Researchers from the Center for Value-Based Medicine^® estimate that cataract surgeries performed in the United States in one year will save $123.4 billion over the next 13 years.

 

An operation performed on a single eye, which costs about $2,653, will save an average of $121,198 over 13 years. The Center says that these operations provide a 4.567% return on investment to society.

 

The majority of the $123.4 billion in savings from cataract surgery come from patient healthcare savings after the operation (39.4%), savings in Medicare, the public health care system for Americans over age 65 (29.5%), and profits tied to employment/productivity (20.6%).

 

“Most people regard healthcare costs, which are estimated at $2.81 trillion in 2012, as expenditures and not investment dollars that return patient value and financial value,” said lead researcher Melissa M. Brown. “Our data demonstrates that this approach is far too simplistic and that estimating the return on investment provides a more complete picture. Cataract surgery is a paradigm for the premise that healthcare interventions, in addition to greatly improving patients’ lives, can also create considerable economic wealth.”

Source:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/11/131115104553.htm

 

Residents of major cities, such as Chicago and New York, and their suburbs are four times more likely to develop dry eye syndrome than people who live in less urban areas, where the air is less polluted, according to a new study presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO).

 

This is the first study involving a large population of patients from across the United States to link dry eye syndrome with atmospheric conditions. Residents of metropolitan areas, namely New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Miami, are subject to high pollution rates and show high prevalence (17 to 21%) of this syndrome.

 

In addition, dry eye syndrome is 13% higher in high-altitude areas. High humidity and strong winds, however, reduce the risk of developing this syndrome.

 

“Many people living in arid and polluted cities would readily attest to the irritating effect air pollution has on dry eye,” said lead researcher Anat Galor, assistant professor at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. “Our research suggests that simple actions, such as maintaining the appropriate humidity level indoors and using a high-quality air filter, should be considered as part of the overall management of patients suffering from dry eye syndrome.”

Source:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/11/131116171106.htm

 

 

Missed games associated with eye injuries sustained by hockey players cost franchises in the National Hockey League (NHL) more than $32 million from 2002 to 2013, according to a study presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO).

 

The researchers identified 149 eye injuries in that time frame. The majority of them were caused by being hit by the puck (37%) or struck by a high stick (28%). Only 18% were caused by fights.

 

Players who do not wear a visor are 4.23 times more likely to sustain eye injury. By measuring penalty minutes, hits and fights, the study was also able to show that the most aggressive players are most averse to wearing a visor.

 

“Although it may seem like common sense to wear visors, until now there was little evidence that they could decrease injuries or could save the league money,” said lead researcher Jonathan Micieli, of the University of Toronto. “Quantifying these factors can make a big difference in the NHL’s policy discussions.”

 

Since June 2013, players new to the game must wear a visor. Those who had played over 26 games in the NHL at the time the rule was introduced can, however, decide whether or not they will wear one. About 73% of players wore visors during the 2012-2013 season.

Source:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/11/131116171108.htm

 

A California woman intends to contest her citation, which she received because she was wearing her Google Glass while driving, in court.

 

In San Diego, after pulling Cecilia Abadie over for speeding, a police officer noticed she was wearing the famous web-connected eyeglasses. Without a moment’s hesitation, the officer added a citation that is usually given to drivers who may be distracted by a video or TV screen. This decision raised the ire of Cecilia Abadie, who is determined to take it to court.

 

“The law is not clear, the laws are very outdated,” said the driver in an interview with the Associated Press (AP), adding that navigating with the device is actually less distracting than with a GPS device or phone.

 

David Strayer, director of the University of Utah’s Center for the Prevention of Distracted Driving, says that although users can continue looking straight ahead while wearing Google Glass, glancing at the tiny screen in the lens can certainly distract them from the road, making the device a hazard.

 

Google declined to make a direct comment on the news, but warns drivers on its site. “Read up and follow the law. Above all, even when you’re following the law, don’t hurt yourself or others by failing to pay attention to the road.”

Source:

http://www.ctvnews.ca/sci-tech/u-s-woman-fighting-citation-for-wearing-google-glass-while-driving-1.1523098

 

 

 

Gartner Inc. claims that as early as 2017, web-connected eyewear, such as Google Glass and Gear Glass by Samsung, could bring in billions of dollars a year for businesses that use them.

 

According to Angela McIntyre, research director at Gartner, these savings would stem from an increase in efficiency and production for technicians, engineers and employees in the field, in maintenance, health and production services. With this type of device, young employees could learn to perform a task by following instructions displayed on the Glass or workers could resolve problems quicker at remote sites.

 

Furthermore, the American company, Rochester Optical, recently announced that it will be manufacturing ophthalmic lenses for the Google Glass as of January 2014. This will make the Glass more accessible to the general population. Since there is currently no agreement binding Rochester Optical and Google, the lenses will need to be ordered separately.

 

Google also sees a possible competitor emerging from an unexpected sector. Japanese car maker Nissan has indicated its intention to launch its own web-connected glasses. Nissan will show its prototype at the 43^rd Tokyo Motor Show. The 3E glasses will be able to display navigation data, capture the health status of the driver and his/her car, and even send photos and videos.

 

What remains to be seen is whether the authorities will approve wearing these glasses while driving; they already have to deal with the epidemic of drivers who text behind the wheel…

Sources:

http://www.acuite.fr/articles.asp?REF=9126 

http://www.directioninformatique.com/des-lentilles-ophtalmiques-seront-offertes-pour-les-lunettes-de-google/22888

http://auto.lapresse.ca/technologies/201311/13/01-4710373-nissan-presentera-des-lunettes-connectees-au-salon-de-tokyo.php