Discovery '97, Low Vision Conference

This year's Fourth Low Vision Conference had an international focus as thirteen organizations from across the country co-sponsored Discovery '97. The October 16-18 conference brought together almost 1,500 people with visual impairments, their families, educators, ophthalmologists, optometrists, rehabilitation professionals and 74 vendors to The Ramada Congress Hotel in Chicago.

Featured speakers included Kevin O'Connor, M.A., President, National Association for Parents of the Visually Impaired; Fred Schroeder, Ph.D., Commissioner, Rehabilitation Services Administration, Washington, D.C. and Graham Strong, O.D., M.Sc., Professor of Optometry, University of Waterloo (Ont., Canada) and Director, Centre for Sight Enhancement.

"As the largest Low Vision Conference in the country, we are proud to facilitate in this growing need," according to conference Chairman Jim McKechnie.

Seventy-two break-out sessions were conducted by nearly I 00 professionals covering a broad variety of topics. Special networking groups were set up on various eye conditions, along with a variety of support group sessions. For conference audio cassettes information, call the ISPB office at(312)922-8710.

Seven Illinois Eye Research Projects Funded by ISPB

The board of directors of the Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness has awarded grants for seven research projects at five Illinois institutions. The grants for 1997, totaling more than $22,000, have been awarded to Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital, Hines; Illinois College of Optometry, Chicago; Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood; Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago; and RUSH University, College of Medicine, Chicago.

"By funding these research projects now, the results will greatly help the prevention of blindness in the future," says Walter M. Jay, M.D., Chairman of the ISPB Professional Committee.

ISPB is pleased to be able to financially support the following exploratory research studies in vision:

• Microphotodiode Tiles as Prosthesesfor the Restoration of Visual Function, by Jay I. Perlman, M.D., Ph.D. and Evan B. Stubbs, Jr., Ph.D. - Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital;
• The Inheritance of the Pigment Dispersion Syndrome in Blacks, by Daniel K. Roberts, O.D.-Illinois College of Optometry;
• The Effect of Topical Anti-inflammatory Medications on Wound Healing of the Cornea and Limbus, by Charles S. Bouchard, M.D. and Jay 1. Perlman, M.D., Ph.D. - Loyola University Medical Center;
• Adherence of Streptococcus and Haemophilus influenzae to Glaucoma Drainage Implants (Setons), by Thomas John, M.D. Loyola University Medical Center;
• Glutamate Transport in Retinal Ischemia, by Vijay P. Sarthy, Ph.D. - Northwestern University Medical School;
• Modulation of "Maxi " K+ Channel in Ciliary Epithelium: A Patch Clamp Study [Glaucoma], by Theodore Krupin, M.D. Northwestern University Medical School;
• Radiotheraphy for the Treatment of Subfoveal Age Related Exudative Macular Degeneration: A Prospective Randomized Study, by Jack A. Cohen, M.D. - RUSH University, College of of Medicine.

Gene Discovery - Stargardt's Disease

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A gene causing Stargardt's disease, a rare genetic disorder, which attacks the macula has been identified by researchers at Baylor College of Medicine in collaboration with three other institutions. The findings of the study &.am appear in the March 1997 issue of Nature Genetics.

"This discovery gives us the first glimpse into how the disease attacks the eye," says Dr. Richard Lewis, professor of ophthalmology at Baylor and co-director of the Baylor research team.

The project also included Dr. James Lupski, Baylor professor of molecular and human genetics; Dr. Mark Leppert, a geneticist of the University of Utah; Dr. Michael Dean and his colleague Dr. Rando Allikmets from the National Cancer Institute; Dr. Jeremy Nathans, a molecular biologist at Johns Hopkins University (Howard Hughes Medical Institute).

"This gene," Dr. Lewis states, "will provide better tools to assist early diagnosis and better understanding of the mechanisms and the cause of the disease." Stargardt's disease, which affects 25,000 children and young adults between the ages of six and 15, is the most common form of "inherited juvenile macular degeneration," a condition which is characterized by a loss of central vision and visual acuity, leaving the peripheral (side) undamaged. Some adults in their 20s and 30s may also begin to show signs of gradual vision loss.

In time, this recently discovered gene will not only assist in the correct diagnoses in the first several years of onset, but may also aid in the search for causes of ARMD, the leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 65.

NIH Research on Uveitis

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Researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have discovered a substance that allows people with uveitis, a potentially blinding eye disease, to stop or reduce the need for powerful drugs. A paper detailing these findings was published in the May 1997 issue of the American Journal of Ophthalmology.

