How Safe is LASIK Eye Surgery?
Over ten million Americans have had LASIK eye surgery since its FDA approval in 1999. With 96% of patients achieving their ideal vision through LASIK, it’s no surprise that the procedure has started gaining even more traction. Unfortunately, our increased screen time puts extra strain on the muscles that allow our eyes to focus, a… Read more
United States Military Tests Wavefront-Guided PRK
With more than 30,000 to 40,000 members of the United States military choosing laser vision correction procedures to improve their vision each year, there is an emphasis on clinical research to examine the efficacy and safety of various procedures available. A somewhat novel laser vision correction technique, called wavefront-guided PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy), was recently studied… Read more
Retinal Transplants Ready for Human Trial
A major cause of hereditary human blindness, Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), has been resolved in rat trials by researchers at the RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR) in Japan. Degenerated rat retinas received transplants and removal of grafted cells, which resulted in improved connections to host retinas and better light-responsiveness. Study leader Michiko Mandai said,… Read more
Dried Goji Berries Can Prevent Age-Related Vision Loss
A small, randomized trial by the University of California, Davis, found that people who regularly eat a small serving of dried goji berries might see prevention or delay of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in healthy, middle-aged people. Affecting over 170 people globally and roughly 11 million throughout the United States, AMD is the leading cause… Read more
Declining Eyesight Improved with Red Light Therapy
A novel study by researchers at UCL found that three minutes of exposure to deep red light once a week can vastly improve deteriorating eyesight. The study, published in Scientific Reports, outlines how using longwave deep red light in the morning activated mitochondria cells in the human retina, repairing declining vision. Previous studies focused on… Read more
Blurry Vision after Eating
If you have ever stood up after eating and realized your vision is slightly blurry, you might have experienced a brief blood sugar level spike. If this happens to you more often than not, you may want to schedule a visit with your eye care professional to see whether you have an underlying condition (such… Read more
New Changes in FSA Make LASIK More Affordable
A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is tax-exempt money you can set aside from your paycheck to pay out-of-pocket expenses. Throughout the year, the level you contribute is consistent and even. The maximum amount you can contribute in 2021 is $2,750. If you have been considering getting LASIK, your FSA could be used to cover the… Read more
New Nerve Cell Discovered in Retina
A new type of neuron, or nerve cell, has been discovered in the retina by scientists at the John A. Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah. A complex group of neurons communicate with each other in the central nervous system, relaying sensory and motor information. These interneurons are an essential aspect of communication.… Read more
Better Verbal Communication for Superior Glaucoma Treatment
Patient-physician discussions are vital for treatment and education, but a new study shows that better communication may also be a valuable tool for determining the severity of glaucoma disease. “One specific challenge in communicating about glaucoma is that the treating physician doesn’t fully grasp what the patient sees and the words they might use to… Read more
Blind Woman Sees Shapes Thanks to Scientists
A team of researchers from the University Miguel Hernandez (Spain), the Netherlands Institute of Neuroscience (Netherlands), and the John A. Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah (USA) recently published details about how they were able to successfully restore vision in a woman using a brain implant. The scientists oversaw a series of tests… Read more