Vision, its malfunctions ; diagnostic methods Essay Example

Vision, its malfunctions ; diagnostic methods Essay Example Vision, its malfunctions ; diagnostic methods Essay Vision, its malfunctions ; diagnostic methods Essay 1.0 Preface This essay is on vision, its malfunctions diagnostics methods. The content included is concordant with the criteria listed on the specification of the institute of biophysics at 2nd Faculty of Charles University in Prague. Additional acknowledgements are mentioned under the reference section. 1.1 Visual acuity and its measurement Visual acuity is the measurement of the ability to discriminate two stimuli separated in space at high contrast relative to the background1; it is a quantitative measure of the ability to identify black symbols on a white background at a standardized distance as the size of the symbols is varied. It happens to be the most common clinical measurement of visual function. Visual acuity is typically measured using optotype chart for close and distant vision (snellen test). The eye which is not under test is occluded by means of instructing the subject to place an obstacle, for example a hand in front of the eye. This prevents intentional peeking, which would adversely affect the validity of the examination results. A variety of charts convenient for the patient are used, particularly in cases where a subject is unable to read the alphabet. In such cases the Tumbling E chart may be used, where the perceived letter, capital E is facing a different direction. Subsequently the subject is then required to determine the direction of the letter. (For further details read on below) 1.2 Basic geometrical defects of the eye optical system and their correction Namely, there are three basic types of defects of the optical system. These are Myopia (nearsightedness), Hyperopia (farsightedness) and Astigmatism (inappropriate path of light rays to the eye). Myopia and hyperopia are termed spherical disorders as both can be corrected with spherical lens. Astigmatism on the other hand is an aspherical disorder as it is corrected with cylindrical lenses1. Myopia influences the ability to see distant objects, in which the object is perceived as blurry. This is because the object is not focused directly on the retina, but in front of it. A clinical explanation for this may be that the eyeball is longer in length or the refractive power of the lens is immensely strong. Correction of this defect is achieved by wearing concave lenses which help to focus the object being viewed onto the retina. Fig 1 Compensating for myopia using a corrective lens. Hyperopia is the opposite of myopia, in which distant vision is intact but problems only arise when viewing things at close proximities. In this case the object being viewed is focused somewhat behind the retina rather than upon it. A clinical explanation for this may be that the eyeball is shorter in length or the refractive power of the lens is too weak. Correction is achieved by wearing convex lenses which focus the object being viewed onto the retina. Fig 2 Restoring of vision with convex lens Astigmatism is a defect of the eye in which light rays are localized at different regions of the retina rather than being localized on a single focal point of the retina. Strictly speaking, there are two forms of astigmatism. The first is a third-order aberration, which occurs for objects (or parts of objects) away from the optical axis. The second form of astigmatism occurs when the optical system is not symmetric about the optical axis. Problems persist when viewing lines placed at differing angles and the lines running in one direction appear sharp, whilst those in other directions appear blurred. Correction is achieved by wearing cylindrical lenses, which are placed in the out-of-focus axis. Fig 3 Showing the faint lines viewed by a person with astigmatism 1.3 Objective subjective methods for measuring eye refractive power Commonly employed methods to assess optical power are among subjective methods, although in the recent years objective strategies (e.g. nerve fiber analyzers) have been implemented which, however do not rely on patient responses. Optical power is adversely affected by glaucoma, a major risk factor for vision loss, caused by the loss of retinal ganglion cells. Fiber analyzers are used to measure physical thickness of nerve fibers in the retina. As fiber layer thickness is a measure of glaucoma progression, thin thickness concludes the onset of glaucoma and thus impaired vision. Subjective methods include the Snellen Chart Test, in which the optotype is placed twenty feet (6 meters) away from the subject. Some individuals may well wear spectacles in which case the examination is performed with the subject wearing them. The eye which is adversely impaired out of the two is examined first. Usually the examination commences by using large optotypes followed by the smaller ones. The subject is then prompted to recite the letters (or symbols) visible to them. This procedure is then repeated for the other eye. Normally read at 60 metres. Normally read at 36 metres. Normally read at 18 metres. Normally read at 12 metres. Normally read at 9 metres. Normally read at 6 metres. Normally read at 5 metres. Normally read at 4 metres. Fig 4 Showing distances at which letters can be read The results from the snellen test are processed and denoted as fractions. For example 6/18 means that the third line down can be read from 6 meters away; 6/6 or 6/5 is considered to be normal distance vision. If no lines can be read from 6 meters then shorter distances are tried. For example, 3/36 means that the second line can be read from a distance of 3 meters away; 2/60 means that the top line can be read from 2 meters away1 (If the top letter cannot be read even with prescription lens or glasses then the subject is considered to be legally blind). Alternatively a Lea test aimed at pre-school children may be used. In this case the optotypes denote an edible fruit (e.g. an apple). The Tumbling E chart (see visual acuity and its measurement) may also be used. In both cases the same principle applies as with the Snellen test. Indirect subjective methods to access optical power include intraocular pressure (see below). 