NOW A PUBLISHED MONTHLY COLUMN IN NEWS OF THE AREA
For many years, I published a column in the Advocate Newspaper until its demise after over 100 years. The goal of that column, as is this, was to give readers a better insight into the complexity of human vision which takes place in the brain with the eye being the critical sensor, or “Camera” which captures the light and delivers it to the brain.
Furthermore, sophisticated technologies have developed in both optical and surgical techniques which have led to correction of a wide range of defects responsible for compromising vision, sometimes resulting in blindness.
Western scientific developments have been at the forefront of these changes, commencing largely in Europe from the 1500s with more recent developments being concentrated in the USA. Australia has also played a role.
The most common ocular defects are refractive (focusing) errors which result in blurred vision across all age groups. These can take various forms such as hyperopia (long sightedness) which can affect the ability to see close, myopia or shortsightedness which results in blurred distance vision and astigmatism which can cause headaches as well as blurring of vision at all distances.
It is a common view that these errors can be corrected by simply increasing “magnification”. However, correction is far more complex. With advanced technologies it is possible to restore clear, comfortable and efficient vision for the vast majority of defects.
All lenses change the image size and shape. Sophisticated technologies have resulted in complex lens designs which minimise distortion with the brain compensating for residual shape change thereby restoring natural vision.
Eye diseases such as cataract, glaucoma and macular degeneration have also benefited enormously from research and technology enabling efficient treatment of previously blinding conditions.
This monthly column aims to provide the reader with up-to-date information on a wide range of topics thereby increasing the appreciation of the “magic” of sight which is our most important sense delivering the greatest awareness of the world around us.
