About.com Vision

Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:19:46 +0000

This November, during Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month, the AOA (American Academy of Ophthalmology) is reminding people that a yearly dilated eye exam can help prevent vision loss in people with diabetes. Along with its partners, the American Society of Retina Specialists, the Macula Society and the Retina Society, the AOA has launched EyeSmart: EyeCommitted, a social media campaign to encourage people with diabetes to get an annual eye exam.

Diabetes can have a devastating impact on vision, but the good news is that regular dilated eye exams by an ophthalmologist and timely treatment, if needed, can save vision for the vast majority of diabetics," said David W. Parke II, MD, executive vice president and CEO of the Academy. "That is why we're urging people with diabetes to get EyeCommitted. By taking charge of their eye health, Americans can greatly reduce their risk of losing their sight from diabetes."

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_{Source: American Academy of Ophthalmology (AOA). American Academy Of Ophthalmology Announces New Drive For Thousands To Get Diabetic Eye Exam. Medical News Today, 01 Nov 2009.}

Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month originally appeared on About.com Vision on Monday, November 2nd, 2009 at 11:19:46.

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Would You Try Latisse?

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:41:46 +0000

Latisse is an FDA-approved prescription eyelash treatment that claims to make your eyelashes longer, fuller and darker. Although rare, potential side effects may occur while using the treatment including allergic reactions, excess hair growth outside the treatment area, and permanent changes in iris and eyelid pigmentation.

If you would consider using it, despite the known risks and side effects, why would you do so? If you've used Latisse, why did you decide to use it?

_{Photo © Photodisc / Getty Images}

Would You Try Latisse? originally appeared on About.com Vision on Friday, October 30th, 2009 at 11:41:46.

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Home Eye Safety

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:29:37 +0000

You may not think about eye safety in your home, but the average home is full of potential hazards to your eyes and vision. Here are a few tips for keeping your eyes and vision safe in the home.

Home Eye Safety originally appeared on About.com Vision on Wednesday, October 28th, 2009 at 09:29:37.

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Can We "Learn" to See?

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:00:48 +0000

A new study reveals that the brain can be trained to consciously see stimuli that would normally be invisible. The study, highlighted in the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology's Journal of Vision, suggests that although we assume we can see everything in our field of vision, the brain actually picks and chooses the stimuli that come into our consciousness.

If we gain the ability to "train the brain" to consciously see, people with blindsight, whose primary visual cortex has been damaged through a stroke or trauma, may be helped. Blindsight patients can't consciously see, but their brains process their visual environment at least on some level .

Diabetic Retinopathy: Should You Be Concerned?

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:22:10 +0000

Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that sometimes develops in people with diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy causes damage to the retina, the light-sensitive layer of tissue located in the back of the eye. It is a serious complication of diabetes that can threaten sight.

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Diabetic Retinopathy: Should You Be Concerned? originally appeared on About.com Vision on Wednesday, October 21st, 2009 at 10:22:10.

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What Is Scleritis?

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 20:29:31 +0000

An inflammation of the sclera, the white outer covering of the eye, scleritis can be destructive to the eye, causing intense pain and loss of vision for some people.

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What Is Scleritis? originally appeared on About.com Vision on Saturday, October 17th, 2009 at 20:29:31.

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Astigmatism in Both Eyes?

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:06:01 +0000

Here's a question I'm asked frequently: Can I have astigmatism in both eyes?

Astigmatism is a vision disorder in which the eye focuses light on the retina at two points instead of just one. People with astigmatism sometimes complain of blurred, distorted or slanted vision. Astigmatism almost always occurs in both eyes and is usually quite symmetrical between the two.

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Astigmatism in Both Eyes? originally appeared on About.com Vision on Monday, October 12th, 2009 at 14:06:01.

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Do You Really Need Cataract Surgery?

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 09:59:21 +0000

Before committing to cataract surgery, it's helpful to assure that removing the cloudy lens will actually help restore your vision. Your eye doctor may perform the PAM test to get a good idea of your vision potential post-surgery.

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Do You Really Need Cataract Surgery? originally appeared on About.com Vision on Friday, October 9th, 2009 at 09:59:21.

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Celebrate World Sight Day

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 10:07:38 +0000

October 8th is World Sight Day. An estimated 45 million children and adults are blind worldwide...and every year between 1 and 2 million more will lose their sight. What makes these facts even more upsetting is that 75 percent of cases could have been prevented, or their eyesight restored, if only people had access to proper eye care. Unless steps are taken now, it is estimated that by the year 2020 blindness will affect more than 76 million people!

ORBIS is a nonprofit organization fighting blindness in developing countries, where 90 percent of the blind reside. Together with Alcon, ORBIS is launching community advocacy programs and promoting this important issue. This year, ORBIS International will be giving you an exclusive inside look to see the great work that goes on first hand! These inside accounts are called Eye Reports and will be added to the website weekly to include inspiring moments from the field. Join us in celebrating World Sight Day, an international day of awareness to focus attention on blindness and visual impairment.

_{Image � ORBIS International}

Celebrate World Sight Day originally appeared on About.com Vision on Wednesday, October 7th, 2009 at 10:07:38.

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Contact Lens Safety During Flu Season

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:27:33 +0000

We usually don't think of our vision when we hear news about the H1N1 "Swine" flu. As you're probably aware of, one of the most common ways to infect yourself with this virus or any other virus is to contaminate your hands and then touch your nose, mouth and of course, your eyes. Your eyes contain mucus membranes and are another portal where viruses could potentially enter your body. Be conscious of this if you have eye allergies and begin to rub and scratch your eyes with your hands. Contact lens wearers touch their eyes every day when they insert and remove their contact lenses. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before and after inserting your lenses. This is good practice for any contact lens wearer but particularly good advice during flu season.

_{Photo � Dick Luria / Getty Images}

Contact Lens Safety During Flu Season originally appeared on About.com Vision on Tuesday, October 6th, 2009 at 14:27:33.

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