by Wendy Strouse Watt, O.D. Originally published July 2002 What is Fluorescein Angiography? Fluorescein angiography is a test which allows the blood vessels in the back of the eye to be photographed as a fluorescent dye is injected into the bloodstream via your hand or arm. It is particularly useful in the management of diabetic […]
by Dan Roberts April 2002 AMD patients are benefitting from a new combination drug therapy being tested at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSC). The therapy involves a combination of medicines which includes carbon dioxide, an element which dilates the blood vessels in the retina for the maintenance of proper […]
by Dan Roberts April 2002 Researchers have shown that participation in an email discussion group may improve health status and lower health care utilization for persons with recurrent back pain. This is the first study of its kind which looked at Internet support in connection with health improvement, and it is this writer’s belief that […]
by Judy Prevost April 2002 Definition of Low Vision Low vision is defined as an impairment of sight which cannot be adequately corrected with pharmaceutical or surgical interventions, conventional prescription eyewear, or contact lenses. The patient usually presents with a loss of visual field, loss of light sensitivity, distortion, loss of color vision, or loss […]
by Robert Hammer, B. Optom. January 2002 The gene for Stargardt’s disease has been identified (Allikmet et al.’97 Nat. Gen. 15:236-246). The faulty gene fails to code for a protein which is present in rod outer segments only (has not been found in cones, pigment epithelium or anywhere else in the body). This protein was […]
by Dan Roberts November 2001 An online publication of the December 2001 publication of Nature Neuroscience has reported that, with genetic manipulation, cells from the iris may be able to replace photoreceptor cells in the retina. In recent experiments, Dr. Masatoshi Haruta of Kyoto University and colleagues took iris cells from rat eyes, then introduced […]
by Betsy Nisbet November 2001 ANN ARBOR, MI – A paper published electronically by Nature Genetics offers important new insights into the development and differentiation of rod and cone photoreceptors, the light-sensitive cells in the eye’s retina that initiate vision and are essential for clear sight. A team led by Anand Swaroop, Ph.D., professor of […]
by Dan Roberts If you are protecting your retinas by avoiding direct sunlight, you may also be depriving yourself of a natural source of vitamin D. This is the vitamin which allows your body to absorb enough calcium for strong bones. It is also important to protect us against muscle weakness and possibly a risk […]
Light-sensitive proteins in chlorophyll may provide treatment for some eye diseases. by Carolyn Krause Reprinted with permission from the Oak Ridge National Laboratory ORNL Reporter, Issue 30, September 2001. Spinach, a vegetable famously rich in vitamins and minerals, can be safely assumed to be good for the eyes. A collaboration between ORNL researchers and the […]
by Dan Roberts August 2001 Background On The Research Stem cells are undeveloped structures which are able develop into any of the nearly 220 cell types that make up the human body, and which can theoretically reproduce themselves infinitely. Recent discovery of adult stem cells, or progenitor cells, in the eyes of adult rodents has […]