by Edward J. Huggett, O.D. (Originally published August 2009) I am often asked, “How long is it safe to drive when your vision is deteriorating?” There are three visual factors that are important to consider when it comes to driving. Visual acuity (VA), visual field (VF) and contrast sensitivity (CS). There are others I will [Read More]
Category: Daily Living
Pearls from Recent Studies on Low Vision Rehabilitation and Psychosocial Issues
Research of interest to the AMD Community as presented at Vision 2008, Montreal, Canada Selected and Summarized by Dan Roberts, Director, MD Support These findings are derived by the referenced authors based solely upon the results of their respective studies. In every case, more research is recommended before final conclusions can be drawn. Pearl #1. [Read More]
Sunglasses and Macular Degeneration
by Dan Roberts May 2008 Why wear sunglasses? If you have a retinal disease, you are probably photosensitive, where too much direct light is painful for your eyes. You also have retinal cells that can be easily damaged by too much light, and some colors of light (even invisible light) have been shown to be [Read More]
Color Perception and Macular Degeneration
Originally published November 2007 People with macular degeneration gradually lose their color perception. This is because the photoreceptor cone cells, which are most dense in the macula, are responsible for color vision. The rod cells, which proliferate in the peripheral field, provide only black and shades of gray. Color is interpreted by the brain. The [Read More]
A Safer Way to Treat SAD
by Richard L. Hansler, Ph.D. (Director, Lighting Innovations Institute, John Carroll University. Executive Director, Light and Health Foundation.) Originally published January 2007 The broadly accepted method of treating Seasonally Affective Disorder (SAD) is exposure to light in the early morning. The mechanism by which this improves mood is not well understood despite many studies. There [Read More]