Articles tagged with Optometry
A recent study from the University of Waterloo found that children with reading challenges may have lower than expected binocular vision test results, which could be compounding their academic difficulties. The study suggests that full eye examinations can be a valuable tool for identifying and addressing these issues.
Researchers found that batters follow different visual strategies when swinging versus taking a pitch, with more eye movement when not swinging and larger head movements when swinging. The study provides new insights into batting strategy at the plate.
A new study by University of Houston College of Optometry researchers found that wearing blue-light blocking glasses before bed increased nighttime melatonin levels by 58% compared to non-blocking glasses. Participants reported improved sleep quality, faster falls asleep, and longer sleep durations.
Researchers found that patients with diabetes have lower levels of substance P in their tears, indicating corneal nerve damage. Substance P measurement may become a non-invasive test to assess the risk of diabetic neuropathy.
A study found that Swedish optometrists recommend nutritional supplements, dietary changes, and smoking cessation to patients at risk of or with early symptoms of AMD. Optometrists were more likely to provide advice on diet compared to ophthalmologists.
A review of soft contact lens wear in children and adolescents found no higher incidence of adverse effects than in adults, suggesting they may be safer for younger patients. Greater parental supervision can help mitigate risks.
A study found that people with Down syndrome experienced nearly three times greater variability in autorefractor testing compared to a control group. This increased variability can lead to incorrect vision prescriptions and reduced chances of reaching the best possible refraction for those with Down syndrome.
A study found that approximately 25% of eyes deemed normal had AMD, highlighting the need for correct identification and treatment in primary eye care. Undiagnosed AMD was associated with older patient age, male sex, and less than a high school education.
Researchers found that patients with early mucin deposits had a higher rate of corneal infiltrates, but those with repeat deposits were less likely to experience problems. Mucin deposits may act as a protective barrier between the lens and ocular surface.
Researchers found that Japan has unique color terms like 'mizu' and 'kon', while the US uses words like 'teal' and 'lavender'. The study reveals differences in color language between modern societies, highlighting the evolution of color terminology through interaction.
Researchers assessed the connection between stress and progressive vision loss from AMD using the Perceived Stress Scale. The study found that stress-reduction approaches may improve outcomes in AMD patients, and future studies could investigate the relationship between perceived stress levels and disease progression.
Researchers found that GARP2 accelerates retinal degeneration in mice, while GARP1 slows its negative effect when both proteins are present. They also developed a standardized nomenclature for OCT measurements in mice, facilitating comparisons with human studies.
Researchers found that using red-channel images improved the detection of diabetic macular edema, a complication of diabetes leading to blindness. The study suggests that this method could offer a clear-cut advantage in under-served groups with high rates of diabetic eye disease.
Vision problems are commonly reported in children with concussions and are independently associated with academic difficulty. Blurred vision and difficulty concentrating are among the most common symptoms affecting academic performance in pediatric patients.
A study published in Optometry and Vision Science found that cataracts are associated with higher rates of depressive symptoms in older adults, regardless of education level or socioeconomic status. Symptoms were more common in women and those with lower vision acuity.
A study published in Optometry and Vision Science found that protamine solutions perform at least as well as current disinfectant solutions in killing microbes that can cause contact lens-related infections. Protamine's broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity makes it a potential alternative for multipurpose disinfection solutions.
A study by Ohio State University researchers found that taller individuals have a natural advantage when it comes to spatial relations and judging the location of targets in their middle-distance vision. This ability is particularly important in situations with limited visual cues, such as darkness or obstacles.
A study found that internal astigmatism remains stable over time, contradicting the theory that the lens adapts to compensate for irregular eye shapes. The researchers analyzed 367 individuals with myopia and compared their data to 204 subjects without myopia.
A special issue of Optometry and Vision Science presents research on contact lens discomfort, a common problem affecting millions worldwide. New findings suggest that corneal pressure sensitivity and inflammatory mediators may contribute to discomfort, but the relationship is complex.
A study found that routine eye exams lead to a change in vision prescription or other changes in care for over half of asymptomatic patients. The study also showed that older patients and those with longer intervals between visits were more likely to experience significant changes.
