Is This Blurry? Half of U.S. Has Poor Vision, Study... Aug 13, 2008
Fifty percent of Americans 20 and older are thought to have a vision problem, most commonly myopia (nearsightedness) or astigmatism (blurred vision), researchers at the National Eye Institute reported Monday in the Archives of Ophthalmology ... The prevalence of nearsightedness was higher than the 25 percent found in previous U.S. studies, researchers said ... Nearsightedness also is more common in whites (35. (Fox News)
Vision Correction Procedure Hits a Milestone Aug 13, 2008
In 1997, the FDA approved the technology for a more advanced outpatient procedure for laser vision correction called laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), to treat nearsightedness. Throughout 1997, consumer demand for laser vision correction grew rapidly in the United States due to broader market acceptance, improved technology and expanded treatment options. (Pekin Times, IL)
Refractive Errors Affect Vision For Half Of American Adults Aug 13, 2008
It occurs when the eye cannot properly focus light, resulting in nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism, an irregular curve of the eye's cornea ... Nearsightedness was more common in women (39 ... Individuals age 60 and older were less likely to have nearsightedness and more likely to have farsightedness and astigmatism than younger participants; in the older age group, men (66. (Science Daily)
Lexicon Pharmaceuticals Identifies New Drug Candidate for Glaucoma Aug 13, 2008
Risk factors for glaucoma include age, genetic history, diabetes, and nearsightedness. According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, glaucoma is estimated to affect 65 million people worldwide, including more than 4 million Americans. (Primezone Releases)
Refractive Errors Significantly Affect Adults In United States Aug 13, 2008
When the eye does not properly focus light on the retina, it results in nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism ... Nearsightedness was less common in those older than 60, but this age group was more likely to have farsightedness and astigmatism than others. (Medical News Today)
Spending Time Outdoors Good for Kids' Eyes Aug 13, 2008
In a study, Australian researchers found evidence that children who spent the most time outdoors were the least likely to suffer from myopia, also called nearsightedness or shortsightedness ... Work that requires a person to focus on something close up -- for example reading -- has been proposed to cause nearsightedness, they add. (MEDLINEplus)
Half of Americans Have Poor Eyesight Aug 13, 2008
More Americans suffer from nearsightedness and astigmatism than expected ... "I think this study demonstrates that the problem of refractive eyesight errors is on the increase, particularly in terms of the amount of nearsightedness in the American population," said study co-author Dr. Frederick L. Ferris III, clinical director of the U.S. National Eye Institute ... "No one knows for sure what accounts for this. But it's a pretty smart hypothesis that the increased amount of near work that we're... (ABC News)
New hope for lazy eyes Aug 9, 2008
Other surgeons are experimenting with LASIK in children like Megan, although she wasn t a LASIK candidate her corneas were too thin for it to be done safely, and Dougherty says it doesn t work well for such severe nearsightedness. Dr. Michael Repka, a pediatric ophthalmologist at Baltimore s Johns Hopkins University, says both approaches are in their infancy, but interesting. (Helena Independent Record, MT)
Outdoor Activity And Nearsightedness In Children Aug 6, 2008
17, 2003) A new study strongly indicates that the primary cause of nearsightedness is heredity ... 2, 2008) Does season of birth play a role in the development of nearsightedness ... 24, 2004) New research suggests that rigid gas permeable contact lenses may help slow the progression of nearsightedness, or myopia, in young. (Science Daily)
Lens implant offers chanceto beatlazy eye Aug 5, 2008
Other surgeons are experimenting with LASIK in children like Megan, although she wasn't a LASIK candidate her corneas were too thin for it to be done safely, and Dougherty says it doesn't work well for such severe nearsightedness. Click for related content. (MSNBC -- Health)
Telescope Embedded In Glasses Lens Promises To Make Driving Easier For Visually Impaired Aug 3, 2008
2, 2008) Glasses embedded with a telescope promise to make it easier for people with impaired vision to drive and do other activities requiring sharper distance vision. Schepens Eye Research Institute scientists describe the advantages of these innovative glasses over earlier devices in an article published in the May/June issue of Journal of Biomedical Optics. (Science Daily)
Many 'failing' schools aren't failing when measured on impact rather than achievement Aug 1, 2008
Students from disadvantaged backgrounds often face a variety of problems at home; for example, their parents often talk and read to them less, and they are less likely to get eyeglasses for nearsightedness. The result is that they are already behind other children before they even begin school. (EurekAlert!)
