Nanoflowers May Enable Blind People To See Again

The newest technological advance for macular degeneration sufferers:

Soon, a special nanoflower may help return the eyesight of people, like those suffering from macular degeneration.

Richard Taylor at the University of Oregon is leading an effort to design a fractal-based retinal implant that will give a new life to blind people.
He is on a quest to grow these special nanoflowers seeded from nano-sized particles of metals that grow or self assemble in a natural process, diffusion limited aggregation.
These will be fractals that mimic and communicate efficiently with neurons.
Taylor says that fractals are “a trademark building block of nature,” objects with irregular curves or shapes, of which any one component seen under magnification is also the same shape.
According to him, trees, clouds, rivers, galaxies, lungs and neurons are fractals. However, today”s commercial electronic chips are not fractals.
When eye surgeons would implant the fractal devices in the eyes of blind patients, interface circuitry happens that would collect light captured by the retina and guide it with almost 100 pc efficiency to neurons for relay to the optic nerve to process vision.
Taylor faces many challenges in his envisioned approach, most important being determining which metals can best go into body without toxicity problems.
“We”re right at the start of this amazing voyage. The ultimate thrill for me will be to go to a blind person and say, we”re developing a chip that one day will help you see again,” Taylor says.


http://news.bioscholar.com/2011/05/nanoflowers-may-enable-blind-people-to-see-again.html

For the Blind, Technology Does What a Guide Dog Can’t

Inspiration after shopping trip - Robot to help out blind shoppers:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4509403.stm

Independence with guide dogs and technology:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/04/business/04blind.html

Overview of best designs for the visually impaired:

Packaging for the Blind

Today I went on a field trip to my local supermarkets (Morrisons, Tesco, Waitrose and Sainsbury's) and I was surprised at how few 'blind friendly' products were actually available. Although the packaging of most medical products were imprinted with Braille, astonishingly NO other product had a feature like that.

When I asked a sales assistant why this was the case, he shockingly replied: "Well they are blind, so they don't go shopping anyway." - we need to change this stereotypical idea of 'because blind people can't see they can't do anything.' Because they still want their independence and they still need to eat and require beauty essentials, even though they might need some extra help. If the awareness of their needs was greater, than more products would be available. They represent a niche that isn't catered for yet.

World Sight Day - Sight Test

World Sight Day is a world wide event that aims to bring attention to blindness and vision impairment. It happens in the second week of October every year. Although it is not currently happening it inspired me to get my eyes tested (thankfully they alright and I don't even need reading glasses as of yet). The optician highlighted that with age people should get their eyes tested more regularly - at least every two years. He also warned that the incorrect lens strength can do more damage than good to the eyes, but also that it is natural for eyes to loose their 'seeing powers' with age.

It is clear that Glasses play a vital part to a lot of people's daily lives, whether they opt for traditional reading glasses or contact lenses. In my project I will be using glasses to illustrate, demonstrate and visualise the decline of sight and different stages of sight loss.
Here is brief time line of the development of reading glasses:

1. 1000 AD

   1000 AD - a well-worn pair of reading glasses over those who appear with. MacDailyNews features news, links, tips, and opinions. Earth911's Quick Vote poll asked readers to complete this statement: "The one thing Glasses date back as far as reading stones, made in Italy in 1000 AD. From The Seattle Computer Reader Reading Glasses styleglasses.healthserver.info/the-seattle ...

2. 1260

   1260 - While the origin of eyeglasses is relatively unknown and widely debated, reading glasses first appeared on the scene in Italy around 1260 CE They were initially designed to help the elderly in their quest for reading. The reading glasses were insanely popular ...While the origin of eyeglasses is relatively unknown and widely debated, reading glasses first appeared on the scene in Italy around 1260 CE They were initially designed to help the elderly in their quest for reading. The reading glasses were insanely popular very quickly but there was one drawback - arms had not been invented for the prescription eyeglasses and the frames kept slipping down the nose! The Spanish tried to remedy this by tying ribbons to the frames and then ... Show moreShow less From blog.first-wholesale.com - Related web pages blog.first-wholesale.com/