1.4 Intraocular Pressure its measurements As the name suggests, intraocular pressure is the pressure exerted by a fluid inside the eye. Fluid secretion may be triggered by genetic factors, side effects of medication, the inflammation of the eye or simply, during exercise. Normal intraocular pressure lies between 10 mmHg and 21 mmHg. In spite of the optic nerve and visual field being intact, when the intraocular pressure is greater than normal, the condition is termed Ocular Hypertension. Ocular Hypertension is usually correlated with the increased incidence of glaucoma. When the intraocular pressure falls below the critical value (5 mmHg) the condition is termed Ocular Hypotony. Intraocular pressure is typically measured by using a tonometer. Often eye drops are given to alleviate any pain. The procedure involves applying a dye (florescein) to the eye. This eases the examiners ability to see the cornea. The subject is then asked to stare at a bright-lighted slit lamp. The tonometer probe is then made to touch the eye and subsequently the examiner notes down the tension dial which measures the intraocular pressure. 1.5 Color perception and its malfunctions The trichromatic theory proposed by Young 1802, claims that any colour can be produced by a mixture of red, green and blue light. This infers that there only needs to be three types of cones red (erythrolabes), blue (cyanolabes) and green (chlorolabes), with each maximally sensitive to one type of color. The cones respond to different degrees when exposed to light, with the brain synthesising this information to produce all other colors1. Malfunctions of color perception include monochromacy, dichromacy, anomalous trichromacy and achromatopsia Monochromacy, caused by the absence of two of the three cones, is the inability to distinguish between colors. Thus color vision is reduced to one dimension. There are two forms, rod and cone monochromacy respectively. Rod monochromacy, associated with light sensitivity (photophobia) is the absence or malfunction of the retinal cones. As a result the ability to distinguish colors is impaired. Cone monochromacy refers to color blindness which is accompanied by relatively normal vision. Dichromacy constitutes the absence or malfunctioning of one of the three cones, thus limiting vision to two dimensions. It may be passed on to the offspring genetically (i.e. sex linked), in particular having a predilection in the male population. As with monochromacy, this defect comprises two forms, protanopia (a congenital sex linked color vision defect caused by the absence of the red retinal photoreceptors) and deuteranopia (red-green color blindness resulting from the loss of function of medium wavelength cones or M-cones) Anomalous trichromacy is a congenital color vision deficiency, referring to the relatively low quantity of one of the three types of cone photo-pigments. The condition is thought to occur when one of the three cone pigments are altered, but trichromacy or normal three dimensional color vision is not fully impaired. Achromatopsia is congenital or inherited deficiency of color perception. It is caused by the absence of cone cells or severe defect in those initially present. Individuals with this condition typically perceive the world as being gray, black and white2. 1.6 Binocular 3D Vision Binocular vision yields a wider scope of vision. Most objects in our visual world have texture. The acquisition of two eyes (binocular vision) as oppose to one (monocular vision) makes the grain of texture appear finer as we move from one region to another. This gives binocular summation, in which the ability to detect faint objects is enhanced. The perception of depth is the ability to perceive the world in three dimensions1. Binocular disparity arises as each eye has a slightly different perspective of the object being viewed2. Therefore the closer the object, the more disparate the image. Thus binocular disparity is used as a binocular depth cue. Other binocular depth cues include stereopsist (the process in visual perception leading to perception of the depth or distance of objects)3 and binocular convergence (the simultaneous inward movement of both eyes toward each other, usually in an effort to maintain single binocular vision when viewing an object) 4. Because of binocular disparity, light entering one eye can alter papillary diameter in the other closed eye upon opening. It may also affect the process of accommodation (focusing of the eye) as the accommodation of the closed eye, upon opening, will inevitably be equal to that of the first eye. Fig 5 3D processing of the brain The picture on the previous page contains two images of a chair, one red and one blue, from two slightly different angles. When wearing two different lenses, one lens will filter out the blue color and the other the red color. The result is each eye is only receiving one of the two images on the page. Just as if you were looking at a real chair from two different angles, the brain forms these images into one three-dimensional image (hence the term binocular 3D vision arises). 1.7 Devices for night vision Night vision devices are best appreciated by deciding what you intend to use them for. Of the numerous devices available, night glasses are typical preferred amongst others, possibly because of their primitive outlook. Their large lenses can accumulate light and subsequently project it through the exit pupil of 7nm or more, and into the individuals eye, thus enhancing vision in hours of darkness. Thermal vision is a fairly modern exploitation of science in which a device (e.g. security camera equipment) constructs an image in response to microwaves or sound waves, which are transmitted from the source. Thermal vision devices are generally not considered to be night vision devices as they construct images with mechanisms substantially different from the methods used to sense visible light. Amplification of visible light from an image can be achieved by making use of an image intensifier. This allows the image to be viewed by the naked eye.