HEALTH BLOG: Mental health news and notes Jul 23, 2008
Mental health - Better Life - USATODAY.com. Study: Viagra might help some women. (USA Today -- Money)
Proven Safe, LASIK Goes Galactic with NASA Jul 14, 2008
(ARA) - Traditional LASIK has taken the public by storm as a way to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and the blurriness called astigmatism. But the National Aeronautics and Space Agency (NASA) was not convinced until recently that LASIK (a form of refractive surgery) was for anyone with space aspirations. (Harrisburg Daily Register, IL)
The glasses are half full for this doctor Jul 8, 2008
Radical as it may sound, Orfield thinks it possible that most of us with myopia, or nearsightedness, could gradually give up our glasses. Orfield, a 66-year-old former Cambridge resident who now lives in Somerville s Union Square, stands no more than 5-foot-3. (Cambridge Chronicle, MA)
Energy: Congress = OPEC? Jul 3, 2008
Americans today face spiraling costs for food and gasoline thanks to the Democrats' ideological nearsightedness. Higher energy costs are feeding into higher prices for everything, especially food. (Investors Business Daily)
Student eyesight problems on rise Jun 19, 2008
And at the 11th grade, when they are preparing for the college entrance examination, 87 percent have bad vision, most of them suffering from nearsightedness, he said ... Genetically, Asian people tend to suffer from nearsightedness, he said. (Xinhuanet, China)
Dallas LASIK Expert Dr. James McCulley Qualifies and Lists with Trusted LASIK Surgeons Jun 17, 2008
LASIK is laser vision correction used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. First, UT Southwestern ophthalmic surgeons use the latest diagnostic technologies, such as Visante OCT and Pentacam. (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
Glasses look more friendly to kids Jun 11, 2008
LASIK, laser surgery to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, is usually only for people older than 20, Kay said. Below that age, people's eyes grow, and their prescription may still be changing. (CNN)
Glaucoma, predominant among children- Wood Jun 8, 2008
Glaucoma is the lost of vision caused by elevated pressure within the eye and it is associated with old age, high blood pressure, family history, diabetics, eye injury, and nearsightedness. Symptoms include severe eye pain, headaches, nausea, and vomiting and blurred visions. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Myopic China calls on students to exercise eyes Jun 7, 2008
BEIJING (Reuters) - China's students should exercise their eyes twice a day to ward off nearsightedness that has reached near-epidemic proportions because of their long hours spent hitting the books, the education ministry has urged. The latest statistics showed how students' eyesight markedly degenerates as they forge their way through China's hyper-competitive education system, squinting at Chinese characters and scientific formulas in often dimly lit libraries. (Scientific American)
Price & Associates does free exams for infants Jun 5, 2008
According to the American Optometric Association, children should have their first eye exams at the age of six months to check for a variety of problems, including nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. These problems are not common, but it is important to identify children who have them at this stage, reads a post on the organization s Web site, aoa. (Scituate Mariner, MA)
Kids Think Eyeglasses Make Other Kids Look Smart May 13, 2008
Generally, children with nearsightedness are diagnosed with myopia and receive their first corrective lenses at around age 8. Teen-agers were not surveyed because they are routinely fitted with contact lenses if they want them. (Science Daily)
Ailing Yankees visit nearby teammates May 13, 2008
The newly bespectacled Phil Hughes was also making the rounds, showing off the prescription glasses that will help cure his slight nearsightedness the next time he takes a mound. That could be a while, though -- Hughes has been told a new X-ray will be taken on his fractured right rib in 2 1/2 weeks, so until then, he is limited to receiving treatment and riding a stationary bicycle. (MLB.com -- NY Yankees Yankees)
LASIK: FDA hears warnings of risks, but local doctors say they aren't seeing major complications May 8, 2008
With LASIK, doctors peel back a flap in the cornea s surface and zap the underlying layer to reshape the cornea and ease either nearsightedness or farsightedness. The newest version, considered safer, makes ultra-thin flaps using a second laser instead of a disposable blade. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Federal panel seeks clearer warnings on Lasik eye surgery May 2, 2008
