Ryan Boudwin was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a rare, genetic eye disease that leads to vision loss and blindness. The condition is only found in one of every 3,500 people. His vision isn't completely gone yet, but he is taking preemptive measures to prepare himself for living with blindness.Boudwin is learning Braille and how to walk with a white cane because he is no longer able to drive safely. He is staying optimistic, thankfully.
"Being blind is going to be inconvenient but it doesn't have to be a crippling disability that controls your life," Boudwin said.
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"New normal: losing your vision"
Improvisational musician, Matthew Whitaker, may be living with blindness; however, a neuroscientist has discovered that Whitaker's visual cortex goes into overdrive when he plays the piano. The prodigy jazz pianist has lived with blindness since the age of 11. Whitaker lost his vision due to retinopathy of prematurity, a disease that can lead to blindness.
Using Hershey's Kisses and poster board, Jake Schwartz asked his girlfriend to prom in Braille. Jake, a high school junior, made his proposal to Paige Drury in Braille; the two have been dating since the ninth grade. Paige is blind, so it was fitting for Schwartz to ask her to prom in Braille.
Did you know that Rare Disease Day is tomorrow, February 29, 2020. Naturally, many rare diseases that affect the eye can lead to blindness and vision loss. In honor of the observance, Prevent Blindness is offering free resources and fact sheets to help save sight from inflammatory eye diseases and conditions. The organization is focusing on two rare eye diseases: Uveitis and Keratitis.
A team of researchers from Queen Mary University of London found a new protein linked to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The findings could help with diagnosing and treating the disease. AMD impacts over 1.5 million people in the UK and is one of the leading causes of blindness globally.
A new study shows that visual rehabilitation is useful for patients who have suffered vision loss or blindness due to strokes or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Researchers at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine found the NeuroEyeCoach visual rehabilitation therapy improved vision in over 80 percent of patients who experienced a stroke or TBI.
Age-related macular degeneration affects 11 million people in the U.S., and it is one of the leading causes of blindness. However, new research suggests that zebrafish can help scientists cure blindness. The fish have the ability to regenerate their retinas, which could help researchers do the same for humans.
Patients with a rare inherited eye disorder that causes vision loss and blindness are being treated with a new form of gene therapy. Luxturna (voretigene neparvovec) is a drug from Novartis that carries a steep price—£600,000. However, NHS England has negotiated a lower price with the manufacturer.
Visually impaired men and women benefit from the assistance of sighted people. The Braille Association of Mid-Florida is assisting individuals in accessing novels in Braille, whether they live in Florida or Sweden. Volunteers associated with the Braille Association of Mid-Florida transcribe books, classroom handouts, and worksheets into Braille for the visually impaired.
Thyroid eye disease is a condition that can cause blindness. Inflammation in the back of the eye makes them bulge and may also squeeze the optic nerve, causing blindness, according to Dr. Raymond Douglas, a professor of surgery in the division of ophthalmology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
Zaheer Ahmad Zindani is an Afghan poet who was hit by a Taliban roadside bomb while riding in a bus when he was 17. His sister died as a result of her injuries; Zindani was left living in blindness. However, Zindani's mother was determined not to let blindness stand in the way of marriage. Her goal was not easy to accomplish.
Braille is essential to men and women living with vision loss or blindness. The raised dot allows people to read books and navigate through the world. In Canada, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is adding braille to ten transit locations closely spaced out as part of a new trial.
Did you know that diabetic retinopathy is a primary cause of blindness for people ages 20 to 65 in America? Doctors at the West Virginia Practice-Based Research Network's Sight Outreach Program are working hard to spread awareness about the condition and helping detect it in patients early.
Blindness did not stop Charles King from becoming the oldest blind powerlifter in the nation. In the wake of his blindness, King became very depressed and turned to drugs and alcohol to cope. His story isn't unique, but what King was able to accomplish is nothing short of remarkable. The VA helped him learn to cope, and he was able to put his life back together.
Sighted people are all too familiar with memes; the internet is littered with the viral posts. From funny to disturbing, memes connect us with one another in a myriad of ways. However, blind people are still not able to enjoy memes. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), for the 2.2 billion people worldwide who report visual impairments or blindness, memes are one of the thousands of images on the internet that are inaccessible.
Devices like iPads and smartphones are assisting millions of people who are living with vision loss. There exist free and paid mobile apps such as Aira and Microsoft's Seeing AI. These applications enable individuals with vision loss to navigate and identify various people and objects. Assistive technology is improving people's quality of life, quality at home and around town.
