From 9-11 October, people in Rome had the opportunity to undergo free eye examinations on board Mobile Ophthalmology Units. These are hi-tech camper vans, equipped for eye examinations. This initiative was promoted by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness-IAPB Italy.

On the occasion of World Sight Day a broader prevention campaign also started, allowing anyone who has never undergone a free eye examination to book one without charge in the participating eye care offices. The initiative has been made possible thanks to the close collaboration between IAPB Italy, the Italian Society of Ophthalmology (SOI) and the non-profit Foundation “Insieme per la Vista”.

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Irritations of the eyes and the respiratory tract, allergies and even legionella infections. These are the possible risks of an air conditioning system that is insufficiently maintained. “Health risks, which could also be serious, may be present inside your house, office, or car”: writes the Italian National Institute of National Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità) in its summer 2018 newsletter.

Among other things, Gaetano Settimo (an expert of the Health and Environment Department of the Institute) recommends cleaning the filters at least once a year:

The correct use of natural or mechanical aeration systems is very important, as well as cooling and ventilating indoor environments with a regular air exchange. These activities depend on the size of the premises, their degree of isolation from outside, the type of activities that are carried out, any overcrowding that occurs during the day, the type of cooling system installed and the level and quality of maintenance. […] Conditioners in poor maintenance can become a significant source of pollution both from a chemical and biological point of view. […] It is necessary that a technician performs the maintenance of the air conditioning systems with the cleaning of the filters, at least once a year.

As regards to the temperature, it would be better to adjust the air conditioning between 24-25° C or 26-27° C and use dehumidifiers. The use of cooling fans, however, is not recommended above 32° C by the Ministry of Health (‘Estate Sicura Campaign 2018’ and in its accompanying bulletins on heat waves in Italy).

Sources: ALLISS (Istituto Superiore di Sanità), Ministero della Salute

There are two natural substances that help to keep the retina in good health: lutein and zeaxanthin, two carotenoids which are known for their protective effects on the macula. About this topic, an in-vivo study has been carried out on Nutrients: according to the authors, it demonstrates “their importance for eye health and preventing diseases such as age-related macular degeneration”. In fact, these molecules are good for our neurons, including those that are photosensitive.

The research – which was carried out at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and the University of Georgia by means of M.R.I. scans – aims to better understand the mechanisms by which lutein and zeaxanthin act on the elderly, particularly on the processing of visual-spatial information.

THE RESULTS

The study demonstrated that neural efficiency in key areas of the cerebral cortex responsible for visual-spatial processing improves proportionally to the concentration of lutein and zeaxanthin. Functional M.R.I. scans showed that in this instance (in the case of higher concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin), lower oxygen levels were needed, that is to say that the same areas of the cerebral cortex consumed less energy.

Therefore they act not only directly on the retina, but also on the cortex. According to the study, which involved 51 people aged 72 years old on average, lutein and zeaxanthin “may impact brain health and cognition in older adults by enhancing neurobiological efficiency in a variety of regions that support visual perception and decision-making.”

In order to establish this relationship, researchers initially assessed the concentration of lutein and zeaxanthin in blood serum and in the retina, “which is strongly correlated to the daily consumption of foods rich in these nutrients.”

FOOD THAT MAY PROTECT OUR MACULA

As we know, it is important to have a rich and varied diet. In particular, we know that green leafy vegetables – such as spinach and cabbage – are a good natural source both of lutein and zeaxanthin. The latter is also contained in yellow and orange peppers, as well as in peaches, while lutein is found, for instance, in egg yolks. Therefore a key aspect to improving our lifestyle is eating healthy food. At eye health level, we also know that, besides the aforementioned food products, for example fish, blueberries, carrots, walnuts and almonds are particularly good for us.

Sources: Nutrients, Insiemeperlavista

Even the best universities in the world can confirm a mother’s common sense advice. Spending plenty of time outdoors is good for the eyes too: children who grow up in natural light are less likely to become myopic. This is what the University of Cambridge affirms, after analysing the data from eight previous studies (involving 10,400 children and adolescents).

When research sheds new light

The British researchers concluded, on Ophthalmology, that myopia can, at least in part, be prevented with “adequate” exposure to sunlight: for every extra hour spent outdoor every week, the probability of being affected by short-sightedness is reduced by approximately 2%. Myopic children spend on average around two hours and 45 minutes outdoors every week, which is evidently not considered enough. However, other studies claim that 40 minutes of exposure to natural light every day, whilst doing physical activity, are sufficient (learn more).[[The average age was 6.6 years old. The three-year cumulative incidence rate of myopia was 30.4% in the group which led a healthier lifestyle, compared to 39.5% of the control group. After three years the value remained significantly lower in the aforementioned group.]]

The University of Sydney, Australia, had come to a similar conclusion (learn more). However, further studies are required to understand which factors are more relevant between training the eyes to see from a distance, doing physical exercise and benefiting from exposure to natural light.

Main sources: Ophthalmology, AAO, Bbc

Page published 25 October 2011. Last updated: 10 October 2018

Ophthalmology is at the forefront of gene therapies. This is confirmed by a study conducted at Columbia University (U.S.A.): a pioneering treatment for retinitis pigmentosa has just been described in the online version of Ophthalmology, the journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Even if tested only on lab rats, the CRISPR correction technique – which allows an automatic replacement of faulty DNA sequences – according to the researchers “can restore retinal function” or at least slow down the degeneration of nerve cells.

To get a better idea of how it works, it’s as if a word typed incorrectly was replaced throughout a text with the correct word through the tool “find and replace”. However, there is also the potential risk that genetic sequences, which do not cause retinal pathology could modified; therefore the side effects of CRISPR will have to be further evaluated. The same genetic therapeutic strategy can be used for hundreds of other pathologies (such as Huntington’s disease, Marfan syndrome, corneal dystrophy).

The American Academy of Ophthalmology write:

Retinitis pigmentosa is a group of rare inherited genetic disorders caused by one of more than 70 genes. It involves the breakdown and loss of cells in the retina, the light sensitive tissue that lines the back of the eye. It typically strikes in childhood and progresses slowly, affecting peripheral vision and the ability to see at night. Most will lose much of their sight by early adulthood and become legally blind by age 40. There is no cure. It is estimated to affect roughly 1 in 4,000 people worldwide.

At Columbia University researchers are studying how to treat the autosomal dominant form of retinitis pigmentosa. It is believed that different types of genetic mutation can lead to the same ocular pathology. For instance, any mutation of the rhodopsin gene (an indispensable molecule for the correct functioning of the retina) can cause retinitis pigmentosa). Using two guide RNAs instead of just one increased the probability of replacing defective genes from 30 to 90 percent, always using the flu virus (adenovirus) preventively rendered harmless. The results were then evaluated with an electroretinogram, which can be considered the analogue of a retinal “electrocardiogram”.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology explain:

Previous CRISPR studies for retinal diseases have relied on a less objective measure that involves evaluating how often the mouse turns its head in the direction of a light source. Dr. Stephen H. Tsang used electroretinography to show that retinal degeneration slowed in treated eyes compared with untreated eyes.

Sources: AAO, Ophthalmology

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