Make more understandable the conditions that should disqualify someone from Lasik, such as large pupils or severe nearsightedness. And spell out that anyone whose nearsightedness is fixed by Lasik is guaranteed to need reading glasses in middle age, something that might not be needed if they skip Lasik. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
Down's Syndrome Children May Only Need BiFocals For Two Years, Study Suggests May 2, 2008
ScienceDaily (May 1, 2008) Nearly one third of Down's syndrome children who wear bifocal lenses to help them focus accurately may only need to wear them for two years, according to new research from Cardiff University. The Cardiff School of Optometry and Vision Sciences' Down's Syndrome Research Unit has studied the reasons for poor focussing among children with Down's syndrome. (Science Daily)
Lasik alternatives May 2, 2008
Maybe the cornea is too thin, or the pupils too large, or nearsightedness too severe, or their expectations unrealistic ... With Lasik, doctors peel back a flap in the cornea's surface and zap the underlying layer to reshape the cornea and ease either nearsightedness or farsightedness ... These "phakic intraocular lenses" are for severe nearsightedness, too bad for Lasik and PRK. They refocus light entering the eye for improved distance vision. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
FDA Panel Urges Stronger Warnings for LASIK Surgery May 2, 2008
The recommendations include: adding photographs to illustrate what people suffering certain side effects actually see, such as the glare that can make oncoming headlights a "starburst" of light; clarifying how often patients suffer certain side effects, such as dry eye; and making clearer the conditions that should disqualify someone from LASIK, such as large pupils or severe nearsightedness, the AP reported ... The procedure can be used for nearsightedness (as in Tiger Woods' case),... (MEDLINEplus)
Family to march for awareness Apr 20, 2008
One serious, lasting mark left by her early birth is her severe nearsightedness, for which she has had multiple surgeries and wears glasses, Barbara said. After sharing their story for Prematurity Awareness Month two years ago, the family decided to get involved with the March of Dimes. (Suffolk News Herald, VA)
* Pill popping potential for harm Apr 15, 2008
Just because beta-carotene in carrots aids normal vision does not mean it can correct nearsightedness. Or a substance for forming blood cells will not necessarily be useful to prevent or treat a disease of blood-forming tissue like leukemia. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
ASCRS to participate in and co-fund study on post-lasik quality of life with US FDA Apr 8, 2008
According to MarketScope, an average of 700,000 patients in the U.S. have LASIK annually to treat nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), the blurriness of astigmatism, and loss of reading vision (Presbyopia). To date, more than 28. (EurekAlert!)
World-Recognized LASIK Expert Dr. James Salz is Listed in Trusted LASIK Surgeons Directory Apr 3, 2008
Dr. Salz treats patients with nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism (blurred vision), and presbyopia. His practice provides premier patient care, including: (a) use of IntraLase system for "All-Laser" or "Bladeless" LASIK, (b) use of Wavefront Based ("Custom") LASIK and PRK, and (c) iLASIK procedure, which includes WaveScan Technology, IntraLase, and Visx Advanced CustomVue treatments. (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
Summer Babies Nearsighted More Often Apr 3, 2008
Myopia, the technical term for nearsightedness -- in which distant objects are not seen as clearly -- was mild in 19 percent of the people, moderate in 8. 7 percent and severe in 2. (Click2Houston, TX)
Vitamin D or Calciferol Apr 2, 2008
Nearsightedness (myopia) and hearing loss due to vitamin D's influence on the eye muscles and deterioration of the tiny bones of the inner ear (responsible for transmitting sound). Vitamin D Toxicity. (Suite101.com)
Will McCain Be Given The Bob Dole Treatment? Mar 29, 2008
Go ahead and call me a sellout if you want, but I urge all conservatives to guard against "political nearsightedness" in November. Don't stay home. (Human Events Online)
National Glaucoma Day, month-long campaign to promote awareness of devastating eye disease Mar 6, 2008
"Declaring a National Glaucoma Day in Canada will bring about increased awareness of this devastating disease and its risk factors, and will encourage people to get regular eye checkups to prevent and treat glaucoma." Known risk factors for glaucoma include elevated pressure in the eye, increasing age, ethnicity (particularly being of African descent), having a family history of glaucoma, migraines, diabetes, nearsightedness and abnormally high or low blood pressure. About the Canadian Glaucoma... (Canada Newswire)
Don't Leave Your Vision to Chance on World Glaucoma Day Mar 5, 2008
