News

Pattern Dystrophies

by Wendy Strouse Watt, O.D. November 2003 Pattern dystrophies are inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion and they involve the Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE) and the external macular retina. Pattern dystrophies represent a group of disorders that present in midlife with mild visual disturbances in one or both eyes. Since patients present later in life [Read More]

Retinal Telangiectasias

by Wendy Strouse Watt, O.D. November 2003 Retinal telangiectasias are a group of rare, idiopathic (a disease having no known cause), congenital retinal vascular anomalies affecting the retinal capillaries. The conditions are characterized by dilation and tortuosity of retinal vessels and formation of multiple aneurysms (localized, pathological, blood-filled dilatations of a blood vessel caused by [Read More]

Computer Vision Syndrome and Computer Glasses

by Wendy Strouse Watt, O.D. Originally published October 2003 People who spend more than two hours on a computer each day will experience symptoms of CVS or Computer Vision Syndrome. The most common symptoms include headaches, focusing difficulties, burning eyes, tired eyes, general eyestrain, aching eyes, dry eyes, double vision, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and [Read More]

FFB-Sponsored Study Leads to Discovery of New AMD Gene

(Press release from the Foundation Fighting Blindness) October 21, 2003 An exciting gene discovery by an FFB-funded researcher adds to the growing proof that macular degeneration can be hereditary. This is the first gene mutation found that is directly tied to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The discovery of this gene mutation bolsters hope for a [Read More]

How Visual Acuity Is Measured

by Wendy Strouse Watt, O.D. October 2003 This information is also available as part of an audiovisual presentation, “All About Eyeglasses”. A standard eye chart is necessary to make comparisons and to record people’s visual acuity. The most common chart used in most doctors’ offices is the Snellen eye chart. In 1862, a Dutch Ophthalmologist, [Read More]