A study published in Optometry and Vision Science found that visual blurring, like bifocals or progressive lenses, can cause errors in foot position when walking. This can contribute to the risk of tripping and falling in older adults, especially in challenging environments.
Children with uncorrectable vision problems are twice as likely to have a diagnosis of ADHD, according to a nationwide study. The researchers analyzed data on over 75,000 children and found that those with vision problems not correctable by glasses or contact lenses had a higher prevalence of ADHD.
Roger L. Boltz, a longtime UH optometry professor, has been recognized as Educator of the Year by the Texas Optometric Association for his commitment to advancing the profession and fostering academic excellence. He is also an associate dean at UH, overseeing finance and administration.
Research by Queensland University of Technology found that children who spend more time outdoors have slower eye growth and reduced myopia progression. The study recommends at least two hours of outdoor light exposure per day to help prevent myopia from developing and progressing.
New materials and technologies enable innovative applications for contact lenses, including slowing nearsightedness progression, drug delivery and disease monitoring. Researchers propose solutions to clinical challenges in these emerging areas, going beyond traditional vision correction.
A global study estimates that 101.2 million people suffer from moderate to severe visual impairment due to uncorrected refractive error (URE), while seven million are blind. The study, published in Optometry and Vision Science, suggests that providing access to affordable glasses could improve the burden of vision loss.
A study published in Optometry and Vision Science found that children with severe astigmatism can improve their reading fluency after wearing glasses, with effects most apparent among older children reading smaller text. The study supports the recommendation for full-time spectacle wear in astigmatic students.
Researchers studied eye structures in adults with varying vision prescriptions and age, finding significant differences. The study's results suggest that 'customized' intraocular lenses could improve accommodating IOLs' effectiveness in correcting presbyopia.
Pat Segu, a clinical associate professor at the University of Houston College of Optometry, received the prestigious Distinguished Service Award from the Vision Care Section of the American Public Health Association. Her work in establishing clinics, programs, and associations has improved access to eye care for underserved communities.
A study found that patients with glaucoma can adapt their visual scanning behavior to compensate for impaired vision and pass a standard driving test. By making more frequent head and eye movements, they can improve traffic safety and potentially be granted a driver's license in some countries.
A study published in Optometry and Vision Science found that patients with age-related macular degeneration can accurately complete touch screen tasks, but their performance is slowed due to difficulties exploring the interface. The research suggests adapting touch screen applications to aid individuals with AMD.
The September special issue of Optometry and Vision Science presents significant strides in managing patients with dry eye symptoms. Key findings include new treatments such as omega-3 supplements and heat therapy, as well as emerging approaches to diagnosis and management.
Earl L. Smith III, OD, was inducted into the National Optometry Hall of Fame for his long-lasting impact on the optometric profession through his academic and administrative work at UH College of Optometry. He has made significant contributions to vision science research and education.
A simple method tests visual acuity at lower light levels, providing reliable and repeatable measurements of twilight vision. The study's findings suggest that the light level itself is the major factor explaining the decrease in visual acuity.
A team of UH College of Optometry researchers aims to improve the vision of individuals with Down syndrome using computer-simulated prescribing strategies. The study, funded by the National Eye Institute, hopes to demonstrate improved visual acuity with new prescription methods that consider optical distortions in the eyes.
A study found that contact lens wearers who don't follow proper hygiene habits have increased bacterial contamination of their cases. Washing hands with soap, letting cases air-dry, and using matching disinfecting solutions from the same manufacturer are key steps to reducing contamination.
The National Expert Panel recommends annual vision health screening between age 36 months and before 72 months, with specific tests and training guidelines. The screenings aim to detect refractive errors, amblyopia, and strabismus, ensuring prompt diagnosis and referral to eye care professionals.
A research collaboration involving six universities worldwide aims to assess diabetic neuropathy using specialized eye tests. The project will pool data from over 600 patients worldwide to help answer key questions about the performance of these new eye tests.
A new study found that contact lens discomfort is associated with degradation of the lipid layer in the tear film. Applying a liposomal eyelid spray increased stability of the tear film and improved dry eye symptoms, suggesting potential benefits for patients with contact lens discomfort.
A study published in Optometry and Vision Science found that preschoolers' ability to change focus is lower than subjective tests suggest. The test results showed a significant difference between the objective and subjective measures of accommodation amplitude in young children, with the former being about half of the latter.
