Two Interesting Articles on Low Vision

The following two articles were reported in AOA First Look the on line newsletter of the American Optometric Association and may be of interest to low vision patients and vision care providers working with low vision patients. Unfortunately, if you click on the link to the Tri-County Times there is a charge to read the entire article. There is no charge to read the LA Times article.

Low vision is AOA-recognized specialty, article explains.

Michigan's Tri-County Times (2/10, Rummel) reported, "Low vision has been defined as a visual impairment not correct-able by standard glasses, contact lenses, or magnified, tinted lenses," and may be caused by "conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma," inoperable cataracts, "or diabetic-related eye problems," or even "retinal detachment, optic neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, corneal disease, stroke, and some genetic conditions." Low vision is also "a recognized specialty by the American Optometric Association within the optometry, ophthalmology, and optical professions." Optometrist Shelton Smith, O.D., who has "a subspecialty in low vision," explained that his "role is to maximize the functional level of a patient's vision with the use of rehabilitative devices." He pointed out, "The more usable vision a person has, the greater number and more demanding visual activities are possible." Many people who could benefit from low-vision services, however, do not know about them, he added.

General Medical News

Vigorous exercise may help prevent AMD, cataracts, studies suggest.

Writing in the Los Angeles Times (2/10) Booster Shots blog, Jeannine Stein observed that, according to two studies published in the Jan. issue of Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, "vigorous exercise...may help prevent age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts." Both "studies looked at data from almost eight years of follow-up from the National Runners' Health Study. In one, 110 men and 42 women received a clinical diagnosis of" AMD "during the follow-up." But, "running an average of two to four kilometers a day reduced the risk by 19 percent, and running more than four kilometers per day reduced the risk by 42...to 54 percent, compared with those who ran less than two kilometers a day." The second study found that men who "ran 64 or more kilometers a week had a 35 percent lower cataract risk than those who ran less than 16 kilometers per week," and "those with better cardiovascular fitness were also at less risk than men who were less fit."