As Low Vision Awareness Month comes to a close, below is a compilation of news you can use relating to low vision and eye health.

Laser surgery for correcting vision is popular, but it may not be a complete solution
Washington Post
With eyeglasses, contacts, eye exams and laser surgery, U.S. adults invest a lot in their vision care. But not all procedures are helpful or worth the cost. In this article, Consumer Reports reviews the pros and cons of Lasik techniques, highlights new digital lenses, and reviews nutrition and diet habits that can enhance vision.

Training your brain to improve your vision
The Atlantic
A new study reveals that UltimEyes, a game-based app, can improve visual acuity through neuroplasticity (brain training). The app, which requires daily 25-minute “play” sessions, focuses on exercising the part of the brain cortex that processes vision—for instance, the part that takes blurry puzzle pieces from the eyes and arranges them into a neat puzzle. The article discusses the potential for similar apps to aid adults with low vision.

Volunteer, 83, a guiding light to the blind
San Diego Union-Tribune
Losing your vision at any age can be both frustrating and frightening. But fortunately for visitors to the San Diego Center for the Blind in Vista, Calif., there’s someone to help smooth the transition to darkness. This article spotlights Mary Gagliardo, an 83-year-old greeter at the center who helps with everything from welcoming patients to helping best match low vision products for patrons.

Avoid low vision – wear your Military Combat Eye Protection
Fort Campbell Courier
In light of Low Vision Awareness Month, this article provides useful tips for Army personnel (both active and retired) to stave off low vision diseases and eye injury. With 92 percent of Army personnel under the age of 40, the immediate action to take is to wear appropriate eye protection at work, use UV protective sunglasses, and engage in healthy diet and exercise.

Thought of the month: With new technology coming down the pipeline to help improve eye health, would you use a smartphone app to help enhance your visual acuity? Let us know what you think in the comments section.