2021 brought much uncertainty
as the COVID-19 pandemic continued in 2021. 2021 also brought us discoveries
and breakthroughs in vision care.
1. Cataract surgery had been linked to lessening
dementia risk. Researchers from the University of Washington school of medicine
in Seattle conducted an observational study of more than 3000 adults aged 65 or
older. The research has suggested a link between cataract surgery and a reduced
risk of developing dementia. The researchers say the results support the
connection between sensory impairments such as vision loss and a higher risk of
dementia.
2. Caffeine was shown to improve reaction to moving
targets. In the first study of its kind to explore caffeine's effects on
dynamic visual skills it is already known that caffeine increases the velocity
of rapid eye movement researchers from the University of Waterloo School of
optometry and vision sciences concluded that caffeine increases alertness and
detection accuracy for moving targets. Caffeine also improves participants'
reaction times. Data suggested caffeine intake enhances physical performance on
DVA (dynamic visual acuity).
3. Morning exposure to deep red light improved
declining eyesight. Research at the University College London Institute of
ophthalmology found that using a simple LED device once a week recharges the
energy system that has declined in the retina cells. Previously the researchers
found that daily, three-minute exposure to long-wave deep red-light switched-on
energy-producing mitochondria cells in the retina, giving a boost to naturally
declining vision.
4. Prozac was linked as a potential treatment for a
leading cause of blindness. Prozac is a potential treatment for a leading cause
of blindness, Prozac is a synthetic compound that inhibits the uptake of
serotonin in the brain to treat depression. A new study at the University of
Virginia has found a new use for Prozac as a treatment for the dry form of AMD
(Age-related macular degeneration) If these findings are successful in the
clinical trial, not only will the finding be a big step forward as a treatment
for dry AMD, but the repurposing of an existing drug can pass the FDA in a
shorter time. And will be less expensive to produce.
5. Scientists enable a blind woman to see simple
shapes. Research published by a team of scientists from the University Miguel
Hernandez in Spain, the Netherlands Institute of neuroscience in the
Netherlands, and The John A. Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah
successfully created a form of artificial vision for a blind woman using a
brain implant. A neurosurgeon and planted a microelectrode array composed of
100 microneedles into the visual cortex of the blind woman. She wore eyeglasses
a clip with a miniature video camera and specialized software encoded the
visual data with the help of the implant she was able to identify lines,
shapes, and simple letters
These are just a few potential treatments at various
stages of trials and studies that can eventually lead to helping some people
regain their sight or help other conditions. If these and other research
projects come to fruition it gives hope to many blind and visually impaired
patients for a future chance for restored vision.
#eyegotcha
#PittsburghEyeCare
#PittsburghOptometrist
Sources:
www.sciencedaily.com
www.neurosciencenews.com
www.usnews.com
www.medscape.com
