Eye Advisory http://eyeadvisory.com Wed, 02 May 2012 14:34:09 +0000 en hourly 1 From the Minds of Babes http://eyeadvisory.com/2012/05/from-the-minds-of-babes/ http://eyeadvisory.com/2012/05/from-the-minds-of-babes/#comments Wed, 02 May 2012 14:32:17 +0000 Laura http://eyeadvisory.com/?p=1489 Dr. Spelke, a Harvard cognitive psychologist, uses gaze patterns in infants in order to understand the infants mind. She can tell when the child looks at an object, what presumptions and expectations are taking place. She believes that early learning patterns lead to personality development and ability to think rationally later in life. We all know that children’s minds are plastic. Now we have a spokesperson who is helping to identify the mechanism of development of consciousness. Click the picture to link to the New York Times article.]]> Dr. Spelke, a Harvard cognitive psychologist, uses gaze patterns in infants in order to understand the infants mind. She can tell when the child looks at an object, what presumptions and expectations are taking place. She believes that early learning patterns lead to personality development and ability to think rationally later in life. We all know that children’s minds are plastic. Now we have a spokesperson who is helping to identify the mechanism of development of consciousness. Click the picture to link to the New York Times article.

]]> http://eyeadvisory.com/2012/05/from-the-minds-of-babes/feed/ 0 What Is A Clinical Trial? http://eyeadvisory.com/2012/03/what-is-a-clinical-trial/ http://eyeadvisory.com/2012/03/what-is-a-clinical-trial/#comments Tue, 27 Mar 2012 21:33:27 +0000 Laura http://eyeadvisory.com/?p=1486 Clinical trials are research studies where patients help doctors find ways to improve health. Each study tries to answer a specific scientific. There are four types of trials: treatment, which involve new medications, therapies and approaches; prevention, which tests drugs or supplements believed to lower risk; screening, which tests the best way to uncover a disease; and quality of life trials, which explore ways to improve comfort. Most clinical trials are classified into one of three phases. Phase I is a small study that looks at how a new drug should be given, how often and at what dose. Phase II trials evaluate how well the drug works. Phase III trials tests a new therapy, drug or procedure in comparison to the current standard. This is the largest trial. Check out the link to the full article in the News Journal. ]]> Clinical trials are research studies where patients help doctors find ways to improve health. Each study tries to answer a specific scientific. There are four types of trials: treatment, which involve new medications, therapies and approaches; prevention, which tests drugs or supplements believed to lower risk; screening, which tests the best way to uncover a disease; and quality of life trials, which explore ways to improve comfort.

Most clinical trials are classified into one of three phases. Phase I is a small study that looks at how a new drug should be given, how often and at what dose. Phase II trials evaluate how well the drug works. Phase III trials tests a new therapy, drug or procedure in comparison to the current standard. This is the largest trial. Check out the link to the full article in the News Journal.

]]> http://eyeadvisory.com/2012/03/what-is-a-clinical-trial/feed/ 0 Blurred Vision Up In The Air http://eyeadvisory.com/2012/03/blurred-vision-up-in-the-air/ http://eyeadvisory.com/2012/03/blurred-vision-up-in-the-air/#comments Tue, 27 Mar 2012 19:43:16 +0000 Laura http://eyeadvisory.com/?p=1480 You may not have realized that altitudes may change your vision. This happens to mountain climbers, astronauts and people who have had certain eye surgeries. It occurs because the eye is really a bag of water with two lenses (cornea and crystalline lens) which focuses the light. So being under pressure changes in the air pressure around us may change the shape of our eyes.]]> You may not have realized that altitudes may change your vision. This happens to mountain climbers, astronauts and people who have had certain eye surgeries. It occurs because the eye is really a bag of water with two lenses (cornea and crystalline lens) which focuses the light.

So being under pressure changes in the air pressure around us may change the shape of our eyes.

Dr Kramer and colleagues at the University of Texas in Houston reported that astronauts are experiencing “squashes eyeball” in space. His article in Radiology demonstrated this effect with MRIs. But this effect can occur in lesser amounts with climbing, skiing, and long plane rides. It may occur even in subterranean experiences such as deep sea diving, cave exploration or dwelling underground for prolonged periods of time.

I suspect that this is reversible since most of us have never noticed this and patients with previous Radial Keratotomy have returned to baseline vision after mountain climbing. Since the eyes are so intrinsicly valuable in all our endeavors it behooves us to be aware of this subtle (for most of us) phenomena.