3. 1284

   1284 - Looking into the history of wholesale reading glasses we will find that even though the concept of glasses was present as far behind as the presence of the roman emperor Nero, in was in 1284 in Italy that Salvino D' Armate came up with the first wearable eye ...Wholesale reading glasses also help protect the eyes from the harmful computer radiation as well as harmful ultraviolet radiation when you are reading in sunlight. Looking into the history of wholesale reading glasses we will find that even though the concept of glasses was present as far behind as the presence of the roman emperor Nero, in was in 1284 in Italy that Salvino D' Armate came up with the first wearable eye glass, which ... More About: Reading , Make , Pleasure ... Show moreShow less From Wholesale Sunglasses blog - Blog Toplist - Related web pages 96.30.19.33/shopping-fashion/blogdetails-1937 ...

4. 1891

   Feb 19, 1891 - as to the rate and amount of duties chargeable on certain chains, opera glasses, opera-glass cases, and reading glasses, imported per Oascogne, February 19,1891. Opinion by Tiohenor, General Appraiser. The merchandise to which this protest relates is desoribed ...In the matter of the protest, 03776, of Otto Youhg & Co., against the decision of the collector of customs at Chicago, 111., as to the rate and amount of duties chargeable on certain chains, opera glasses, opera-glass cases, and reading glasses, imported per Oascogne, February 19,1891. Opinion by Tiohenor, General Appraiser. The merchandise to which this protest relates is desoribed by the appraiser. Show moreShow less From United States Congressional serial set - Related web pages books.google.com/books?id=24o3AQAAIAAJ&pg=RA4 ...

5. 1906

   Apr 23, 1906 - Mrs. P., age 50, seen April 23, 1906. She complained of some blurring before the right eye in distant vision, which at times was worse. Duration of symptom was several weeks. Near vision was undisturbed with reading glasses, her distant vision, however ...Case VII is one of interest to the ophthalmologist on account of the family history. Mrs. P., age 50, seen April 23, 1906. She complained of some blurring before the right eye in distant vision, which at times was worse. Duration of symptom was several weeks. Near vision was undisturbed with reading glasses, her distant vision, however, remained slightly indistinct even with correction. The vision OD with +2 DS was normal. Personal history was negative. Show moreShow less From Annals of ophthalmology - Related web pages books.google.com/books?id=ffgAAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA67 ...

6. 1994

   1994 - We offer trading services for all kinds of eyewear, including sunglasses, reading glasses and optical glasses. Established in 1994, we sell more than US$7 million worth of Ben-Ny Industries goods annually. Our engineers use auto-CAD to design your glasses.We offer trading services for all kinds of eyewear, including sunglasses, reading glasses and optical glasses. Established in 1994, we sell more than US$7 million worth of Ben-Ny Industries goods annually. Our engineers use auto-CAD to design your glasses. You can also choose from any of the 50 to 60 new items that are available each month. More than 20 R&D staff are working to handle your projects. A decade of working with overseas buyers on custom projects means that ... Show moreShow less From List of Buyer Companies in China(Page 30) - Related web pages mt.list-of-companies.org/China/Keywords/Buyer ...

7. 1996

   May 1996 - Clinton's eyesight, aided by reading glasses, was unchanged from his last physical in May 1996. Clinton has been complaining for years about his hearing. On Friday, doctors at Bethesda Naval Hospital decided his hearing was damaged enough for him to be fitted ...Clinton's eyesight, aided by reading glasses, was unchanged from his last physical in May 1996. Clinton has been complaining for years about his hearing. On Friday, doctors at Bethesda Naval Hospital decided his hearing was damaged enough for him to be fitted with hearing aids in both ears. For what doctors termed a high-frequency hearing loss, Clinton was fitted for the type of hearing aid that can be easily placed fully inside his hearing canal, hardly noticeable to other ... Show moreShow less From Clinton healthy but needs hearing aids - Related web pages pqasb.pqarchiver.com/sptimes/access/16862926 ...

