According to a survey sponsored by the National Eye Institute and the Lions Club Internation Foundation, most Americans do not know risks and warning signs of some of the leading causes of low vision and blindness. The survey, titled Public Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Related to Eye Health and Disease, was taken from a random selection of adults by a national telephone survey between October 2005 and January 2006. 71 % Respondents stated that on a scale of 1-10 (10 being the worst, having the greatest impact on their day-to-day life), loss of their eyesight would rate a 10! Yet, survey results show that 41% of Hispanics, 28% of Asians, 26% African Americans, and 16% of Caucasians had not seen or heard anything within the past year relating to eye health.
If Americans are so worried about losing their eyesight, why do we know so little about what threatens it?
I am posting information about some of the most common eye diseases below. I hope this information is helpful!
· Glaucoma
Glaucoma affects more than 3 million Americans. It is the leading cause of blindness among African-Americans and Hispanics and the number two cause of blindness in the elderly. Glaucoma causes no symptoms early in its course. Instead, its victims are likely to notice only blurred vision or a loss of peripheral vision. Even at that point, glaucoma can be treated, but the lost vision cannot be restored.
· Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in Americans age 65 and older. The eye-health organization Prevent Blindness America estimates that 13 million Americans have AMD. The National Eye Institute states that the number of Americans with moderate to severe AMD will reach 17 million by 2020.
· Optic nerve atrophy (ONA)
Optic nerve atrophy (ONA) is caused by tissue damage in the optic nerve. This can result in either partial or profound loss of vision. Optic nerve atrophy reduces central vision acuity so a person can no longer see detail; reduces the field of vision; and decreases reaction of the pupil to light sources. Once vision is lost through ONA, it cannot be recovered.
· Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic Retinopathy affects 5.3 million Americans age eighteen and older. It often has no early warning signs. If undetected and untreated, diabetic retinopathy causes the small blood vessels in the back of the eye to leak or burst. Blood leaking into the eye causes clouding and blurry vision in early stages, and if left untreated can lead to blindness.
· Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP)
Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is a progressive disorder that results from the degeneration of the rods and cones in the retina. As the rods and cones degenerate, gradual vision loss occurs.
The disease often first occurs in adolescence and continues to progress as the individual ages. Often RP results in blindness in young adults.
· Cataracts
Although 20.5 million Americans age 40 and older have cataracts, cataracts are one of the most curable causes of vision loss. A cataract is the clouding of the eye's normally clear lens, blocking the passage of light needed for vision. They form slowly and cause no pain. Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide; however, in most cases, vision loss from cataracts is reversible.
Source: Florida Division of Blind Services http://dbs.myflorida.com/eye_diseases/index.php
Monday, December 1, 2008
Lack of Knowledge Regarding Eye Health
Monday, November 17, 2008
Transition Students Participate in Chili Cook-Off
The teens decided to split the teams into a boys vs. girls competition. John O’Dillon, CVRT, first talked with the students about what ingredients make a good chili sauce. He also explained proper preparation for the bell peppers, garlic, and onions. Both teams put great effort and thought into their chili, but in the end, the judges (from the Glenwood Community Center) stated that Erin and Cassie’s sweet and spicy chili just had “more kick”. Listed below are the recipes for both chili’s, and some pictures from the activity.
The Transition Program organizes recreation and leisure activities each month to encourage the teens to get involved and find hobbies they enjoy. For more information, please contact 850-477-2663.
Sweet & Spicy Chili
3 lbs hamburger meat
1 large can of diced tomatoes
1 can tomato sauce
1 onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 tbs diced fresh Jalapeno pepper
1 tbs diced fresh Pablano pepper
1 tbs diced fresh Serrano pepper
1 clove minced garlic
4 cans pinto beans
2 cups sugar
3 tbs cumin
1 tsp oregano
1tsp cayenne pepper
salt & pepper to taste
Cook hamburger meat, drain. Add all ingredients, cook on low heat for at least 2 hours. Enjoy with crackers, sour cream, cheese, or fritos. Yummy! Good job Erin and Cassie!
The winning team: Erin, Judge, and Cassie
White Turkey Chili
½ onion, diced
4 cans of northern beans
3 or 4 cans of chicken broth
½ green bell pepper, chopped
½ red bell pepper, chopped
½ tsp fresh diced Jalapeno pepper
½ tsp fresh diced Serrano pepper
1 cauliflower bunch, chopped into small pieces
½ tsp cayenne pepper
1 tbs cumin
salt & pepper to taste
1 pound of Pepper Jack cheese, grated
Cook turkey meat, drain. Add all ingredients, except cauliflower. Cook on low heat for at least 2 hours. Add the cauliflower the last 30 minutes. Top with Pepper Jack cheese, and enjoy with crackers, sour cream, or Fritos. Yummy! Good job Darreck and Alex!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
White Cane Safety Day Fun Facts
Wednesday October 15 is White Cane Safety Day.
In 2002, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated there are more than 161 million visually impaired people around the world. Millions use a white cane for mobility.
Below I have provided a little background history on the White Cane, which I found at Wikipedia.org.