]]> http://eyeadvisory.com/2012/03/blurred-vision-up-in-the-air/feed/ 0 Drugs and Drinks Can Cloud Your Brain http://eyeadvisory.com/2012/03/drugs-and-drinks-can-cloud-your-brain/ http://eyeadvisory.com/2012/03/drugs-and-drinks-can-cloud-your-brain/#comments Sun, 04 Mar 2012 16:16:01 +0000 Laura http://eyeadvisory.com/?p=1476 British researchers reported in July of 2011 that a number of common medications may affect memory and mood. Dr. Chris Fox has reported that drugs that block the action of an important neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, will affect a range of bodily functions, including memory. These anticholenergic-type drugs include the heart drug digoxin, the blood thinner warfarin, codeine, and predisone. The most severe effects can be seen with Paxil, Benedril, Oxybutynin (for overactive bladder), and Clozapine (for Schizophrenia). A number of over the counter medications for allergy, antihistamines, and Tylenol PM has anticholenergic effects. Many seniors are concerned that they may be developing cognitive loss and dementia, when it very well may be reversibly attributed to their daily medications. So it’s important to review your medications periodically and tell you physician about drugs prescribed by other doctors. Lastly, ask your pharmacist to determine if any of your medications contain anticholinergic activity. ]]> British researchers reported in July of 2011 that a number of common medications may affect memory and mood. Dr. Chris Fox has reported that drugs that block the action of an important neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, will affect a range of bodily functions, including memory.
These anticholenergic-type drugs include the heart drug digoxin, the blood thinner warfarin, codeine, and predisone. The most severe effects can be seen with Paxil, Benedril, Oxybutynin (for overactive bladder), and Clozapine (for Schizophrenia). A number of over the counter medications for allergy, antihistamines, and Tylenol PM has anticholenergic effects.
Many seniors are concerned that they may be developing cognitive loss and dementia, when it very well may be reversibly attributed to their daily medications. So it’s important to review your medications periodically and tell you physician about drugs prescribed by other doctors. Lastly, ask your pharmacist to determine if any of your medications contain anticholinergic activity.
Additionally, diet soft drinks, according to the Journal of General Internal Medicine, may increase the risk for stroke, heart attack, and death. The reasons for the association are unclear, as to whether it is the artificial sweetener, missing minerals, or associated lifestyle patterns.

]]> http://eyeadvisory.com/2012/03/drugs-and-drinks-can-cloud-your-brain/feed/ 0 Vitamin A, Omega-3 and Lutein: Powerhouse Nutrients http://eyeadvisory.com/2012/02/vitamin-a-omega-3-and-lutein-powerhouse-nutrients/ http://eyeadvisory.com/2012/02/vitamin-a-omega-3-and-lutein-powerhouse-nutrients/#comments Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:43:47 +0000 Laura http://eyeadvisory.com/?p=1473 According to the January 24, 2012 Issue of the Neurology Journal, researchers found that certain vitamins and omega-3 levels are correlated to healthier cognitive function. Researchers measured blood levels in 104 men and women, whose average age was 87. After controlling for age, sex and many other factors, the scientist discovered that the people with the highest levels of the four vitamins, vitamin B, C, D and E, had larger brain volume, and scored highest on the cognitive tests. Also, higher omega-3 levels correlated to better cognitive functioning and improved blood vessels in brain, but not to higher brain volume. Impaired mental ability and smaller brain volume in turn was linked to high levels of trans fats. The lead scientist, Gene Bowman, could not prove that taking supplements of these vitamins can cure dementia, but what is the harm in healthy eating?]]> According to the January 24, 2012 Issue of the Neurology Journal, researchers found that certain vitamins and omega-3 levels are correlated to healthier cognitive function. Researchers measured blood levels in 104 men and women, whose average age was 87. After controlling for age, sex and many other factors, the scientist discovered that the people with the highest levels of the four vitamins, vitamin B, C, D and E, had larger brain volume, and scored highest on the cognitive tests. Also, higher omega-3 levels correlated to better cognitive functioning and improved blood vessels in brain, but not to higher brain volume. Impaired mental ability and smaller brain volume in turn was linked to high levels of trans fats. The lead scientist, Gene Bowman, could not prove that taking supplements of these vitamins can cure dementia, but what is the harm in healthy eating?

]]> http://eyeadvisory.com/2012/02/vitamin-a-omega-3-and-lutein-powerhouse-nutrients/feed/ 0 The Eye as an Indicator of Health http://eyeadvisory.com/2012/02/the-eye-as-an-indicator-of-health/ http://eyeadvisory.com/2012/02/the-eye-as-an-indicator-of-health/#comments Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:01:48 +0000 Laura http://eyeadvisory.com/?p=1468 With aging of the eye, there is a reduction of light going into the eye. With this reduction, there is less light going to the pineal gland, which alters the normal circadian rhythm of the body. The circadian rhythm controls hormone production, especially cortisol, blood pressure, and the sleep cycle. The loss of normal control in these areas brings significant health risks, including heart disease and diabetes. ]]> With aging of the eye, there is a reduction of light going into the eye. With this reduction, there is less light going to the pineal gland, which alters the normal circadian rhythm of the body. The circadian rhythm controls hormone production, especially cortisol, blood pressure, and the sleep cycle. The loss of normal control in these areas brings significant health risks, including heart disease and diabetes.