Brick Wall Strategies for Finding Your Ancestors

Brick Wall Strategies for Finding Your Ancestors When it comes to family trees things are rarely straightforward. Families often disappear between one census and the next; records are lost or destroyed through mishandling, fire, war, and flood; and sometimes the facts you do find just dont make sense. When your family history research hits a dead-end, organize your facts and try one of these popular brick wall-busting tactics. Review What You Already Have I know. It seems basic. But I cant stress enough how many brick walls are breached with information that the researcher already has tucked away in notes, files, boxes or on the computer. Information that you found a few years ago may include names, dates or other details that now provide clues given new facts that youve since uncovered. Organizing your files and reviewing your information and evidence may uncover just the clue youre looking for. Go Back to the Original Source Many of us are guilty when transcribing information or recording notes of only including the information we deem important at the time. You may have kept the names and dates from that old census record, but did you also keep track of other information such as years of marriage and country of parents origin? Did you record the names of the neighbors? Or, perhaps, you misread a name or misinterpreted a relationship? If you havent already, be sure to go back to the original records, making complete copies and transcriptions and recording all clues - however unimportant they may seem right now. Broaden Your Search When youre stuck on a particular ancestor, a good strategy is to extend your search to family members and neighbors. When you cant find a birth record for your ancestor that lists his/her parents, maybe you can locate one for a sibling. Or, when youve lost a family between census years, try looking for their neighbors. You may be able to identify a migration pattern, or a mis-indexed census entry that way. Often referred to as cluster genealogy, this research process can often get you past tough brick walls. Question and Verify Many brick walls are built from incorrect data. In other words, your sources may be leading you in the wrong direction through their inaccuracy. Published sources often contain transcription errors, while even original documents may contain misinformation, whether purposefully or accidentally given. Try to find at least three records to verify any facts that you already know and judge the quality of your data based on the weight of the evidence. Check Name Variations Your brick wall may just be something as simple as looking for the wrong name. Variations of last names can make research complicated, but be sure to check all spelling options. Soundex is a first step, but you cant count on it entirely - some name variations can actually result in different soundex codes. Not only can the surnames be different, but the given name may be different as well. Ive found records recorded under initials, middle names, nicknames, etc. Get creative with name spellings and variations and cover all the possibilities. Learn Your Boundaries Even though you know that your ancestor lived on the same farm, you may still be looking in the wrong jurisdiction for your ancestor. Town, county, state, and even country boundaries have changed over time as populations grew or political authority changed hands. Records were also not always registered in the locality where your ancestors lived. In Pennsylvania, for example, births and deaths can be registered in any county, and many of my Cambria county ancestors records were actually located in neighboring Clearfield county because they lived closer to that county seat and found it a more convenient trip. So, bone up on your historical geography and you just may find a new route around your brick wall. Ask for Help Fresh eyes can often see beyond brick walls, so try bouncing your theories off other researchers. Post a query to a Web site or mailing list which focuses on the locality in which the family lived, check with members of the local historical or genealogical society, or just talk through it with someone else who loves family history research. Be sure to include what you already know, as well as what youd like to know and which tactics youve already tried.