8. 2003

   2003 - I had laser surgery in 2003. I could not see anything without glasses before my surgery. I still have 20/20 vision, but was told that due to the natural aging of my eyes I would probably need reading glasses around 40. Available Services Upcoming. From How long does laser eye surgery last for? - Related web pages wave-lasik.com/how-long-does-laser-eye-surgery ...

9. 2004

   Mar 2004 - In March 2004, they were contracted by Scojo Foundation (now VisionSpring) to work in El Salvador to help them find an effective way to distribute reading glasses to low income villagers. It is estimated that over 90 percent of people over 40 years old will ...Upon finishing their Peace Corps responsibilities, Greg and George stayed in Guatemala and formed New Development Solutions as a means to provide consulting services to USAID, Chemonics, Soros Foundation and the like. In March 2004, they were contracted by Scojo Foundation (now VisionSpring) to work in El Salvador to help them find an effective way to distribute reading glasses to low income villagers. It is estimated that over 90 percent of people over 40 years old ... Show moreShow less From MicroConsignment - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - Related web pages en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MicroConsignment

10. 2010

    Oct 25, 2010 - ewtewt posted on 10/25/2010 @ 1:07:42 am. As the fast development of eyewear industry, there are different kinds of glasses catering for various needs and flavors. People have their choices when they want to wear glasses as fashion accessories. Online cheap ...ewtewt posted on 10/25/2010 @ 1:07:42 am. As the fast development of eyewear industry, there are different kinds of glasses catering for various needs and flavors. People have their choices when they want to wear glasses as fashion accessories. Online cheap eyeglasses enable customers to save great expense. Firmoo.com is the right place for you to buy eyeglasses and sunglasses, for there is a huge variety for your choice, like cheap eyeglass frames，plastic glasses ... Show moreShow less From Madison Drink Specials - Blog - Tom Wilson - Related web pages tommwilson.com/blog/madison-drink-specials.php

Some early reading glasses/devices:

                                                                      Medieval Reading Stone

                                                              Tommaso di Modena Painting, 14th C.

                                                                 Eyeglasses, circa 18th centuy 


Today's Reading Glasses:

Various Sight Test Steps:

                                                          

A brief history of contact lenses:

1508   Leonardo da Vinci illustrates the concept of contact lenses
1823   British astronomer Sir John Herschel conceptualizes practical lens design
1887   First contact lens manufactured from glass, and fitted to cover the entire eye
1939   Contact lenses first made from plastic
1948   Plastic contact lenses designed to cover only the eye's cornea
1971   Introduction of soft contact lenses
1978   Introduction of GP contact lenses
1981   FDA approval of new soft contact lenses for extended (overnight) wear
1986   Overnight wear of GP contact lenses becomes available
1987   Introduction of disposable soft contact lenses
1987   GP contacts available in next-generation fluorosilicone acrylate materials
1996   Introduction of one-day disposable soft lenses
2002   Silicone-hydrogel contact lenses first marketed
2002   Overnight orthokeratology approved by FDA
2010   Custom-manufactured silicone-hydrogel lenses become available


(http://www.contactlenses.org/timeline.htm)

Rainbows and Colour Blind People

How Do Colorblind People See The Rainbow?

Imagine not being able to see the world in its true color. The breathtaking beauty of nature and its colors as seen by the eye is appreciated by all those who love to the luminous world. But there are many who cannot see the exciting coloring of nature. Such people are known as being color blind and their state is the result of the inability of the eye to see and differentiate between different colors.

Is it really possible that somebody can’t see a red rose, the sunset or a rainbow because of color blindness? I’m sure they see the rainbow spread out in the sky just the same as others– but what they don’t see are its seven colors.
Here’s how people with partial color blindness (Tritanopia, Protanopia and Deuteranopia) see the rainbow:

Image Credits

People who are completely color blind would see the rainbow in shades of gray – and perhaps they would see everything as either black, white, or a shade gray.

http://www.didyouwonder.com/how-do-colorblind-see-the-rainbow/

Macular and Myopic Degeneration

This is how the world to someone with Macular Degeneration:

What is Macular Degeneration?