Needless to say, the eye is the conduit of light images into the brain. The following are normal consequences of ocular aging:

• Narrowing of the pupil
• Yellowing of the crystalline lens (cataract)
• Drooping of the lid
• Reduction in the number of healthy receptors in the retina

Living in Northern climates can further aggravate the situation, where there are many months of restricted daylight. So, we need to get out and walk everyday, try to get a normal amount of sleep, and have periodic eye and physical examinations.

]]> http://eyeadvisory.com/2012/02/the-eye-as-an-indicator-of-health/feed/ 0 Dr. A’s New Thriller “Last Sighting” Available on Amazon! http://eyeadvisory.com/2012/02/dr-as-new-thriller-last-sighting-available-on-amazon/ http://eyeadvisory.com/2012/02/dr-as-new-thriller-last-sighting-available-on-amazon/#comments Sun, 19 Feb 2012 20:12:17 +0000 admin http://eyeadvisory.com/?p=1461 ]]> ]]> http://eyeadvisory.com/2012/02/dr-as-new-thriller-last-sighting-available-on-amazon/feed/ 0 Last Sighting http://eyeadvisory.com/2012/02/last-sighting/ http://eyeadvisory.com/2012/02/last-sighting/#comments Sun, 19 Feb 2012 19:08:18 +0000 admin http://eyeadvisory.com/?p=1441
Last Sighting
By Robert Abel, Jr. M.D.
Dr. Lauren Chandler while researching the visual pathways into the brain has discovered the last person you see before you die. This becomes especially important when tracking down assassins. Therefore the National Security Agency abruptly confiscates her research device after a wave of terror attacks strike in the heart of America. She finds herself in the path of a ruthless multinational organization that pledges revenge for the demise of the publishing industry. The plot takes from New York, Nevada, Israel, Yemen and Bonaire with breathtaking speed featuring seduction, double crosses and treachery. Available Here
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Last Sighting
By Robert Abel, Jr. M.D.

Dr. Lauren Chandler while researching the visual pathways into the brain has discovered the last person you see before you die. This becomes especially important when tracking down assassins. Therefore the National Security Agency abruptly confiscates her research device after a wave of terror attacks strike in the heart of America. She finds herself in the path of a ruthless multinational organization that pledges revenge for the demise of the publishing industry. The plot takes from New York, Nevada, Israel, Yemen and Bonaire with breathtaking speed featuring seduction, double crosses and treachery.

Available Here

]]> http://eyeadvisory.com/2012/02/last-sighting/feed/ 0 Dr.A’s Article: The Eye of the Storm http://eyeadvisory.com/2012/01/dr-as-article-the-eye-of-the-storm/ http://eyeadvisory.com/2012/01/dr-as-article-the-eye-of-the-storm/#comments Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:09:40 +0000 Laura http://eyeadvisory.com/?p=1437 See my letter called "Eye of the Storm", under the Letter heading, appearing in the Wesleyan University Magazine. I share some of the latest ophthalmic research that may shed new light on Alzheimer's disease and make for a more rapid diagnosis. ]]> See my letter called “Eye of the Storm”, under the Letter heading, appearing in the Wesleyan University Magazine. I share some of the latest ophthalmic research that may shed new light on Alzheimer’s disease and make for a more rapid diagnosis.

]]> http://eyeadvisory.com/2012/01/dr-as-article-the-eye-of-the-storm/feed/ 0 The Future of Macular Degeneration is Here http://eyeadvisory.com/2012/01/the-future-of-macular-degeneration-is-here/ http://eyeadvisory.com/2012/01/the-future-of-macular-degeneration-is-here/#comments Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:49:59 +0000 Laura http://eyeadvisory.com/?p=1434 Preliminary studies have demonstrated improved vision in patients with dry macular degeneration. Some patients improved from seeing hand motion only, to seeing the big “E” on the eye chart. This means that with telescopic and magnification lenses, people can return to enjoying their usual activities in life. It is anticipated with further resolution of the stem cell technique, that there will be even better results. ]]> Preliminary studies have demonstrated improved vision in patients with dry macular degeneration. Some patients improved from seeing hand motion only, to seeing the big “E” on the eye chart. This means that with telescopic and magnification lenses, people can return to enjoying their usual activities in life. It is anticipated with further resolution of the stem cell technique, that there will be even better results.

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