Wavefront analysis is being intensively studied as a new approach to measuring and correcting visual abnormalities. The technique, developed by astronomers, shows promise for assessing and treating higher-order visual aberrations in eyes.
Research suggests that individuals with higher levels of yellow pigment in the eye may be better able to see distant objects in hazy conditions. This is due to the yellow pigment filtering out short-wavelength light, also known as blue haze, and allowing for improved visibility.
The article discusses the need for practical models of low vision to predict real-world object visibility, as well as research on increasing reading accessibility through electronic readers. Dr. Legge's work emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between researchers, developers, and design professionals.
The NSU College of Optometry will conduct the Convergence Insufficiency Treatment Trial—Attention and Reading Trial (CITT-ART), a national multi-center clinical trial investigating the impact of convergence insufficiency on attention and reading performance in children. The study aims to develop new therapies for children with attentio...
The University of Houston is participating in a $7.5 million NIH clinical trial to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children using commercially available soft bifocal contact lenses. The study aims to determine whether these lenses can slow eye growth and subsequent myopia.
A new study reports that antimicrobial peptide-coated contact lenses are safe and effective in reducing the risk of contact lens-related infections. The study found no signs of toxic effects or adverse reactions, making melimine-coated lenses a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics.
A recent study published in Optometry and Vision Science reveals that nearly 40% of older adults experience color vision abnormalities. The most common type is the blue-yellow error, which can significantly impact daily functioning. Researchers attribute these changes to aging-related eye diseases and lens yellowing.
Researchers found that baseball players move their heads to track pitches, making only slight adjustments with their eyes until late in the pitch trajectory. This challenges the conventional wisdom that hitters focus primarily on the ball with their eyes.
A study published in Optometry and Vision Science reports a high rate of anisometropia in older adults, with 32% meeting the definition of differing prescription components. The prevalence of anisometropia increased significantly with age, particularly among those over 75 years old.
A recent study published in Optometry and Vision Science highlights the alarming increase in myopia incidence, primarily influenced by environmental factors. Multifocal contact lenses have shown promise in reducing myopia progression in children, with results persisting through at least two years.
A study found that motion-generated optic flow information compensates for the lack of image details and enables effective event perception. Participants correctly identified events in nearly 90% of attempts when viewing moving images, compared to less than 30% when viewing blurred static images.
Eye care professionals are adopting wavefront optics to correct subtle visual issues and monitor eye health. The technique, inspired by astronomy, offers new tools for assessing and correcting higher-order aberrations in the eye.
A study found that using well-designed tools to assess patient-reported outcomes can lead to new insights for improving cataract care. Patient-reported measures were affected by clinical measures such as visual acuity and ocular comorbidity, but also by factors related to better or worse patient-reported outcomes.
A study identifies three advanced optical measures that predict faster age-related declines in visual acuity, including wavefront error and lens clouding. These metrics may help detect patients at risk before their vision loss occurs.
A study by Dr. Susana T.L. Chung reveals that the visual system of older adults with central vision loss is still plastic and can be modified through experiences. Perceptual learning techniques targeting the preferred retinal location led to an average 50 percent increase in reading speed, improving daily functioning.
A study published in Optometry and Vision Science found that changing lens type or lens care product can bring relief to about half of patients experiencing discomfort with contact lenses. The study ranked different combinations, with one showing significant improvement in ocular comfort and symptoms.
A new study found that wearing OK contact lenses every night can restore age-related loss of near vision, allowing patients to read and perform up-close tasks without bifocals or reading glasses. The technique is safe and reversible, with the cornea returning to its previous shape after stopping lens wear.
Three University of Houston optometry educators, all UHCO graduates, received top honors from the Texas Optometric Association. Kevin Gee assumed TOA presidency, Nancy George received the William D. Pittman Leadership Award, and Pat Segu was awarded Educator of the Year.
Researchers found that OK lenses primarily reshape the front of the cornea to correct myopia. After a 14-day treatment period, the changes were significant and vision improved substantially.
A study published in Optometry and Vision Science found high rates of vision problems in both military and civilian patients with TBI, including difficulty reading and light sensitivity. Comprehensive eye examinations are recommended following even mild traumatic brain injury.