Below is a compilation of news you can use relating to low vision and eye health in the month of April.
Too young for cataracts — or was I?
The Washington Post
Eun Kyung Kim, a former reporter for the Associated Press, details her experience with cataracts at a young age. She found that older patients dealing with cataracts often delay surgery, while younger ones don’t. According to Kim, younger patients’ active lifestyles make them less tolerant of any visual problem and more willing to deal with it quickly. What do you think?
Glaucoma Drug May Help Reverse Obesity-Related Vision Loss
U.S. News & World Report
A drug used to treat glaucoma has also been found to help people with vision loss linked to obesity, a new study reveals. Researchers examined the effectiveness of the drug Diamox in women and men with the condition known as “idiopathic intracranial hypertension.” According to the researchers, adding Diamox to participants’ weight-loss plan actually boosted vision improvement, almost by twice as much.
Blind ASU student pioneers visual-assistance app
Arizona Central
A new smartphone video app for the blind is currently under development – created by a former BMX bike rider who lost his vision in a crash. The service, called “Qwik Eyes” will function similarly to Skype and FaceTime and will utilize knowledgeable experts to provide blind individuals with direction for a variety of daily challenges and activities. The process will rely on video feeds to allow navigators offer advice or help. Though the service is years away from completion, it could be a very beneficial app for blind or disabled adults.
Researchers make major breakthrough in treatment for age-related blindness
Fox News
Scientists at Trinity College, Dublin say they have made a major breakthrough in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration. Research revealed that interleukin-18, a component of the immune system, can protect patients from vision loss, and it can be administered in a non-invasive way.
Thought of the month: As the weather changes, how do low vision devices help you celebrate the warmer months?
