Millions of people could have their eyesight saved thanks to ground-breaking laser treatment that has the potential to eradicate the most common cause of blindness.

One of Britain’s leading eye experts has developed a technique to reverse the disabling effects of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which leaves many older people unable to read, drive or live independently, and eventually robs them of sight in one or both eyes.

Professor John Marshall has developed a way of “cleaning” eyes which, due to the ageing process, have accumulated tiny particles of debris which start to cloud their sight. His pioneering technique uses a painless “short pulse” laser to solve the otherwise intractable problem of how to help the eye’s waste disposal system do its job after it has been weakened by age.

Marshall, a senior ophthalmologist at King’s College London, said he hopes this “retinal regeneration therapy” could prevent and reverse the onset of AMD.

The technique works by rejuvenating a thin membrane behind the retina, called Bruch’s membrane. Over time this membrane becomes so “clogged” with the by-product of cell renewal that vital nutrients can no longer cross from the bloodstream into the retina and excess material becomes trapped, unable to pass in the other direction. This leads to the death of retinal cells and, in time, to AMD and eventual blindness.

Marshall’s technique promises to prevent and even reverse the process, allowing the eye to return to something like its youthful, uncluttered state. In a clinical trial involving more than 100 diabetics, Marshall found that focusing a laser beam on one part of the retina helps stimulate the release of enzymes, which then set about cleaning up the waste material. Participants reported this led to a marked improvement in their sight.

Marshall now plans to conduct a wider trial among those suffering the early stages of AMD. In most cases the “clogging” begins when people reach their mid-40s, but does not always lead to significant sight loss. Some are more at risk, because of a number of factors in addition to their age. These include genetics - such as a family history of AMD. Women are more likely to suffer, and environmental factors can play a part, with smokers at greater risk….

Source for complete article: http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2009/jul/05/blindness-laser-cure-amd

Pebble’s small lightweight design makes it the perfect companion whether you’re travelling or at home. Easily read labels, prescriptions, price tags, menus, bus schedules and so much more with this ultra-portable video magnifier. Carry Pebble in your pocket, purse or strap it onto your belt, the only time you’ll know it’s there is when you need it.

Pebble Features:

• Adjustable magnification of 2x to 10x
• Lightweight 7.7 ounce design
• 3.5” high resolution LCD display
• Physical Dimensions:
  • 4.4”L x 3.1”W x 1.4”H (with handle closed)
  • 8.7”L x 3.1”W x 1.4”H (with handle fully extended)
• Adjustable brightness
• Easy-to-use tactile controls
• 6 viewing modes
• Freeze Image feature with capability to magnify
• Foldable and adjustable telescopic handle with comfort grip
• Easy writing capability
• Over 2 hours battery life (2 rechargeable batteries included)
• Carrying case included
• 2 year warranty

A miniature telescope, which can be implanted in the eye, might help the blind see—assuming it passes clinical trials.

Remember how Galileo could see through his telescope, even when he had a degenerative eye disease? Now imagine inserting a miniature telescope directly in the eyeball—that’s exactly how VisionCare Inc. plans on restoring sight for people with eyes so bad, not even glasses and laser surgery help. Right now, the company’s target patients are those with advanced macular degeneration, a progressive disease that can lead to blindness.

The telescope, which is made of glass and is…

Source for complete article: http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/discoblog/2009/05/27/possible-cure-for-blindness-implanting-a-telescope-in-your-eye/

Eating a diet rich in leafy vegetables, nuts and fish and low in starchy carbohydrates appears to lower risk for age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of severe vision loss in people over 50.

The findings, published this month in the journal Ophthalmology, is the first to calculate the combined effect of certain dietary nutrients…

Source for complete article: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/07/eating-for-eye-health/

Macular degeneration primarily affects people who are 65 years of age or older. This eye disease is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness for people in this age bracket. With the baby boomers hitting their golden years in an ever increasing amount, this is causing doctors to diagnose more and more cases of degeneration of the macular. This disease does affect other groups as well, but the aged are the main target it seems….

Source for complete article: http://sixpackabscreator.com/taking-a-look-at-the-different-types-of-macular-degeneration/2009/05/06/

You could turn that daily walk into eye protection just by adding a few minutes of jogging each day.

Research shows that a little vigorous exercise can lower the risk of developing two kinds of sight stealers: macular degeneration and cataracts…

Source for complete article: http://www.realage.com/ct/shape-up-slim-down/workouts/tip/8624/cbr/TWTTR01

Legally blind, Lucy McAdams vision is lost but she is still able to see the bright spots of life. Through her self-painted greeting cards, she escaped her personal darkness and now hopes that her accomplishments can serve as an example to others with disabilities to not give up.

When McAdams first lost all her center vision in both eyes six years ago, due to wet macular degeneration, she felt trapped in total despair. There was little that she could do for herself and she battled depression. Lucy was set free by the light of opportunity provided by a magnifying machine.

Source for complete article: http://www.tippvoice.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1213:blind-artist&catid=33:human-interest&Itemid=51