Uveitis is a severe eye inflammation that affects children and young adults and is responsible for about 10 percent of visual impairment in the United States. Standard medical treatment has included strong steroids and immunosuppressive drugs that block the immune system and can cause serious and unpleasant side effects in the eye and other parts of the body. Researchers at the National Eye Institute (NEI) found that a purified protein, called retinal S-antigen, given orally to a small group of people with uveitis, allowed them to be weaned off these standard treatment drugs more readily than when given a placebo. Patients experienced no side effects from the new treatment.

"These findings are significant because the new treatment may allow people with uveltis to stop taking strong drugs sooner than before," said Carl Kupfer, M.D., director of the NEI. "The drugs now used as standard treatment for uveitis, while often effective, can cause decreased kidney function, cataracts, glaucoma, and brittle bones."

Because the S-antigen protein can be produced in the laboratory and will become available for clinical use, researchers at the NEI hope to soon conduct another small study to determine the needed dosage, followed by a larger clinical trial to fully test the effectiveness of this new treatment.

Season's Greetings
from the Board of
Directors and Staff of the
Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness.

Tips for "Teary" Travelers

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If you are one of the 38 million Americans suffering from the symptoms of dry eyes- burning, redness and grittiness-traveling may aggravate these symptoms by new and changing environments.

The following tips may help make your traveling more comfortable:

• Research the weather, climate and air quality at your destination.
• Continue your daily eye-care routine unless otherwise directed.
• Minimize your time outdoors, especially in warmer climates. Heat and sun tend to dry out alreadyirritated eyes.
• If possible, avoid traveling during peak pollen season, or at least stay indoors between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m., when pollen counts are highest.
• On prolonged airlineflights,use artificial tears every hour.

To alleviate dry eye discomfort during air travel, many eye care professional suggest the use of lubricating eye drops. A preservative-free formulation in sterile, single-use droppers-which are especially convenient for travel-are highly recommended over multi-use bottles, which may cause preservative-induced irritation.

Always check with your eye care professional regarding eye drops to be used.

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ISPB Welcomes Three New Members to Its Board

Beverly Susler Parkhurst

Beverly Susler Parkhurst is a former judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County, having been appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to fill a vacancy. She formerly served as the Executive Assistant United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois.

Currently, she is Of Counsel to the firm of Witwer, Poltrock and Giampietro in Chicago and concentrates her practice in litigation and computer law.

Ms. Parkhurst is a member of several charitable boards including the Board of Directors of the Cook County Court Watchers, the Advisory Board of the Cranialfacial Center of the University of Illinois Medical Center and the Foundation Board of Chicago State University.

She resides with her husband, Todd in Chicago.

William P. White III is a practicing attorney in Chicago, principally in the area of matrimonial law and has been a licensed practitioner for twenty-three years. He resides with his wife, Christine and son, Colin in Naperville.

Leslee Williams

Leslee Williams is a former Program Director and Supervisor of Physically Disabled, Visually Impaired and

Autistic Programs for South Metropolitan Association for LowIncidence Handicaps and is currently Manager of Low-Incidence Services for ECHO Special Education Cooperative in South Suburban Chicago.

Mrs. Williams is past president of the Illinois Division of Visually Handicapped and the Illinois Association of Education and Rehabilitation. She is currently serving as Regional Director to the AER International Board.

She resides with her husband, Larry and sons, Ryan and Scott in Crete.

VFH of Central Illinois Receives Grant from ISPB

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ISPB is pleased to announce continued support to Vision for Humanity of Central Illinois, formerly known as VOSH of Central 'TllinYis (Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanities). The program provides vision examinations and eyeglasses for the economically disadvantaged men, woman and children in the area. The Catholic Charities of Springfield (CCS) continues to register and screen applicants, to provide eyeglasses and to coordinate the VFH clinics, under the capable leadership of Sister Anne Carlino, O.S.F., coordinator of Community Services of CCS.

Paul Anthony, O.D., examining participant at the Springfield Clinic.

Of the 5 10 participants receiving vision examinations during 1996, 452 were provided with eyeglasses. Since the first clinic was established in May of 1988 ISPB grants have paid for the lens grinding expenses provided by a local laboratory at a discounted cost.

