Do Patients with Age-Related Macular Degeneration Have Trouble with Touch Screens?

Newswise, September 25, 2015– Older adults with central vision loss caused by age-related macular degeneration (AMD) have no problem with accuracy in performing touch screen tasks, according to a study in the October issue of Optometry and Vision Science, official journal of the American Academy of Optometry. The journal is published by Wolters Kluwer.

But their performance is slower—especially during the initial "exploration" phase of touch screen tasks, according to the new research by Quentin Lenoble, PhD, of Université Lille Nord de France and colleagues. 

The study provides initial insights into the best ways of adapting touch screen applications for use by the millions of people affected by AMD.

People with AMD Are Accurate, But Slower, in Using Touch Screens

Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in older adults, causing serious impairment in driving, reading, and other daily tasks. 

"The advent of digital displays and use of computer screens has opened up many new possibilities for reading activities and travel aids for AMD sufferers," comments Anthony Adams, OD, PhD, Editor-in-Chief of Optometry and Vision Science.

Dr. Lenoble and colleagues designed an experiment to see how AMD affected performance on a simple touch screen task. Twenty-four older adults with AMD were asked to explore scenes presented on a touch screen, and then to drag pictured objects to the corresponding scene—for example, matching a fish to the sea.

Their performance was compared with that of older adults without AMD, as well as young adults with normal vision. All three groups were highly accurate in matching the objects to the corresponding scene, with correct response rates of about 99 percent.

However, there were significant differences in the initial "exploration phase"—when participants were visually exploring the scenes presented on the touch screen. 

Average exploration time was about four seconds for AMD patients, compared to three seconds for older subjects with normal vision. For younger subjects, exploration time was significantly shorter: less than one second.

The younger participants also had shorter touch screen movement times. However, the two groups of older adults had similar movement speeds, whether or not they had AMD.

"This study shows that people with AMD are able to perform a task on a touch screen," Dr. Lenoble and coauthors write. 

"They were slower during the exploration phase, but accuracy was not affected." Based on this finding, the researchers suggest, "AMD impaired the perceptual but not the motor performance of the patients in this task."

The authors note some limitations of their study—including the fact that it was performed using large, desktop-sized touch screen monitors. It's unclear how AMD patients would be able to see and navigate the images presented on smaller screens, such as smartphones and global positioning systems.

But the results are an informative first step toward adapting touch screen applications for patients with AMD, and possibly with other visual impairments as well. 

"The advent of digital displays and use of computer screens has opened up many new possibilities for reading activities and travel aids for AMD sufferers," says Dr. Adams. 

"This study suggests that there can be new strategies in making touch screen scenes and materials more identifiable to the many people with low vision caused by AMD."

Click here to read "Categorization Task over a Touch Screen in Age-Related Macular Degeneration."

Article: "Categorization Task over a Touch Screen in Age-Related Macular Degeneration" (doi: 10.1097/OPX.0000000000000694)

About Optometry and Vision Science

Optometry and Vision Science, official journal of theAmerican Academy of Optometry, is the most authoritative source for current developments in optometry, physiological optics, and vision science. This frequently cited monthly scientific journal has served primary eye care practitioners for more than 75 years, promoting vital interdisciplinary exchange among optometrists and vision scientists worldwide.

About the American Academy of Optometry

Founded in 1922, the American Academy of Optometry is committed to promoting the art and science of vision care through lifelong learning. All members of the Academy are dedicated to the highest standards of optometric practice through clinical care, education or research.

About Wolters Kluwer

Wolters Kluwer is a global leader in professional information services. Professionals in the areas of legal, business, tax, accounting, finance, audit, risk, compliance and healthcare rely on Wolters Kluwer's market leading information-enabled tools and software solutions to manage their business efficiently, deliver results to their clients, and succeed in an ever more dynamic world.

Wolters Kluwer reported 2014 annual revenues of €3.7 billion. The group serves customers in over 170 countries, and employs over 19,000 people worldwide. 

The company is headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands. Wolters Kluwer shares are listed on NYSE Euronext Amsterdam (WKL) and are included in the AEX and Euronext 100 indices. Wolters Kluwer has a sponsored Level 1 American Depositary Receipt program. The ADRs are traded on the over-the-counter market in the U.S. (WTKWY).

Wolters Kluwer Health is a leading global provider of information and point of care solutions for the healthcare industry. For more information about our products and organization, visit www.wolterskluwerhealth.com, follow@WKHealth or @Wolters_Kluwer on Twitter, like us onFacebook, follow us on LinkedIn, or follow WoltersKluwerComms on YouTube.

Study Finds Cataract Surgery Leaves Patients Satisfied

(Family Features) September 10, 2015-- By 2030, 38 million Americans will suffer from cataracts, a number that will increase to 50 million by 2050, according to the National Eye Institute of the National Institutes of Health. The most common treatment for cataracts is surgery, and new research suggests its benefits are strong.

