Johns Hopkins Issues 2012 Vision White Paper, Focusing on How to Halt or Reverse Vision Loss

Corresponding with Healthy Vision Month, a national campaign focusing on vision health, Johns Hopkins Medicine has recently issued a 2012 updated version of the “Johns Hopkins Vision White Paper.” The Johns Hopkins 2012 Vision White Paper, written by doctors at Johns Hopkins University Medical School and Hospital, focuses on how to halt or reverse vision loss.

May has been declared as Healthy Vision Month, an annual campaign led by the National Eye Institute, part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), with the purpose of “encouraging people and organizations around the world to recognize the value of the sense of sight and make vision health a priority.”

According to a Health Alert issued by Johns Hopkins, “In the 2012 Johns Hopkins Vision White Paper, specialists from Johns Hopkins Medicine report in depth on the latest information regarding eye care and the many vision disorders that strike us as we get older,” and present information “about the most current and effective treatments for common eye disorders,” as well as tips on how to prevent vision loss.

In a the Health Alert, Johns Hopkins said, “While people may fear losing their vision entirely, it’s important to realize that vision loss can often be halted, or even reversed, with early treatment.”

Referring to eye disorders like cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy, the Health Alert goes on to say, “Fortunately, if you have one of these eye disorders and are treated early enough, the progression of disease can often be slowed or even halted, helping you return to daily activities such as driving, grocery shopping, reading and performing household tasks.”

The Johns Hopkins 2012 Vision White Paper is written by Susan B. Bressler, M.D., the Julia G. Levy Professor of Ophthalmology at the Wilmer Eye Institute of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Harry A. Quigley, M.D., Edward Maumenee Professor of Ophthalmology and Director of the Glaucoma Service and the Dana Center for Preventive Ophthalmology at Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital; and Oliver D. Schein, M.D., M.P.H., Burton E. Grossman Professor of Ophthalmology and Vice-Chair for Quality and Safety at the Wilmer Eye Institute.

It can be purchased online from Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Content of the 2012 Johns Hopkins Vision White Paper

According to the Johns Hopkins Health Alert, featured content of the updated 2012 Johns Hopkins Vision White Paper includes:

• “A color illustration with concise explanations of common diseases that affect the eye.
• Information to know BEFORE cataract surgery: The pros and cons of monofocal, multifocal and accommodative lenses.
• Exfoliation syndrome: What is it?
• Hopkins researchers zero in on the cause of angle-closure glaucoma.
• Step-by-step instructions on how to apply glaucoma eyedrops.”

According to the Health Alert, the 2012 Johns Hopkins Vision White Paper includes news and information on how to “prevent and treat the major vision disorders that threaten our sight as we age,” including:

• “Resources to help you afford glaucoma medications.
• Can vitamin D help prevent early age-related macular degeneration? Here’s what the research suggests.
• High-tech advances for people with low vision.
• Diabetic retinopathy: Good and bad news on ways to reduce risk of progression.”

For each of the major eye disorders, Johns Hopkins says that its updated White Paper provides:

• “A thorough overview of the condition, its causes, and symptoms …
• Treatment options, with a Johns Hopkins recommendation on each …
• Groundbreaking new research and a review of the latest studies …
• A glossary of medical terms you need to understand …” and
• Lists of health information organizations, support groups, and other resources that specialize in the disorder ..

According to the Johns Hopkins Health Alert, the Vision White Paper is designed with a practical focus, to help you:

• Recognize and respond to symptoms and changes as they occur.
• Communicate effectively with your doctor, ask informed questions and understand the answers.
• Make the right decisions, based on an understanding of the newest drugs, the latest treatments and surgical techniques, the most promising research.
• Take control over your condition and act from knowledge, rather than fear.

Free Vision Special Report on Eye Problems and Solutions: Effective Ways to Protect Your Vision

Johns Hopkins’ Health Alert states that a free copy of a “Vision Special Report” on Eye Problems and Solutions: Effective Ways to Protect Your Vision accompanies a purchase of The Johns Hopkins 2012 Vision White Paper.

According to the Health Alert, the Vision Special Report covers topics including:

• Getting Rid of Red Eye: Allergic conjunctivitis is a common cause of red, itchy eyes. Fortunately it is highly treatable using one or more of the treatment options outlined here for short-term relief of symptoms and long-term prevention if it’s a recurring problem.
• Who’s Who Among Eye Care Professionals: It’s easy to confuse optometrists, opticians and so on, but each has a distinct role in managing vision problems. Find out the differences and how to choose the right one.
• Coping with Low Vision: Living with or caring for someone with low vision can be difficult. This advice can help keep you and your loved ones safe and manage the frustrations that can result.
• Floaters and Flashes: We all experience floaters or a light flash from time to time. Learn to recognize when this is harmless and temporary and when it could be a sign of retinal detachment – a medical emergency that can result in blindness if not treated promptly.
• Relief for Dry Eye: When the body fails to produce enough tears, your eyes can burn or feel itchy, sticky or irritated. Discover effective ways to relieve the symptoms.

The Johns Hopkins 2012 Vision White Paper, with the accompanying free Vision Special Report, can be purchased online from Johns Hopkins Medicine.

More Information

For more information on eyesight problems and their causes, symptoms & diagnosis, prevention, and treatment, as well as caregiving, see the HelpingYouCare™ resource pages on Eyesight Problems, including:

• News on Eyesight Problems;
• What Are They; Causes;
• Symptoms & Diagnosis;
• Prevention;
• Treatment;
• Caregiving;

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