of rare genetic disorders that leads to the loss of retina cells. Symptoms include difficulty seeing at night or in low light conditions and the loss of peripheral vision. Age-related macular degeneration is a disease that blurs the central vision that you need for reading and driving. Both disorders are […]
Technology & The Eye
Technology has changed our lives in so many ways. If there wasn’t an Internet, would we be able to do FaceTime, Skype or Zoom calls with co-workers or loved ones during the pandemic? In addition, advances in imaging technology and biometrics has helped in the diagnosis and treatment of many medical conditions. Technology is also […]