Blind people have used canes as mobility tools for centuries, but it was not until after World War I that the white cane was introduced.
In 1921 James Biggs, a photographer from Bristol who became blind after an accident and was uncomfortable with the amount of traffic around his home, painted his walking stick white to be more easily visible.
In 1931 in France, Guilly d'Herbemont launched a national white stick movement for blind people.
In the United States, the introduction of the white cane is attributed to George A. Bonham of the Lions Clubs International (http://www.lionsclubs.org). In 1930, a Lions Club member watched as a man who was blind attempted to cross the street with a black cane that was barely visible to motorists against the dark pavement. The Lions decided to paint the cane white to make it more visible. In 1931, Lions Clubs International began a program promoting the use of white canes for people who are blind.
The first special White Cane Ordinance was passed in December 1930 in Peoria, Illinois granting blind pedestrians protections and the right-of-way while carrying a white cane.
On October 6, 1964, a joint resolution of the Congress, HR 753, was signed into law authorizing the President of the United States to proclaim October 15 of each year as "White Cane Safety Day". President Lyndon Johnson was the first to make this proclamation.
National Federation for the Blind offers free canes to blind and visually impaired Americans
The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), has launched an initiative to ensure that any blind person in the United States and Puerto Rico who needs a long white cane will have one, regardless of their ability to pay. The NFB will provide a free cane to anyone in the fifty states, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico who is blind or has low vision and who uses or desires to use a white cane in order to travel independently. This historic initiative is the largest effort ever of its kind to provide white canes to individuals who are blind or have low vision.
The long white cane provides an effective means for blind students to get to school, blind adults to get to work, and blind seniors to remain active. White canes allow individuals who are visually impaired the ability to increase mobility and gain independence.
The National Federation of the Blind will provide a straight, light fiberglass cane to any blind individual in the United States or Puerto Rico who requires the cane for personal use. Canes are available in the following lengths: 53, 55, 57, 59, 61, or 63 inches. Individuals may only request one free cane in any six-month period.
Click here to Apply for a free cane from the NFB.
Source: National Federation of the Blind
Monday, October 6, 2008
White Cane Awareness Day
Did you know that White Cane Safety Day is held on October 15 of each year? President Lyndon B. Johnson, along with Congress, signed a joint resolution in 1964 as a way to increase knowledge among Americans that the white cane is a tool used by the blind and visually impaired, and also a tool that helps them live more independently. We will be having our annual White Cane Awareness Day activities Wednesday October 22, 2008 from 11:30am to 1:3opm at New World Landing. Beginning at 11:3o, there will be informational booths from various organizations and agencies that serve the visually impaired. A complimentary lunch will be provided, and after the luncheon two special guests will cross Palafox Street blindfolded to raise awareness of White Cane Laws.
White Cane Law 316.1301
1. It is unlawful for any person, unless totally or paritally blind or otherwise incapacitated, while on any public street or highway, to carry in a raised or extended position a cane or walking stick which is whilte in color or white tipped with red.
2. Whenever a pedestrian is crossing, or attempting to cross a public street or highway, guided by a guide dog or carrying in a raised or extended position a cane or walking stick which is white in color or white tipped with red, the driver of every vehicle approaching the intersection or place where the pedestrian is attempting to cross shall bring his or her vehicle to a full stop before arriving at such intersectino or place of crossing and, before proceeding, shall take such precautions as may be necessary to avoid injuring such pedestrian. A person who is convicted of violation of this subsection is guilting of moving violation punishable as provided in Chapter 428.
For the entire White Cane Law, you can go to http://dbs.myflorida.com/laws/white_cane.php
If you would like to attend Independence for the Blind of West Florida's White Cane Awareness Day, please RSVP to Lindsay Pieler, Public Relations Specislist no later than October16. 477-2663
Have a great week!
Alicia Hefty
Friday, September 19, 2008
Braille services in Ft. Walton Beach
-Helen Keller
The Northwest Florida Visionnaires, Inc., is a non-profit, all-volunteer, charitable organization founded in 1976 to produce material in three forms for the visually impaired: Braille, Large Print, and Taping.
There are no charges for its services.
Our building is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m on Saturdays throughout the year at the:
John R. Hane Center
538 Bob Sikes Boulevard
Fort Walton Beach, FL
(850) 862-4495 (leave message)
Tax-deductible donations are gratefully accepted.
BRAILLE
Volunteers transcribe into Braille material that includes textbooks, pleasure reading books, menus, Christmas or birthday cards, and others.
TAPING
2-track and 4-track cassettes are used to record textbooks and/or pleasure materials.
LARGE PRINT
Large print calendars and personalized phone books are provided for the visually impaired.
Other assignments upon request.
Please call us at 850-862-4495 and leave a message. We will return your call.
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 444
Shalimar, FL 32579
Ten Warning Signs of Age-Related Eye Problems
1. A flood of spots and floaters in your field of vision.
2. A sensation that a dark curtain has settled across your field of view, which could be signs of retinal detachment.
3. Sudden eye pain, redness, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms can signal a sudden (acute) attack of narrow-angle glaucoma, which can permanently damage the eye's optic nerve. Immediate treatment is required to prevent permanent vision loss.
