Dr. Grossman’s Blog

A Chinese study finds that there is a relationship between the biomechanical properties of the cornea and the degree to which an individual suffers from myopia.  Amongst their findings, researchers describe how highly myopic subjects were more likely to have decreased corneal hysteresis (CH).  CH is a measure of viscous damping in the corneal tissue.  The figure indicates the “energy absorption capability” of the cornea.

Scientists also notes that severe cases of myopia have been associated with an increased risk of glaucoma.

Source: Eye, (6 May 2011)

Learn more about how to prevent and treat myopia, also known as nearsightedness, at our website.

Image via NIH.gov

Researchers ask so many questions about obscure topics, sometimes it is surprising when some topics are studied for the first time.

A study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology claims to be first to have studied how visual impairment impacts the quality of life in children between the ages of 3 and 16.  A trial including 24 children who had impaired vision and 24 who had normal vision, showed that the kids with sight deficiencies scored almost 36% lower on quality of life questionnaires.  Researchers indicated that better accommodations need to be made for children with visual disabilities.  Source: British Journal of Ophthalmology

Binocular conditions, which generally refer to problems that make it difficult for the eyes to work together, can often affect kids’ ability to read, concentrate, an enjoy sports activities.

The University of Miami has sent  its high-tech mobile eye clinic over to help the people of Japan.  The 12-meter van, which was created in 2004 to help aid in the early detection of amblyopia, glaucoma, and macular degeneration in people who do not usually have access to health care, will remain in the tsunami and earthquake stricken areas for three months.

Specifically, the Vision Van is expected to help people who have suffered eye injuries as well as contact lens wearers whose corneas have been damaged after wearing their lenses for weeks on end.  They will also help people who have lost their glasses during the disaster and people who were previously diagnosed with eye diseases.  The van will be staffed by Japanese doctors.  Source: The Mainichi Daily News

Image via span.state.gov

A recent Associated Press article highlights the video game company Nintendo’s recommendation that kids under 6 should not use their portable 3-D gaming device. The company warns that the 3-D screen could harm young children’s still developing vision.

On the other side of the issue, a spokesman from the American Optometric Association declares that that the device may actually be “a godsend” because it will help identify young children who need vision therapy.  If a child cannot see the 3-D effects, it could indicate that he or she may have amblyopia or some other eye teaming deficiency. Source: Detroit News

Other studies have found that time spent playing video games and/or watching television do not seem to be detrimental to children’s vision.  Still, it is important to note that time in front of a screen does not help children build vital visual skills.  Being outside, looking at distant objects is a great way to help ensure that kids will have healthier vision.

March is the American Dietetic Association’s National Nutrition Month.

This year, the theme is “Eat Right with Color.”  That seems particularly fitting since seeing color is one of the things we value most about our eyes.  The colors of the foods we eat – we are specifically talking about fruits and vegetables here – are often indicative of the nutrients they will deliver.

Check out the ADA’s guide for what colors indicate what great health benefits.

What’s an optometrist’s favorite color?  Blue.

Bilberry (a cousin of the blueberry) is the ultimate eye food, mainly because it contains carotenoids, which are powerful antioxidants.  Getting your does of blue foods will help anyone concerned about Poor Night Vision, Glaucoma, Myopia , Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Retinopathy , Cataracts , or  Computer Eye Syndrome.

Learn about how to prevent and treat diabetes naturally at our website.

Also, get the facts about the related condition, diabetic retinopathy.

image by Optom95

Children need eye exams too, and, according to a new paper published in Pediatrics it is important that they get checked before they start school.  The US Preventive Services Task Force guidelines recommend that kids visit an eye doctor at least once between ages 3 and 5.  There is some debate as to whether exams for children between 1 and 3 are beneficial and likely to uncover problems.

The main concern is amblyopia, often called “lazy eye.”  It affects 2-4% of preschool children and is optimally treated, often with eye patching, between ages 3 and 5.  Tests also rule out strabismus and refractive errors.

There has been some professional debate regarding the efficacy of testing young children’s eyes, but there seems to be some consensus that newer testing technology does make these early exams a good idea.

Source: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/736518?src=rss

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month.  It is vital that people understand that glaucoma is called the “silent thief” because one can have the disease without knowing it.  By the time people notice symptoms, the disease has already progressed significantly.

At Natural Eye Care we are dedicated to offering people solutions that help them to prevent glaucoma and deal with a glaucoma diagnosis.  Learn more about to treat glaucoma naturally with the help of diet, exercise, lifestyle changes, and supplements at our website.

Glaucoma can also be a congenital condition that strikes children.  The newly launched Congenital Glaucoma Network offers a forum for those affected by congenital glaucoma to share stories and offer support.

The signs of congenital glaucoma as described by the Congenital Glaucoma Network:

~Corneal edema & haze

~Nausea or headaches

~Light sensitivity (photophobia)

~Excessive blinking (blepharospasm)

~Crossed or out-turned eyes (strabismus)

~Ocular enlargement (buphthalmos)

~Excessive tearing (epiphora)

~Decreased vision (amblyopia)

Multifocal contacts lenses, often prescribed to people with presbyopia (an age related eye condition that makes reading and other near work difficult), have been linked to problems with driving at night.

An article published in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science describes how people wearing the lenses have a harder time recognizing road hazards.  Though the subjects could read the road signs, they had to be closer to see them clearly than when they were wearing glasses.

Researchers hope that their findings will help move manufacturers to improve the optical quality of their multifocal lenses.

Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/206716.php

Learn more about how to prevent and cope with presbyopia at our website.