Age related macular degeneration is a medical condition which usually affects older adults that results in a loss of vision in the center of the visual field (the macula) because of damage to the retina.

My research has shown that this is a very common condition that could potentially affect every older adult world wide. Although it is so common, not a lot of people have heard of it until they experience it. Therefore I will aim a vast proportion of my project towards this condition. It also shows that the definition of 'blind' can't be thrown in one pot, as each individual experiences different stages and forms.

What is Myopic Degeneration?

Degeneration of the retina due to high short-sightedness. (

Case Study - Artist with Myopic Degeneration:
http://www.kathleenkridler.com/BootGal/BIO.html

Designing for People with Partial Sight and Color Deficiencies

Guide to how to make your website suitable for the visually impaired:
http://www.furydesignconsultants.com/work/website_design/blog/is-your-site%20visually-impaired-friendly/index.html

The end of typography: slow death by defaulthttp://www.eyemagazine.com/opinion.php?id=103&oid=255

Designers for disabled viewers:
http://www.mindmind.com/

The final Images from my project are based on accurate perceptions of the graphs below.

How does impaired vision affect color perception?

Partial sight, aging and congenital color deficits all produce changes in perception that reduce the visual effectiveness of certain color combinations. Two colors that contrast sharply to someone with normal vision may be far less distinguishable to someone with a visual disorder. It is important to appreciate that it is the contrast of colors one against another that makes them more or less discernible rather than the individual colors themselves. Here are three simple rules for making effective color choices:
1. Exaggerate lightness differences between foreground and background colors, and avoid using colors of similar lightness adjacent to one another, even if they differ in saturation or hue.
Dont assume that the lightness you perceive will be the same as the lightness perceived by people with color deficits. You can generally assume that they will see less contrast between colors than you will. If you lighten the light colors and darken the dark colors in your design, you will increase its visual accessibility.
2. Choose dark colors with hues from the bottom half of this hue circle against light colors from the top half of the circle. Avoid contrasting light colors from the bottom half against dark colors from the top half. The orientation of this hue circle was chosen to illustrate this point.
For most people with partial sight and/or congenital color deficiencies, the lightness values of colors in the bottom half of the hue circle tend to be reduced.
3. Avoid contrasting hues from adjacent parts of the hue circle, especially if the colors do not contrast sharply in lightness.
Color deficiencies associated with partial sight and congenital deficiencies make it difficult to discriminate between colors of similar hue.
Hue, Lightness and Saturation
The three perceptual attributes of color that can be envisioned as a solid.
Hue varies around the solid; lightness varies from top to bottom, and saturation is the distance from the center.
Hue is the perceptual attribute associated with elementary color names.
Hue enables us to identify basic color catagories such as blue, green, yellow, red and purple. People with normal color vision report that hues follow a natural sequence based on their similarity to one another. With most color deficits, the ability to discriminate between colors on the basis of hue is diminished.
Lightness corresponds to how much light appears to be reflected from a colored surface in relation to nearby surfaces.
Lightness, like hue, is a perceptual attribute that cannot be computed from physical measurements alone. It is the most important attribute in making contrast more effective.
With color deficits, the ability to discriminate colors on the basis of lightness is reduced.
To a person with color-deficient partial sight, the left-hand panel might appear like the right-hand panel appears to a person with normal color vision.
With color deficits, the ability to discriminate colors on the basis of all three attributes -- hue, lightness and saturation -- is reduced. Designers can help to compensate for these deficits by making colors differ more dramatically in all three attributes.
Aries Arditi, PhD, is Senior Fellow in Vision Science, Lighthouse International; this brochure is based on his earlier work with Kenneth Knoblauch.

Article Copyright: http://www.lighthouse.org/accessibility/design/accessible-print-design/effective-color-contrast