A small study by Japanese researchers demonstrates an increased blood supply to the retina upon stimulation of certain acupuncture points. Needles were inserted near the posterior base of the thumbs of volunteers while investigators used a laser to scan the retinal blood flow. Both volume and velocity increased in these patients. The work was done at the ophthalmology department at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine.
Reported by Dr. Kazuhiko Mori at the annual meeting of the Association for Vision and Ophthalmology in Fort Lauderdale this past May.
The 73-year-old, known only as Ron, had the experimental surgery seven months ago at London’s Moorfields Eye Hospital and is now able to see flashes of light, follow white lines on the road, and sort grey and black socks.
The eye known as the Argus II, which was developed by US company Second Sight, uses a miniature camera mounted on glasses to transmit images to the back of the eye.
An “artificial retina” consisting of an array of electrodes sends messages along the optic nerve to the brain.
So far 18 patients around the world have undergone the surgery as part of trials and Ron, who lost his sight in his forties due to the hereditary eye disorder retinitis pigmentosa, was one of three patients to have the device fitted at the London hospital.
As he starts to get use to the device his life will be transformed even more as he gradually learns how to use the artificial eye.
He said: ‘For 30 years I’ve seen absolutely nothing at all, it’s all been black – but now light is coming through.
‘It gives me grades of bright light to black and anything in between. I can actually sort out white socks, grey socks and black socks.’
In a 48-week intervention trial, researchers tested Lutein supplementation for vision protective-function in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). The conclusion of the study was as follows: “Comparing the development of vision measures against the natural loss expected to occur over the course of the 48 weeks, most measures showed reduced decline, and these reductions were significant for normal illumination”.
Ophthalmology (BMC Ophthalmology 2006, 6:23)
For more information and specific research studies by eye condition on nutrition and vision, go to <a href=”http://www.naturaleyecare.com”>Natural Eye Care </a>
Scientists through the US Department of Energy are testing artificial retinas that they hope can restore partial sight to people who’ve lost their vision to the most common causes of blindness.
The Sylmar, Calif., company produced the devices for the U.S. Energy Department’s Artificial Retina Project. The department has been engaged in biological research since the atomic bomb tests of the 1950s raised fears of radiation poisoning.
The current version is being tested on 17 blind people in the U.S. and Europe, and more patients are being enrolled. At a retina conference in October, patients reported improvements in orientation and mobility. They were able to find a door from 20 feet away and to follow a line on the floor for 20 feet.
Meanwhile, researchers in the Energy Department’s National Laboratories are creating a third-generation artificial retina. Much smaller than its predecessors, the device will contain 200 or more electrodes on a thin, flexible film that curves to fit the shape of the retina. Human tests are scheduled to begin in 2011.
For more information and specific research studies by eye condition including nutrition and vision research, go to <a href=”http://www.naturaleyecare.com”>Natural Eye Care </a>
Scientists through the US Department of Energy are testing artificial retinas that they hope can restore partial sight to people who’ve lost their vision to the most common causes of blindness.
The Sylmar, Calif., company produced the devices for the U.S. Energy Department’s Artificial Retina Project. The department has been engaged in biological research since the atomic bomb tests of the 1950s raised fears of radiation poisoning.
The current version is being tested on 17 blind people in the U.S. and Europe, and more patients are being enrolled. At a retina conference in October, patients reported improvements in orientation and mobility. They were able to find a door from 20 feet away and to follow a line on the floor for 20 feet, Mech reported.
Meanwhile, researchers in the Energy Department’s National Laboratories are creating a third-generation artificial retina. Much smaller than its predecessors, the device will contain 200 or more electrodes on a thin, flexible film that curves to fit the shape of the retina. Human tests are scheduled to begin in 2011.
In a 48-week intervention trial, researchers tested Lutein supplementation
for vision protective-function in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). The conclusion of the study was as follows: “Comparing the development of vision measures against the natural loss expected to occur over the course of the 48 weeks, most measures showed reduced decline, and these reductions were significant for normal illumination”.
has been providing comprehensive information on alternative and conventional treatment for vision conditions since 1992. Search this blog and our Website for information on macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, retinal conditions, myopia, and many other vision issues.