QUICK SEARCH BY ORGANIZATION. FREE SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES. (Canada Newswire)
STAAR Surgical's Visian ICL Procedure Performed Live on NBC's Today show Mar 5, 2008
The Visian ICL is the only foldable, minimally invasive lens approved in the U.S. for the correction of myopia, or nearsightedness, in adults. It can be especially useful in patients such as Abrahamson, who had a high prescription requirement to correct his nearsighted vision. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
'Cruise for Sight' Feb. 24 benefits vision screening Feb 22, 2008
Lazy eye is often associated with crossed-eyes or a large difference in the degree of nearsightedness or farsightedness between the two eyes. It usually develops before the age of 6 and does not affect side vision. (Marco Island Sun-Times, FL)
Laser Surgery Can Correct Nearsightedness Dec 31, 2007
According to the American Optometric Association, almost one in three Americans suffers from some degree of nearsightedness ... A diopter is a measure of the curve of a lens, and a 10-diopter correction indicates severe nearsightedness. (U.S. News & World Report)
Severe Myopia Often Fixed With LASIK Dec 29, 2007
According to a new study in the American Journal of Ophthalmology, the choice has been a safe one for people with severe myopia, also known as nearsightedness. Researchers from Miguel Hernandez University in Spain looked at long-term results for 118 patients, who had surgery on 196 eyes. (Click2Houston, TX)
Medical Myths Even Doctors Believe Dec 22, 2007
25, 2005) A new surgical procedure that has improved eyesight in people who have severe nearsightedness and face a dearth of treatments has made its way to western New York. Ophthalmologist Scott MacRae, M.D.. (Science Daily)
Pitching what the public will pay for Dec 19, 2007
To switch sports for a moment, golfer Tiger Woods - who added muscle the old-fashioned way, in the weight room, and who still has a neck to prove it - had laser surgery that not only remedied his nearsightedness but actually gave him better than 20-20 vision. Have any major leaguers with normal vision gone under the laser in an attempt to gain an edge. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Weak eyes, strong eyes Dec 19, 2007
"The progression of refractive errors, whether myopia (nearsightedness) in a teenager or loss of reading vision in a middle-aged individual (presbyopia), occurs at its own tempo and quite independent of any glasses that happen to be worn in front of the eyes," D'Amico said. "This is a very common misconception, and also the cause of unnecessary suffering." Correctly prescribed lenses are safer, D'Amico pointed out. (International Herald Tribune -- Health)
Correcting Poor Vision In Nursing Home Residents May Decrease Symptoms Of Depression Nov 14, 2007
"Studies suggest that vision impairment in about one-third of nursing home residents could largely be reversed by treatment of uncorrected refractive error (myopia [nearsightedness], hyperopia [farsightedness], presbyopia [loss of focus]).". Cynthia Owsley, Ph. (Science Daily)
Fire briefs: Victims directed to local Red Cross Nov 10, 2007
The surgeons of Gordon Binder & Weiss Vision Institute, at 8910 University Center Lane, Suite 800, San Diego, will correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, presbyopia, astigmatism and cataracts on Dec. 8. Register at gbvision. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Fact or Fiction?: Sitting Too Close to the Computer Screen Can Make You Go Blind Nov 9, 2007
Ophthalmologists, optometrists and other eye professionals note a seeming link between myopia, also called nearsightedness, and "near work" visual activities that take place at a distance of about 40 centimeters (16 inches) from the eye such as reading a book. Staring at a computer screen qualifies as well, though monitors usually are around 50 centimeters (20 inches) away. (Scientific American)
Medical College secures NIH grant for vision study Oct 16, 2007
Neitz will use the grant to investigate the mutations and the relationship to common vision disorders such as age-related macular degeneration and nearsightedness. Related Industry News. (Milwaukee Business Journal, WI)
The ABCs of laser vision correction Oct 13, 2007
All laser vision correction procedures work on the principle of using a laser to change the shape of the cornea in an effort to eliminate nearsightedness or farsightedness. LASIK is the most common way of doing this. (Kingston Mariner, MA)
* Twenty percent of youngsters suffer from eye problems Oct 13, 2007
He said that it is not correct to believe that nearsightedness is an easy problem that can simply be tackled by wearing eyeglasses. Wu also said that severe myopia can result in glaucoma or a detached retina. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
What vision correction entails Sep 25, 2007