Scientists are using artificial intelligence with the hopes of being able to assist doctors in choosing the ideal treatment for patients with vision loss, specifically individuals who have diabetic macular edema. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of vision loss among adults in the United States and beyond. The researchers are using AI to analyze retinal images.
Most people cannot imagine what it’s like to play a sport with vision loss or blindness, but thousands of individuals manage remarkable feats on the field or ice. Playing sports while living with blindness takes dedication and determination.
Blindness is an obstacle to be sure, but it does not have to stop people from achieving remarkable feats. Fifteen-year-old Rylea Fields may have accomplished more than much older people. Fields was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa. Even though she has lost her vision, she is a cheerleader and a gymnast. What's more, she helps other young people who are living with disabilities.
Flu vaccinations can stave off blindness. A four-year-old girl in Iowa lost her vision recently after contracting the flu. Jade DeLucia contracted the flu a few days before Christmas and spent nearly two weeks in the intensive care unit. The young girl almost died, so her parents now have a message they would like to share with the world. The message is: Get your children vaccinated.
Two blind women living with blindness provide computer training and job services to people with disabilities at a nonprofit called Donka. Ann Byrne and Kimberly Delaney in the suburbs of Chicago are helping others succeed. Byrne lost her vision from congenital glaucoma. Delaney lost all vision in one eye from injuries sustained during a Vietnam War massacre; she went completely blind because of leukemia, which may be the result of Agent Orange exposure.
Blind and visually impaired people benefit from community support. Those who are living with eye diseases and conditions in the Cedar Rapids, Iowa, now have support groups. Such residents living in the area can join the Blindness Support Group and meet once a month to learn how to overcome barriers specific to their disability.
Animals are susceptible to vision problems, just like humans. A gorilla named Leslie residing at the San Diego Zoo recently underwent cataract surgery. The three-year-old gorilla is the first at the zoo ever to receive lens replacement surgery. The procedure was conducted by a University of California at San Diego surgical team.
On top of Glaucoma Awareness Month, January is also Braille Literacy Month. We celebrate and honor the birthday of Louis Braille, who was born on January 4th, 1809, this month. January 4th was also National World Braille Day. Louis Braille was twelve years old when he discovered the braille code. In the 21st Century, new technology has allowed Braille to be more accessible for people living with blindness.
Low vision is any deterioration in one's sight that cannot be corrected by glasses or surgery. While the company EnChroma is known for its smart glasses for color blindness, they just released a new line for people living with low vision. The EnChroma® Lx Series will also assist people with age-related eye conditions.
Even though millions of Americans have glaucoma, a condition that damages the optic nerve, most people are not aware they have the eye disease. It's no wonder that people often refer to the condition as the "sneak thief of sight." During National Glaucoma Awareness Month, it's vital to teach the general public about this disorder.
Glaucoma or the "sneak thief of sight" impacts more than 3.2 million Americans age 40 and over, according to estimates from the Prevent Blindness report, "Future of Vision: Forecasting the Prevalence and Costs of Vision Problems." Naturally, the number of people who will be affected will steadily increase in the years to come. January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month. This month, Prevent Blindness wants to educate the public about glaucoma and its risk factors. The organization also would like to share treatment options.
The Library of Congress, the most important library in the U.S., announced a significant endowment in support of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS). It will allow the library to increase its resources and services for the blind and visually impaired.
In January, a legally blind artist’s works will be on display at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts. This will be the first time that Therese Verner will show her art in San Diego. Verner has myopic macular degeneration in her right eye and glaucoma. Despite being legally blind, she was able to teach herself how to paint.
New Year’s Eve is just around the corner, which means that countless bottles of champagne will be opened around the world. We hope that you understand the dangers that corks can pose to your eyes. Always point the champagne bottle away from your face when opening. A champagne cork travels at around 50 mph and can shatter glass. If it hits you in the eye, it can cause abrasion, intraocular bleeding, cataract, glaucoma, and retinal detachment, which can lead to blindness.
If you watch the Today show, then you are familiar with the anchor Savannah Guthrie. You might be aware that she recently experienced severe eye trauma. Her retina was damaged when her 3-year-old son Charley stabbed her in the eye with a toy train.
Braille allows people living with vision loss and blindness to gain knowledge through reading. What many people who rely on Braille do not know is that prisoners in Arizona make many of the books available. The Foundation for Blind Children’s Prison Braille Program involves inmates who transcribe books into Braille.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four adults or 61 million people in the United States are living with a disability. In October, Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) joined the country in celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). The NNSY hosted two events that focused on “invisible disabilities” such as vision loss and blindness.
