Researchers Identify Gene Variant Linked to Glaucoma

A team of researchers has recently discovered gene variants linked to glaucoma. The findings of this research could pave the way for future treatments and possibly even a cure for the disease.

The study examined patients from the Afro-Caribbean population of Barbados; approximately 10% of this population suffers from glaucoma, nearly twice the figure in other regions. This sample group was chosen due to their strong genetic predisposition to the disease.

The study identified a gene variant, present in 40% of the individuals with glaucoma in Barbados, which explains close to one third of their genetic risk for the disease. This study should enable researchers to develop gene or stem-cell based therapies to treat glaucoma. Identifying gene variants can also lead to a more accurate and earlier diagnosis, which would help slow the progression of the disorder in patients while a cure is being developed.

Glaucoma currently causes blindness in more than two million Americans each year. The disease results in the death of ganglion cells in the retina. Over time, patients with glaucoma suffer a gradual and permanent loss of peripheral vision. The progression of the disease can be slowed by reducing intra-ocular pressure, but currently there is no known cure. Hopefully, this study can drastically improve the ability to treat and even cure glaucoma.

Wavefront Eyeglasses

Eyeglasses, contact lenses, and even traditional LASIK can correct your visual acuity, giving most people clear vision. However, they do not correct higher order aberrations which affect visual quality.

Higher order aberrations detract from vision by causing problems such as:

• Halos
  
• Glare
  
• Decreased contrast sensitivity
  
• Shadows
  
• Poor night vision
  

Wavefront guided LASIK uses the same technology that is used in high powered telescopes to create a precise 3-D map of each individual eye. Higher order aberrations are detected and can be corrected. Traditional LASIK can make undetected higher order aberrations worse.

Now Wavefront technology is being used to create corrective lenses called iZon. These eyeglasses are custom made for each individual eye. Your eyes are measured with a Z-View Aberrometer to create an iPrint, similar to the map created with WaveScan in Wavefront guided LASIK.

While they do not give you the freedom from wearing glasses or contacts which can be achieved through LASIK, iZon can be a good option for people who cannot have eye surgery due to their unique eye conditions. They can also help people who have had surgery in the past but still suffer from higher order aberrations, especially when it comes to driving at night.

You can use the links at the bottom of this page to find a qualified LASIK surgeon in your area.

Controversial Video Games May Enhance Your Vision

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Rochester found that playing video games, specifically first person shooter games, could improve your vision.

For years, parents have worried that playing video games might be ruining their children's eyesight. This study found the opposite to be true. Playing the games does not change your eyes. It will not improve refractive errors such as nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia). It helps your vision by improving the way that your brain handles visual information.

Only high action games, typically the violent games parents fear most, produce the effect. Two groups of college students were studied. One played an action game and after 30 days showed a 20% improvement on "crowding tests" – visual tests which measure your ability to recognize a symbol in a crowd of other symbols. The group which played Tetris showed no improvement.

Researcher Shawn Green said that finding college students who did not already play video games was the most difficult part of conducting the study.

The findings may lead to the development of software to improve vision problems such as lazy eye (amblyopia).

To learn more about eyes and vision, click here to visit The LASIK Directory.

Service Dogs

We have all heard of "seeing eye" dogs for the blind, but did you know that service dogs can help people with all types of impairments live a full and independent life?

You don't have to be blind to be eligible for a service dog or to benefit from their companionship and service. Service dogs are trained to help people who are:

• Visually impaired
  
• Hearing impaired
  
• Mobility impaired
  
• Autistic
  
• Psychologically impaired
  

Of course, each dog is individually trained to work with a specific person, so most of them learn to help with a specific disability; however, they can be trained to work with a person who has multiple disabilities.

The process of applying for and finding the right dog can take several months. Those who are losing their sight due to progressive eye conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy can get started early. Knowing that you will have a loyal and helpful companion by your side makes the transition smoother and less frightening. With the help of a service dog, you don't have to give up your independence.

To learn more about vision disorders, click here to visit The LASIK Directory.