So your sight is slowly diminishing, and your ophthalmologist told you that nothing could be done. They said that the cells in the very center of your retina (the macula) are degenerating, and gradual loss of clear eyesight is to be expected. Still, they want to see you at least once a year unless you […]
The Vision Loss Expert Group (VLEG) has published new findings about four areas of interest to the blind and low vision community. The report provides timely updates on acuity measurement standards, prevalence of global cases, and prevalence of types of blindness and vision impairment. For those who are interested in statistics, here are summaries of […]
Some people are confusing the eye conditions called “dry eye disease” and “dry age-related macular degeneration” (dry AMD). The confusion is understandable, but the two conditions are nothing alike. Dry eye disease occurs when tears are not sufficient enough to provide necessary lubrication for the eyes. This problem can lead to inflammation and damage of […]
Since the outbreak of COVID-19 disease, consumers’ interest in ultraviolet-C (UVC) lamps has increased for use in disinfecting surfaces in the home or similar spaces. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received reports of skin and eye burns resulting from improper use or installation of UVC lamps. Such lamps fall into four categories: […]
The pronouncements are familiar. Every adult over age 40 should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least every three years. Every senior adult over age 65 should plan on at least every two years. But if a person has a particular condition which can affect eye health, exams should be undergone more often as […]
(Updated 7/29/19) Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive disease of the retina wherein the light-sensing cells in the central area of vision (the macula) stop working and eventually die. The disease is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, and it is most common in people who are age […]
After years of intensive public education efforts about the causes and symptoms of a mysterious hallucinatory condition affecting visually impaired people, Prevent Blindness and other patient advocacy organizations are pleased that Charles Bonnet Syndrome will soon be officially recognized by eye care professionals around the world. As described in the latest revision of the International […]
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of visual impairment in people over age 60. Because it affects millions of senior adults, it deserves a great deal of attention. Another common condition also deserving of consideration is dry eye. Dry eye often accompanies AMD, but only because it most commonly affects the same […]
Studies show there is a gender gap in eye disease. Women are more likely than men to suffer from sight-threatening conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, and glaucoma.1 In support of Healthy Vision Month in May, the American Academy of Ophthalmology reminds women to make vision a top priority. Women make up 65 percent […]
A new study conducted by the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) has found that one in five Canadians with vision loss who were surveyed experience visual hallucinations, known as Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS). The study, titled “Prevalence of visual hallucinations in a national low vision client population”, published in the most recent issue […]