Enabling the Visually Impaired Problem Many eye diseases lead to loss of central vision and consequential error in recognizing objects necessary for daily tasks of living. Some of these eye diseases develop in association with the period of gestation. Once manifested, loss of vision may be progressive and difficult to reverse. Solution Ben Vision Research addresses the problem of rehabilitation from visual impairment by 3 strategies:  Research into biological variables for specific disorders  Better quantification of visual function  Enhanced visual displays

Visual Impairment: Presbyopia While not considered a form of blindness, presbyopia is the most common form of age- related visual impairment. e.g. If you are over 35 and cannot focus your cell phone. Uncorrected Presbyopia Corrected Presbyopia

Visual Impairment: Cataract Considered a form of surgically correctable and nutritionally preventable blindness, cataract is less common than presbyopia and usually occurs much later. The age at which surgical intervention is required for cataract varies significantly. Healthy people with low sun exposure and low exposure to toxins may not develop cataract until after age 70. If this eye had no sign of cataract the pupil would be much darker

Visual Impairment: Glaucoma Glaucoma has been called a “silent thief of sight” because central vision remains normal and many people do not notice the loss of peripheral vision. The normal visual field extends far beyond the edges of the magazine you read.

Visual Impairment: Retinal Changes The most common form of age-related loss of central retinal function is macular degeneration e.g. If your near vision remains poor despite an optometric examination. Its cause is mainly metabolic and its therapy can vary from nutrition to repeated intra-ocular injections. Healthy Retina Left Eye Macular Degeneration

References  Kim E, Ehrmann K, Uhlhorn S, Borja D, Arrieta- Quintero E, Parel JM. Semiautomated analysis of optical coherence tomography crystalline lens images under simulated accommodation. J Biomed Opt May; 16(5): Vision Cooperative Research Centre, Sydney 2052, Australia.  Li YJ, Xirasagar S, Pumkam C, Krishnaswamy M, Bennett CL. Vision insurance, eye care visits, and vision impairment among working-age adults in the United States. JAMA Ophthalmol April; 131(4): Department of Health Services Policy and Management, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, USA.