The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital (RVEEH) warns about a link between tattoos and a severe eye condition that can lead to vision loss. Uveitis affects the inner structures of the eye; it can cause pain, redness, and blurry vision. Associate Professor Lyndell Lim says:
Marvel's Heroes Project's "Unstoppable Adonis" is a comic book about a young high school football running back named Adonis. The young athlete is entirely blind; and, the comic book is fittingly available in Braille.
Carl Soderberg plays for the Arizona Coyotes of the National Hockey League. What makes Soderberg unique is that he's legally blind in his left eye. His vision was compromised in 2006 when an opponent's stick hit his eye and detached his retina leaving him living with blindness.
Visually impaired students may soon benefit from a Braille daily schedule. It was created by the 3D Tech Doves, an all-girls team from Christine Donnell School of the Arts, by using 3D printed plastic letters and number tiles. They call their invention the Teacher Classroom Kit. It’s "usable to visually impaired students so they can be more independent," Amber McVey, the girls mentor said.
In November, a British Olympic field hockey hopeful sustained a significant injury when he was hit in the face by a ball. The damage resulted in vision loss in his left eye. After surgery and seeing eye specialists, Sam Ward is committed to playing for his country in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Onchocerciasis is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) caused by the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus. It is transmitted through bites by blackflies and it is common in Africa. The worm attacks the eyes and causes visual impairment or blindness. The World Health Organization (WHO) would like to eradicate this preventable and treatable condition by 2030.
Low vision is defined as significant visual impairment that can't be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, medication, or eye surgery. However, technology is allowing people living with visual impairments, IrisVision utilizes a virtual reality headset and smartphone to helps users living with low vision see things better.
Over-the-counter niacin or Vitamin B3 can cause vision loss if it is taken in high doses. Researchers at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai (NYEE) found that Vitamin B3 can result in a rare toxic reaction known as niacin-induced cystoid maculopathy (a type of retinal swelling). Findings published in the fall issue of the Journal of VitreoRetinal Diseases suggest that discontinuing use can reverse the effects of retinal swelling.
If left untreated, dry eye symptoms can result in damage to the cornea and lead to vision loss and blindness for you or a loved one. The Mayo Clinic states that dry eyes are caused by either too little tear production or an increase in tear evaporation. A myriad of causes can lead to dry eyes: lupus, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis, and prescription drugs. Fortunately, specific lifestyle changes and prescription eye drops can counter dryness and prevent permanent damage to the eyes that can cause blindness.
Scientists from Singapore and the United States have discovered new evidence that there is a link between degeneration of the eye and brain. The researchers found that genetic variation at a beta-amyloid gene was significantly associated with increased risk of Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG), a form of irreversible blindness worldwide. Moreover, the study confirmed a hypothesis that glaucoma may not just be an eye disease, but that it is linked to degeneration of the brain as well.
Diabetes is one of the leading causes of eye disease in the United States. During Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month it is vital to inform the public about diabetes and vision loss, as well as the risk factors and treatment options. For more information on diabetic eye diseases, you can look at the “Diabetes and the Eyes” educational 
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) causes loss of central vision in the retina. AMD is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States. Fortunately, researchers from Yale, MIT, and Harvard have discovered the cellular culprits of this incurable eye disease. The findings could lead to more permanent therapeutics for macular degeneration patients. The research was published in Nature Communications.
A team of researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine combined high-resolution eye scans and genetic tests to identify three genes involved in the complement immune pathway that is linked to more rapid degeneration of nervous tissue in the eye and loss of sight. Mutations in genes are associated with a higher likelihood of more severe forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) and are linked to faster vision loss.
New research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, conducted by researchers from Baylor College of Medicine and UT Health's McGovern Medical School, highlights the development and application of new imaging methods for viewing retinal cells. The research teams were interested in retinal cilia, hair-like fibers that work as light. Higher-resolution viewing techniques allow scientists to see the internal structure of healthy and diseased retinal cilia.
The Plusoptix is a noninvasive vision screener that can check young people's eyes for refractive errors and eye misalignment in just under a minute. If further review is necessary, the device will instruct the subject to see an eye doctor. Last year, the tool helped detect blindness in the left eye of a first-grader named Elliott Wasem. An eye doctor discovered that Elliot has optic nerve edema: a leaky blood vessel causing swelling and blindness.
Vision is a precious gift that too many of us take for granted. There are several things we can do differently to protect against blindness, including prioritizing a healthy diet, exercise, and avoiding alcohol and smoking. The five most common causes of blindness are diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, and eye injury or trauma.
In the United States, the lives of more than 18 million adults are impacted by sleep apnea. Scientists had already linked the sleep condition to several health problems, but researchers now associate the disorder with blindness. Severe sleep apnea could heighten people's risk of diabetic macular edema: a disease that causes vision loss or blindness.