Those who have extreme nearsightedness associated with thin corneas may not be candidates, but there are a variety of techniques that are used to address different sight issues. Your doctor can select the best technique based on which will offer the greatest degree of safety and improvement for you. (Scripps Howard News Wire)
Video: NASA Approves Advanced Lasik for Use on Astronauts Sep 21, 2007
"NASA's approval is further evidence that today's LASIK exceeds all established standards of safety and effectiveness," said Steven Schallhorn, M.D., retired captain of the U.S. Navy, investigator in multiple studies involving use of LASIK and other refractive surgeries for treatment of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, and Medical Director for Optical Express. "NASA followed the Naval Aviation clinical studies closely with a particular interest in both safety and quality of... (PR Newswire)
Eyesight plays role in learning Sep 5, 2007
In addition to early detection of nearsightedness, farsightedness and even astigmatism, eye exams are important in other ways. "Occasionally, thank goodness not very often, there are some underlying health concerns that we do find during a routine eye exam," explained Wilkinson. (Rosenberg Herald-Coaster, TX)
Eye exams keep kids focused Aug 20, 2007
School screenings include talking to parents, teachers and children, and checking for nearsightedness, farsightedness, color blindness and astigmatism, Kelley says. If a problem is found, the child is referred to an ophthalmologist or optometrist. (USA Today -- News)
LASIK eye surgery improving, doctor says Aug 11, 2007
LASIK can be used for nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. When surgery was done with the older machine, it took several days to heal. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
A Work Of Art for Some Aug 1, 2007
LASIK surgery corrects vision problems such as myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness) with the cool beam of a laser. LASIK was patented in 1988 by IBM with the credit of invention going to Samuel Blum, James Wynn, and Rangaswamy Srinivasan. (Up & Coming Magazine, NC)
Vital checks for every man Jul 26, 2007
AIDS WISE Here's what you should know about Aids, including the latest news and some inspiration from David's Diary. NOURISHMENT Healthy eating habits lead to a healthy body. (iAfrica.com)
Seeing is really believing Jul 17, 2007
Jossart does wear glasses or contact lenses to correct nearsightedness in her left eye, but her specks do not correct her right eye. She has two restrictions on her drivers license one for corrective lenses and the other requiring outside mirrors. (Bismarck Tribune, ND)
Shady business Jul 15, 2007
The contacts can be worn every day for nearsightedness and farsightedness. The reporter can be reached at or (559) 441-6617. (Fresno Bee -- Sports)
FDA approves new LASIK device Jul 15, 2007
CustomVue is designed to correct all nearsightedness in the patient`s dominant eye and only part of the nearsightedness in the non-dominant eye. That allows a person to use the fully corrected eye for distance vision and the under-corrected eye for seeing close up. (Monsters and Critics.com)
US approves laser surgery to fix two vision problems Jul 13, 2007
" The technique called CustomVue Monovision LASIK and developed by AMO/VISX could be used to avoid the need for glasses or contact lenses for people over 40, many of whom need to correct for nearsightedness or myopia as well as presbyopia, for reading or focusing on close objects. These people currently use separate reading glasses or bifocals. The new procedure "expands permanent vision correction options for nearsighted adults who also have trouble focusing on objects close-up," said Daniel... (Channel News Asia)
FDA Approves Bifocal LASIK Surgery Jul 13, 2007
The CustomVue device would correct all nearsightedness in the dominant eye and only part of the nearsightedness in the other eye. According to the FDA, patients considering the CustomVue Monovision LASIK surgery should first wear monovision contact lenses to determine whether they can tolerate having one eye under-corrected. (MedPage Today)
Boos, hisses greet defense of immigration reform bill | Political Insider May 20, 2007
The immediate repudiance for any type of dialogue shows that nearsightedness on behalf of Georgians will only push the state further down the development spectrum against more forward thinking regions of the country. What is ironic is that the state acts like most of it doesn t need these workers and is a white-collar only economy. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
LASIK for older adults Apr 19, 2007
The LASIK surgeries were performed to correct myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism. All surgeries were performed by Azar between January 1999 and September 2005. (EurekAlert!)