A study of patient satisfaction surveys revealed that almost all patients who undergo cataract surgery are satisfied with their vision and quality of life post-surgery. The study, from the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) Institute for Quality Improvement, showed that 99.7 percent of patients would recommend the procedure to friends or relatives suffering from cataracts. Ninety-six percent of patients reported that their vision was better post-surgery, and 98 percent said they were comfortable during the procedure and post-discharge. What’s more, 96 percent returned to normal activities of daily living within one week of the procedure.

“The data clearly shows that patients find value in cataract surgery and are generally very pleased with the outcomes of the procedure,” said Naomi Kuznets, Ph.D., vice president and senior director for the AAAHC Institute for Quality Improvement.

Cataracts occur when protein builds up on the lens of an eye, making the person’s vision cloudy. According to experts at the Mayo Clinic, common symptoms of cataracts include clouded, blurred or dimmed vision, increasing difficulty with vision at night and sensitivity to light or glare. Individuals experiencing these symptoms should consult an ophthalmologist to see if they are candidates for cataract surgery.

“The satisfaction numbers in this study show how worthwhile cataract surgery is for so many individuals,” said Kris Kilgore, R.N., AAAHC Institute board member and administrative director of Grand Rapids Ophthalmology Surgical Care Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan. “Every day we hear from patients who have improved quality of life thanks to this procedure. This study bears out empirically the wonderful anecdotes we hear from patients every day.”

Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure, meaning it requires no overnight hospital stay. During cataract surgery, a surgeon makes a small incision to remove the cloudy lens, and then replaces it with a clear, manmade lens. To reduce the costs of the procedure and for patients’ convenience, surgeons commonly schedule cataract procedures at surgery centers, which are small surgical facilities that may be on a hospital campus or offsite.

The safety of these facilities is overseen by government regulators and by accrediting bodies such as AAAHC. During an accreditation evaluation by AAAHC, a trained medical professional visits a surgical facility to personally verify its adherence to patient safety, quality care and value standards.

If you are a candidate for cataract surgery, visit www.aaahc.org to find a local AAAHC-accredited facility.

Fight Against Age-Related Vision Loss

Sept. 9, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- It's commonplace for many people to take steps to fight common signs of aging. Americans spend billions of dollars each year to improve the way they look.  

Far too many, however, forget about the steps they should take to protect how they see. The American Academy of Ophthalmology is reminding adults to start the fight against age-related vision loss early – long before they reach the golden years.

An estimated 43 million Americans will face vision loss or blindness from age-related eye diseases by 2020.[1] During September, the National Eye Institute and the Academy are recognizing Healthy Aging Month by bringing eye-healthy tips to the public. Ophthalmologists, the medical doctors who treat eye diseases and conditions, recommend that adults following these sight-saving habits:

It's all about the baseline

Get a baseline comprehensive eye exam, ideally when you turn 40. This is when age-related eye changes often begin to occur. During this medical eye exam, your ophthalmologist will check more than how well you see. He or she will also check for signs of common age-related eye diseases such as glaucoma and macular degeneration. None of these conditions have noticeable symptoms early on. If a disease is identified, an ophthalmologist can track it and provide treatment to help prevent it from getting worse.

After the baseline exam, adults should have comprehensive exams:

Every two to four years until age 54

Every one to three years until age 64

By age 65, every one to two years, or as recommended by your ophthalmologist.

Keep an Eye on Family History

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, cataracts and other eye diseases can be inherited. If you have a close relative with AMD, you have a 50 percent chance of developing the condition. A family history of glaucoma increases your chances by four to nine times. So, you should inform your eye care professional about your family's eye health history. This can help him or her make an earlier diagnosis and save your vision.

No more Butts

Quitting smoking is one of the best investments you can make in your eye health. Smoking increases your risk for developing cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. It also raises the risks for cardiovascular diseases that indirectly influence your eyes' health. And, as an irritant, it worsens dry eye. The American Cancer Society has resources to help people who want to quit: www.cancer.org.

Eat for Your Eyes

Studies have shown that some foods are good for eye health as well as general health. These foods include citrus fruits, vegetable oils, dark green leafy greens and cold water fish such as salmon and tuna. So pile them on!

Know (and Control) Your Numbers

High blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose (sugar) levels all increase the risk of vision loss from an eye disease. Watch these numbers and try to keep them under control. This will not only help your eyes, but also your overall health.

"Adults should know that recent advances in eye care have made it more possible than ever to have good vision in your senior years," said Rebecca Taylor, M.D., clinical spokesperson for the Academy and comprehensive ophthalmologist. "But, to achieve this, you'll need to adopt some healthy habits early on, and see an ophthalmologist at points along the way."

