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]
News
Lipschitz Macular Implant Allows Bilateral Magnification of Vision
On June 17, 2009, OptoLight Vision Technology announced that it received a CE mark for its Lipshitz Macular Implant (LMI), named for its inventor, Isaac Lipshitz. This will allow OptoLight to immediately begin marketing the implant in Europe and other markets outside of the United States. On December 28, 2007, Optolight Vision Technology announced success [Read More]
Summary of Research and Developments in Macular Degeneration: 2008-2009
by Dan Roberts June 11, 2009 Laser Rejuvenates the Retina According to a study announced at the Euretina Congress in May 2008, a laser treatment that “cleans up” Bruch’s membrane may slow down the progression to AMD. Bruch’s membrane is the tissue that separates the photoreceptor cells (our sight cells) from the nourishing blood vessel [Read More]
siRNA Turns Off Bad Genes
by Dan Roberts (updated April 2009) A new type of anti-VEGF drug called “small interference RNA (siRNA),” is showing promise in its ability to turn off genes that cause wet AMD. A preliminary primate study in early 2004 showed that, at the highest dose used in the study siRNA (formerly called RNAi) “reduced the incidence [Read More]
Cataract Surgery and Retinal Degeneration
by Dan Roberts Originally published and updated 2/2/09 A cataract causes clouding of the normally transparent lens of the eye. As the lens becomes more opaque, the rays of light are prevented from focusing on the retina, leading to symptoms such as blurriness, light sensitivity, glare, distortion, and fading of colors and vision. Cataracts are [Read More]