Through the dedicated support of the CCS, optometrists and ophthalmologists in the area, the program continues to expand each year to assist those less fortunate. This year the following eleven optometrists and five ophthalmologists are donating their services for VFH: Paul Anthony, O.D.; Brian Atkins, O.D.; Andy Clark, O.D.; Russ Farson, O.D.; Shaun Hill, O.D.; Dave Holland, O.D.; Kim Krager, O.D.; John Lofgren, O.D.; Richard Stratton, O.D.; Camda Temmen, O.D.; Larry Williams, O.D.; David Krah, M.D.; Eric Lohse, M.D.; Randy Peterson, M.D.; Susan Stegeman, M.D. and Sandra Yeh, M.D.

ISPB Lectureships

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Chicago Ophthalmological Society

ISPB board member Walter M. Jay, M.D. (right), congratulates Scott M. Whitcup, M.D. (left) on receiving the ISPB's Lecturer Award at the Chicago Ophthalmological Society's 49th Annual Clinical Conference, Chicago, April 1997. Howard H. Tessler, M.D. (background), Conference Program Head. Dr. Whitcup's presentation was entitled "New Therapeutic Approaches for Uveitis." He is the clinical director at the National Eye Institute of the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md. The Award is made possible by an ISPB Grant to the COS.

Illinois Optometric Association

ISPB executive director James A. McKechnie, Jr. (right) presents John W. Potter, O.D. (left) with the Distinguished Lecturer Series Award at the 99th Annual Convention of the Illinois Optometric Association, Springfield, September 1997. Dr. Potter's two-part presentation was entitled "Preventing Vision Loss from Diabetes" and "Our Changing Vision of Glaucoma." Dr. Potter is currently serving as a contributing editor to the Review of Optometry. The Award is made possible by an ISPB grant to the IOA.

Agreement Announced

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On July 30, 1997, an agreement was reached between the Illinois College of Optometry and the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science at the University of Chicago to coordinate clinical, medical, educational and research programs. Under the terms of this agreement, the ICO and the U of C will share facilities and resources for education, research and patient care. The ceremony announcing this agreement was held at the ICO library on Thursday, October 16, 1997, directed by Charles F. Mullen, O.D., President of ICO and J. Terry Ernest, M.D., Ph.D., Professor and Chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science at the U of C.

Macular Degeneration Clinical Research At RUSH Ophthalmology

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Jack A. Cohen, M.D., is currently recruiting individuals for an investigation regarding the use of radiation therapy for the treatment of exudative (wet) age related macular degeneration. Low dose irradiation may be an effective treatment alternative for patients with subfoveal neovascular membranes who are not candidates for laser therapy.

The purpose of the RUSH study is to further clarify the role of radiation therapy in this patient population. Patients fifty years of age or older with clinical evidence of a subfoveal neovascular membrane confirmed by fluorescein angiography will be considered for the study. Participants will be randomized into treatment groups of differing radiation doses and followed for up to 18 months to delineate treatment efficacy.

Questions regarding the study may be directed to Dr. Bruce Gaynes, at 312-942-5000, ext. 23912; or any member of the RUSH retina service.

HOLIDAYS: Eye Safety Guidelines for Selecting Toys for Children

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The holidays are just around the comer and people are already starting to shop for toys. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (for 1996), it has been 0 estimated that over 6,500 people were treated at hospital emergency rooms for toy-related eye injuries. In a recent national survey the number, unreported, may be at least two or three times that number.

• The American Foundation for Vision Awareness (AFVA) urges you to ask the following eye safety questions as you select the proper toys this season:
• Is this toy inappropriate for the age of my child?
• Does the toy pose a potential danger if it is used by a child that it wasn't intended for?
• Might my child or a playmate misuse this toy?
• Does the toy consist of a chemical [or sugar based] compound that will cause a bum or infection if it inadvertently gets into the eyes?
• Does the toy have sharp edges or points that might injure an eye with proper or improper use?
• Does the toy fire a projectile [even ones made out of foam]?
• Is the toy launched via a heavy rubber band, slingshot, spring, or by water or air pressure?
• Does a launched toy have parts that might fly off.?
• Is the toy meant to be used or applied to an area surrounding the eyes?

"Thanks for choosing eye - safe toys!"

A "yes " answer to any of the above questions should constitute sufficient warning to avoid a particular toy.

For more information call 1 + 800 + 927-AFVA. For a list of dangerous toys compiled by Philip L. Kaufmann, O.D.available each November - contact the American Optometric Association at 1 + 800 + 365-2219, ext. 329.

The FRAME Connection

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The Vision Council of America (VICA) has developed a program entitled Envision Yourself. It considers the prescription, coloring, face shape and lifestyle to help consumers take the guesswork out of selecting eyewear. To make it easy for everyone to match frames to face shape just follow this simple rule: opposites add balance and enhance your look. "For example," said Carol Norbeck, spokesperson for the program, "a squareshaped face can be softened with rounded or oval frames."