To learn more about how to care for aging eyes, visit the Academy's public information website at www.eyesmart.org. Seniors concerned about the cost of caring for their eyes may be eligible for a comprehensive eye exam and up to one year of treatment at no out-of-pocket cost through EyeCare America (www.eyecareamerica.org), a public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

About the American Academy of Ophthalmology

The American Academy of Ophthalmology, headquartered in San Francisco, is the world's largest association of eye physicians and surgeons, serving more than 32,000 members worldwide. The Academy's mission is to advance the lifelong learning and professional interests of ophthalmologists to ensure that the public can obtain the best possible eye care. For more information, visit www.aao.org.

The Academy is also a leading provider of eye care information to the public. The Academy's EyeSmart® program educates the public about the importance of eye health and empowers them to preserve healthy vision. EyeSmart provides the most trusted and medically accurate information about eye diseases, conditions and injuries. OjosSanos™ is the Spanish-language version of the program. Visit www.geteyesmart.org or www.ojossanos.org to learn more.

About EyeCare America

Established in 1985, EyeCare America, a public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, is committed to the preservation of sight, accomplishing its mission through public service and education. EyeCare America provides year-round eye care services to medically underserved seniors and those at increased risk for eye disease. 

More than 90 percent of the care made available is provided at no out-of-pocket cost to the patients. EyeCare America is co-sponsored by the Knights Templar Eye Foundation Inc., with additional support provided by Alcon and Genentech. More information can be found at www.eyecareamerica.org .

Driving with Central Visual Field Loss II: How Scotomas Affect Hazard Detection in a Driving Simulator

Newswise, September 3, 2015-- Vision researchers in Boston have published the second paper of a study designed to determine if a driver who suffers from loss of central vision is able to detect pedestrians in a timely manner when driving. 

Central visual field loss, a scotoma or blind area in central vision, is found most commonly in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Patients with AMD may drive provided their visual acuity at least meets the requirements for a restricted license. 

However, the size and location of the blind area are usually not considered when making licensing decisions. The purpose of the study was to evaluate how much these blind areas delayed responses to pedestrian hazards in the safe environment of a driving simulator.

This study was conducted with participants with AMD who drove in a state-of-the-art driving simulator at the Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass. Eye and Ear. The research was led by Alex Bowers, Ph.D., Eli Peli, O.D. M.Sc., and P. Matthew Bronstad, Ph.D..

The study’s first phase, documented in JAMA Ophthalmology, Mar. 2013 showed that patients with blind areas to the side of where they typically look tend to miss pedestrians coming from that side. 

The results of the current study showed that a blind area located above or below the center of interest will still likely block or delay a driver’s ability to detect pedestrians entering the field of vision from the side of the road. 

These late reactions usually occurred because the pedestrians were entirely or partially obscured by the blind area after the drivers noticed the pedestrian using their peripheral vision, and then tried to look at them directly, causing the blind area to obscure the pedestrian.

Taken together, the results of the two papers suggest that that any binocular central field loss might delay a driver’s ability to detect moving hazards in time for the driver to take safe, corrective action.

“If you are a low-vision patient, you should understand how the condition affects and perhaps limits your ability to drive safely,” said Dr. Bronstad. 

“These data should prove useful to clinicians in advising patients about whether they should continue driving, and may even become a consideration for state agencies responsible for licensing drivers.”

About Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Schepens Eye Research Institute
Mass. Eye and Ear clinicians and scientists are driven by a mission to find cures for blindness, deafness and diseases of the head and neck. 

Now united with Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass. Eye and Ear is the world's largest vision and hearing research center, developing new treatments and cures through discovery and innovation. 

Mass. Eye and Ear is a Harvard Medical School teaching hospital and trains future medical leaders in ophthalmology and otolaryngology, through residency as well as clinical and research fellowships. Internationally acclaimed since its founding in 1824, Mass. Eye and Ear employs full-time, board-certified physicians who offer high-quality and affordable specialty care that ranges from the routine to the very complex. 

U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Hospitals Survey” has consistently ranked the Mass. Eye and Ear Departments of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology as top in the nation. For more information about life-changing care and research, or to learn how you can help, please visit MassEyeAndEar.org.

About Harvard Medical School Department of Ophthalmology
The Harvard Medical School (HMS) Department of Ophthalmology (eye.hms.harvard.edu) is one of the leading and largest academic departments of ophthalmology in the nation. 

More than 350 full-time faculty and trainees work at nine HMS affiliate institutions, including Massachusetts Eye and Ear/Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston Children's Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Joslin Diabetes Center/Beetham Eye Institute, Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, VA Maine Healthcare System, and Cambridge Health Alliance. 

Formally established in 1871, the department has been built upon a strong and rich foundation in medical education, research, and clinical care. 

Through the years, faculty and alumni have profoundly influenced ophthalmic science, medicine, and literature-helping to transform the field of ophthalmology from a branch of surgery into an independent medical specialty at the forefront of science.