LowVision.com - Your Low Vision Resource Center

1. doctrane on 10-14-2008 at 10:18 (Reply)

   Well yes, actually the stimulation is not the auditory nerves but the membrane where the hair cells are located within the cochlear. With the operation, any residual hearing the a person may have is destroyed, in place of allowing the implant to be mapped to the cochlear membrane. The retina, too, a mapped (type) field, and I would think that there might be at some time, candidates, that while they had macular degeneration, and not blindness, that the area or size of central vision loss, would constitute the amount of disabilty, rendering whether the person was a candidate or not, for the technology of a so called ‘bionic’ retina.

2. doctrane on 08-04-2008 at 04:31 (Reply)

   What technologies are ‘up and coming’ for the blind or low vision (Macular Degeneration), that parallels the cochlear implant for the deaf. The cochlear implant is virtually a bionic ear.

   1. Dr. Lynne Noon on 08-04-2008 at 10:10 (Reply)

      Dear Doctrane,
      It is difficult to compare severe hearing loss with the vision loss associated with macular degeneration. The cochlear implant is used for people with profound hearing loss and works by direct stimulation of the auditory nerve. Research is being done on a device that will allow totally blind people to see again. This device uses a camera and a transmitter in glasses that sends a wireless signal to a receiver and an electrode panel which is attached to the retina. The electrodes stimulate retinal nerves, allowing a signal to be passed along the optic nerve to the brain. This device is still in the research stage.

      Because macular degeneration destroys the central vision only, the above device is not being considered as a possible treatment for this eye disease. There are several studies available that attempt to prevent macular degeneration, halt the progression of macular degeneration or restore vision lost by macular degeneration. Studies show that eating a healthy diet high in green leafy vegetables and fish used in conjunction with a dietary supplement containing anti-oxidant vitamins, minerals and zinc significantly reduces the risk of advanced AMD and its associated vision loss. While there is no cure for the wet form of AMD, it can be treated with laser surgery, photodynamic therapy and injections into the eye. Many pharmaceutical companies are developing wet AMD treatments.

      Lynne Noon, OD

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3. kahonen on 07-30-2007 at 06:53 (Reply)

   I am a student at FSU currently seeking a degree in teching children with visual impairments. I am looking to ask a low vision professional some questions regarding their personal experiences with making adaptations that help them in a variety of areas of daily living including work, home, and community. Thanks

   1. Dr. Lynne Noon on 11-21-2007 at 08:26 (Reply)

      Kahonen,
      I have had 25 years experience practicing low vision rehabilitation. I would be happy to answer any questions that you may have or direct you to the person who can best answer your questions. My direct number is 800.826.4200 X 176. You can also post your question on line and get responses from other professionals.

   2. janet Menke on 08-28-2007 at 19:09 (Reply)

      Hi! What is the degree you are seeking? As an OT, I create adaptive equipment to help my patients all the time. Are you looking for something specific? Do you have access to Occupational therapists in your community? Please let me know how I can help you.

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4. takashi on 02-20-2007 at 13:55 (Reply)

   Welcome all!

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