To assist consumers in selecting the perfect eyewear VICA offers the following tips:

For a free Envision Yourself brochure, consumers can call 1 + 800 + 424-VICA. 0

Holiday idea for someone who has everything:
Gift certificate for special frames.

Awareness of Diabetic Eye Disease and Glaucoma

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Eye disease, a major public health problem in the United States, causes significant suffering, disability, loss of productivity and diminished quality of life for millions of Americans.

Recent studies indicate that nearly one million Americans are blind, and many millions more have lesser degrees of severe vision loss.

The Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness is one of 26 organizations that has Joined forces with the National Eye Health Education Program (NEHEP) Partnership to increase awareness of diabetic eye disease and glaucoma. For more information, please contact ISPB at (312) 922-8710.

NATIONAL DIABETES MONTH - NOVEMBER 1997

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Diabetic eye disease is an inclusive term for ocular complications that the 16 million Americans with diabetes are at high risk of developing. These include cataract, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy-the latter being a leading cause of blindness in America. In more than 90 percent of these cases, blindness could have been prevented through early detection - dilated eye exams at least once a year for people with diabetes-and timely treatment to control diabetic eye disease and reduce vision loss.

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease caused by changes in the blood vessels of the retina, either by the swelling and the leaking of fluid in the retina or abnormal new blood vessels growing on the surface of the retina. This disease cannot be totally prevented. However, the better a person can control blood sugar levels the slower the onset and progression of retinopathy. It also can possibly lessen the need for laser surgery in more severe cases. Discussions with your health care and eye care professionals are extremely important regarding the control of sugar levels.

If you have diabetes, you are twice as likely to develop cataracts and glaucoma. Cataracts develop at an earlier age in people with diabetes and can usually be treated by surgery. Also, the longer you have diabetes, the greater the risk of getting glaucoma. Glaucoma may be treated with medications, laser, or other forms of surgery.

GLAUCOMA AWARENESS MONTH - JANUARY 1998

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Glaucoma occurs when the normal fluid pressure inside the eye progressively increases, leading to optic nerve damage and reduced peripheral (side) vision. As the disease worsens, the field of vision gradually narrows and blindness may result.

Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss in the United States and affects about three million Americans. It is estimated that up to one-half of this number may be unaware they have the disease. By the individuals realize they are losing vision, it is too late to restore the vision they have already lost. However, with treatment, glaucoma usually can be controlled and remaining vision can be protected.

The high risk groups have been identified by the NEHEP as "everyone over the age of 60, AfricanAmericans over the age of 40 and people who have a family history of glaucoma. These people need to receive a dilated eye exam at least every two years."

ISPB also cooperates with the Chicago Glaucoma Society in promoting public awareness on this sneak thief of sight." For further infomration on Glaucoma or the CGS, call the ISPB office at (312) 922-8710.

Remembrances

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(As of October 31, 1997)

Gifts to the Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness - in memory of family members or friends or in their honor for special occasions-are a wonderful way to acknowledge people we love, cherish and respect. A remembrance card of your gift, excluding the amount, is sent to the family or to the person being honored.

A special thank you to the Clark-Ralladay Memorial Foundation for its continued and generous support of the work of the Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness. The Clark-Halladay Memorial Foundation perpetuates the memory of Emma Clark Halladay; her husband, John Burlingame-Halladay, her father, Warren Thomas Clark; and her mother, Sophia Symington Clark, all pioneer residents of the city of Chicago.

For information on arrangements to include the Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness in a will, contact your attorney, the trust department of your bank or the ISPB office. Contributions are deductible to the extent provided by law.

Quick Tips

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Consider using the same pharmacy for all prescriptions. The pharmacist will be able to check for any drug interactions. If more than one pharmacy is used, be sure that all pharmacies, along with your eye and health care professionals know the drugs and/or vitamins and over the counter aids you are taking.

If your new prescription is for bifocals, here are a few suggestions that may help you adjust: (1) look straight out to see distance, look down to see things close, and try to ignore the line in between - it will come in time; (2) in reading newspapers, fold them in halves or quarters and move the paper not your eyes; (3) and extremely important is to have your frames adjusted on a regular basis.

A tip from Dorsey Connors' column in the Chicago Sun- Times: "Keep this couplet in mind: 'When your glasses are not on your face, they should be in their case.' "

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