4. A gradual (or sudden) narrowing of your field of vision, leaving you with the ability to see only directly in front of you. This could mean you have developed glaucoma that damages your optic nerve.
5. A gradual loss of central vision, including distortions such as seeing wavy instead of straight lines. This is a sign of macular degeneration.
6. Cloudy and blurred eyesight, "halos" around lights at night, loss of bright color vision. These vision changes may be due to cataracts.
7. Blind spots in your field of view, accompanied by eye floaters and unexplained blurred vision. If you have diabetes, these vision problems may be due to the onset of diabetic retinopathy.
8. "Scratchy" or irritated sensation, eye surface pain, tearing.
9. Double vision, double images, or "ghost" images.
10. Sudden blurry vision in one eye.
While some vision symptoms are less urgent, sudden vision loss means you should immediately contact your eye care practitioner.
You also can reduce your chances of developing serious eye problems by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, along with undergoing regular eye exams.
Source: http://www.allaboutvision.com/over60/warning-signs.htm
Leia Mais…
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Vision for the Future
Leia Mais…
Monday, March 31, 2008
Link between Age-related macular degeneration & stroke risk
Researchers have found the people with age related macular degeneration are more likely to die from a heart attack or stroke.
The study, which followed more than 3000 people, (who were all over the age of 49 at the onset of the study) for 10 years, found that those who had the late stage of the disease at the onset of the study were had five times the risk of dying from a heart attack and 10 times the risk of dying from a stroke.
Individuals who developed early age-related macular degeneration during the study had twice the risk of dying form a heart attack or stork within the next decade.
These findings are significant because there is concern that some current treatments for the disease may increase stroke risk.
Researchers caution that the findings are based on a relativley small study and should be interpreted with caution.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
New Help for those with damaged or diseased corneas
Researchers at
The Duoptix material, made of two interwoven hydrogels, is transparent and swells to a water content of 80%-similar to biological tissues. The hydrogel is nutrient permeable, allowing the cornea to receive glucose, it’s favorite food. The material is also strong and flexible, allowing it to survive suturing during surgery.
According to Christopher Ta, assistant professor of ophthalmology at
Other future applications for the material could include use as more comfortable extended wear contacts, implanted contacts or even replacements for inner-eye lenses damaged by cataracts.
Leia Mais…Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Well, it is a horse, of course!
Most of us have encountered a visually impaired person with a guide dog, but have you ever seen a guide horse?
The Guide Horse Foundation website lists several advantages that miniature horses have over dogs as service animals, including: longer life span (30-40 years), greater acceptance in public places, calm & focused nature, good memory, excellent vision and not easily distracted. Even with all of these attributes, it is highly unlikely that horses will replaces dogs as guides for the blind.
The National Federation of the Blind adopted a resolution in 2001 that opposes the use of guide horses. The resolution states: “We affirm the fundamental right of blind people to use properly trained dogs, and oppose any effort, such as the use of inappropriate animals, which would degrade that right.
Leia Mais…Monday, March 10, 2008
Scientists use English Mastiff to study eye disease
Researchers at
The research is expected to allow scientists to find treatments and cures for these forms of blindness in humans, and it will also help to eradicate the condition in dogs. Scientists have already developed a genetic screening test for breeders to help eliminate the defective gene in purebred English Mastiffs.
The study is being sponsored in part by The Foundation Fighting Blindness.
Leia Mais…Friday, March 7, 2008
Diabetic African Americans have increased risk of vision loss
New study findings show that African Americans with type one diabetes have a high risk of vision loss.
Dr. Monique S. Roy, lead investigator, of the
Dr. Roy and co-investigator, Dr. Joan Sunice, followed approximately 500 African Americans with tpe 1 diabetes over a period of 6 years to determine rate of vision loss and associated risk factors.
In addition to poor blood sugar control, older age, high protein levels in the urine, and diabetic retinopathy were all independent predictors of vision loss over 6 years.
Dr.Roy noted: “Since African Americans with diabetes as a whole have poor blood sugar control, a major effort to improve glucose control must be made by patients and physicians taking care of such patients..”
Information for this post was gathered form an article written by Joene Hendry for Reuters Health.
Leia Mais…Thursday, March 6, 2008
Blindness Prevention Costly
Lucentis, a breakthrough drug that treats and reverses wet macular degeneration, is a lifesaver for many affected by the condition. However, at $2,000 a monthly dose, required for the rest of the patients life, the treatment is out of reach for many.
Doctors in
One ophthalmologist reports that many of his patients are able to read three more lines on an eye chart after receiving a few rounds of treatment with Avastin. Avastin is also cheaper, with one monthly dose costing as little as $150 for the patient. However, because Avastin is being used off label to treat wet macular degeneration, there are some concerns.
Lucentis was subjected to nearly 10 years of clinical studies before being approved by the FDA to treat macular degeneration. Avastin was not studied or approved for use in the eye.
There is upcoming research planned to determine which of the drugs is actually better. The U.S. Government funded National Eye Institute approved a trial in principle that would pit the two drugs against each other.
Leia Mais…
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