A look at how nicotine affects pupil size has been published in mainstream media, with some scientists and journalists claiming that people who use tobacco develop enlarged pupils, indicating that they are addicted or under the influence. Yet, the science is unclear. There is no evidence that tobacco users have enlarged pupils, and it’s not … Read more
The cornea is a transparent structure at the front of the eye and is mainly responsible for focusing of incoming light rays on the retina for clear vision. The health of cornea is maintained by stem cells present at the junction of cornea and sclera (the white part of the eye) called as limbus. If … Read more
In degenerative conditions like retinitis pigmentosa, the cells (mainly rods) which absorb light and convert the light energy into electrical energy gradually die. The resultant loss of vision is irreversible. For now, there is no treatment available for retinitis pigmentosa. Scientist all over the world are working on solutions to enhance vision and prevent blindness … Read more
Traditionally, anesthetic eye drops are not used to treat pain caused by corneal abrasion. The topical anesthetics like paracaine and proparacaine when instilled after a corneal abrasion provides relief from pain immediately but it is not prescribed for further use to prevent some possible complications. A review of some recent studies suggests that it may not … Read more
Zika virus is known for causing congenital abnormalities especially microcephaly in babies born to mothers who were infected with Zika Virus during pregnancy. The virus affects the eyes also. Some ocular manifestations are uveitis, chorioretinal atrophy, intraretinal hemorrhages, optic neuritis, iris colobomas and lens subluxation. Because of the variety of ocular tissues damaged by Zika virus, there … Read more
This is not science fiction. The future is closer than we think. Dr. José-Alain Sahel, chairman of Pitt’s Department of Ophthalmology and director of UPMC Eye Center plans to treat blindness caused by diseases such as glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration by his research centred around three approaches: 1. Cameras and processors which … Read more
The results of a research done at Moorefields Eye Hospital in London was presented recently at Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) 2016 in Toronto. The researchers have found a correlation between the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer with some measurable cognitive abilities. This makes sense because retina is an extension of the central … Read more
Scientists at Hokkaido University have found out how ‘Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome’ (OSAS) causes glaucoma. OSAS is a condition in which the person’s breathing stops during sleep for a significant period of time because of upper airway obstruction. Glaucoma is a condition in which optic nerve is damaged irreversibly leading to visual field defects and … Read more
Myopia is a condition in which a person cannot see distant objects clearly. In children, it is caused by focusing on near objects like books and electronic devices for long periods. Prolonged near work causes the spasm of the focusing muscle or ciliary muscle in the eye. This is also associated with irreversible elongation of … Read more
Some studies have shown previously that exposure to LED (light emitting diode) light, especially the shorter wavelength of white light (blue light) can cause damage to the retina induced by oxidative stress. The other sources which emit blue light are computers, tablets, television screens and mobile phones. LED lights as well as the use of … Read more