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Have you ever wondered what happens to the visual system as we age? What does the term "second sight" mean? What is presbyopia? What are the eyes more susceptible to as the aging process occurs? What can be done to prevent certain aging factors of the eye? The answer lies in a theory known as apoptosis (no that's not the name of the latest pop artist).

Apoptosis is the pre-programmed life of every cell in our body. Most studies show that it's a function of our programmed DNA. It's the ability for cells to survive and thrive in the anatomical environment. The body's ability to withstand and thrive during the aging process depends on proper nutrition, good mental health, exercise, and adequate oxygen supply. That's why studies have shown smoking can shorten your life by a decade or more.

In regards to aging and the eye, there is a phenomina during the 6th to 7th decade of life called "second sight". This is simply progressive nearsightedness in older adults secondary to cataracts. Close to 50% of the population over 60 years old has cataracts. Cataracts are a clouding of the natural lens of the eye that can impair vision causing glare and loss of detail. When patients experience second  sight, it is sometimes quite convenient for them: they see up close without their reading glasses they have been depended on since their 40s.

Another aspect of the aging process is loosing your reading vision you had all your life. This is called Presbyopia. Presbyopia is a Latin term which means "old eyes."

What happens in Presbyopia?

Before our mid-forties, the natural lens of the eye is very pliable and can easily focus on items up close. But in our mid forties, the lens tends to lose it's elasticity. While experiencing presbyopia, you generally hold reading material farther away to see it more clearly. Presbyopia can be managed through Bifocal or multifocal  glasses or contact lenses, and some surgeries.

As aging occurs, the eyes are more susceptible to cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration and vascular disorders of the eye as well as dry eye syndrome.

To help prevent and manage these conditions, there are a variety of options.

1. Maintaining yearly dilated eye exams for preventative care.
2. Protect your eyes against the sun with UV sunglasses.
3. Take antioxidant vitamins to help bolster the protection of the macula of the retina.
4. Use artificial tears to hydrate the eye and keep your body hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
5. Keep emotional, physical, and mental stress to a minimum.

Being Educated on how we age is the first advancement of good ocular health and diminishing the chances of early apoptosis.

The content of this blog cannot be reproduced or duplicated without the express written consent of EYEiQ.

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Who can forget the news of the capturing of Osama Bin Laden by our US Special forces? An interesting fact was that the Navy Seal unit that made the capture attributes much of their military success to NVGs (night vision goggles). The capture of Bin Laden, along with numerous captures of Al-Qaeda members in Desert Storm, came from night vision capabilities that were provided by this ocular technology.

The top of the line NVG has a sophisticated four tube version of an earlier model, and costs upwards of $60,000 to $65,000 per pair. They have superb capabilities to see into enemy lines for our military.

So what exactly are NVGs and what is the technology behind them? What other visual expectations do our military troops use to give us the edge in a battle?

Expertly made night vision goggles can spot a target close to 200 years away. NVG use infrared and thermal detection technology to capture the image in the darkest of circumstances. The electronic information that comes from the NVG has no color. but in order for our eyes to see it, a green picture is emitted from the screen.

What exactly do you have to be able to see to enter the military as a pilot of a plane or helicopter? To understand this, it helps to understand the difference between corrected and uncorrected vision. 20/20 vision is the ability to achieve "Normal" vision.

In other words, the patient sees the same line of letters at 20 feet that a normal person sees at 20 feet. A patient with 20/15 vision can see objects at 20 feet that a person with 20/20 vision can only see at 15 feet. Corrected vision means you can achieve 20/20 vision with glasses or contacts. Uncorrected vision is your vision without glasses or contacts.

Here are the military requirements listed by branches of the military:

Army: 20/50 uncorrected (correctable to 20/20)

Air Force: 20/70 uncorrected (correctable to 20/20)

Navy and Marine Corps: 20/40 uncorrected (correctable to 20/20)

Pilots must pass a color vision test and have normal depth perception or 3-D vision.In regards to Laser Vision Correction (LASIK), since 2007 it has no longer become a deterrent to entering the military as a pilot, as the restriction has been lifted for potential pilots.

With the knowledge of ophthalmic technology, and the requirements to achieve optical clarity for the military, its no wonder they have the cutting edge in most wars and battles. So whether you use NVG for hunting, military use, or just recreational activity, its helpful to know and understand the “why” behind the know how, and be able to appreciate the capabilities of night vision goggles.

Exciting headline news comes understanding the technology behind the capture of Bin Laden! 

The content of this blog cannot be reproduced or duplicated without the express written consent of EYEiQ

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