It is my hope that this system, or something like it, becomes a huge success. I know that people who suffer from Down syndrome do not like to feel dependent on others. With these new glasses, patients can have a sense of independence, and they can begin to live their lives on their own terms. I wish more research was done in this population of people to help them live more fulfilling lives.
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
New Look on Life
A research team from the University of Houston College of Optometry has designed a new strategy for prescribing glasses to individuals with Down syndrome. This strategy involves a newly constructed computer simulation program that fully examines the eyes of the individual. With this extensive examination, the individual's glasses can maximize their ability to see. In order for the strategy to be developed, the researchers needed to identify some of the physical defects Down syndrome does to the eyes. Also, the researchers needed to identify the genes responsible for causing these defects, especially the ones that contribute to eye development and function. The optical defects include "poor focusing abilities, misalignment of the eyes, and reduced visual acuity". Because of these effects, along with the intellectual disabilities, determining an accurate perscription is difficult. The researchers understand this difficulty, which is why they designed the new computer simulation. Their hope is to implement the system and distribute it across the country. In the future, the researchers hope this system will help patients with Down syndrome see better; thus, making them more independent. The new independence will allow these patients to live happier lives as well as make Down syndrome a little easier to live with.
It is my hope that this system, or something like it, becomes a huge success. I know that people who suffer from Down syndrome do not like to feel dependent on others. With these new glasses, patients can have a sense of independence, and they can begin to live their lives on their own terms. I wish more research was done in this population of people to help them live more fulfilling lives.
It is my hope that this system, or something like it, becomes a huge success. I know that people who suffer from Down syndrome do not like to feel dependent on others. With these new glasses, patients can have a sense of independence, and they can begin to live their lives on their own terms. I wish more research was done in this population of people to help them live more fulfilling lives.
Labels:
down syndrome,
eye
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This is really cool, and i hope it comes to actualization. I feel like this issue is one that can be, and has been, easily overlooked when it comes to patients with down syndrome, i certainly never thought about it.
ReplyDeleteI believe that this is a great idea in that it will allow individuals with down syndrome to become more enabled. One of my brothers has down syndrome and his eyesight is very poor. In multiple occasions he has become very frustrated when trying to do routine activities that rely on eyesight, even with his glasses on, and he ends up reluctantly asking for help. A new strategy using computer simulations like this will be very beneficial to individuals with down syndrome, certainly enabling them to gain the independence they desire. It makes me very happy that research concerning these individuals is being conducted as it is often put the the side.
ReplyDeleteWow! I wasn't even aware that Down Syndrome had an effect on the eyesight of the patient, other than misalignment. I also hope that this system is successful. It could seriously mitigate the poor eyesight of the individual and give not only them, but their families, a degree of freedom and relief.
ReplyDeleteMy brother also has Down syndrome and has horrible vision. He will not tolerate glasses or contact lenses, so he pretty much always has a horrible time seeing distance. Eye doctors don't really know what to do for him since he won't tolerate anything. If there was a way for a corrective surgery, that might be a little better in his circumstance!
ReplyDeleteFun fact. My brother and I were both born with a cataract in our right eye, so we both had it surgically removed at 3 weeks old. Neither of us have a lens in our right eye and thus we are both half-blind. :)