eyes

Feeling Blue about the Evidence for Blue-Blocking Glasses

Jonathan Jarry M.Sc. — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000

In 2016, numerous headlines fed the flames of blue light panic. A Telegraph article by the publication’s science editor claimed that taking selfies is aging our skin and that doctors can even tell which hand a person holds their phone when taking a portrait of themselves by noticing which side of their face is the most damaged.

The reason for this premature aging? The blue light from our phone and that burst of illumination from the flash.

Pineapple for Eye Floaters: Sweet Deal or Pipe Dream?

Jonathan Jarry M.Sc. — Sat, 11 Dec 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Shadow puppetry can be beautiful to look at, but when it’s happening inside our eyeballs, it’s an annoyance. One of the banes of getting older is the appearance of apparitions in our vision. In Latin, they are known as muscae volitantes. In French, they translate as flying flies. We know them in English as floaters.

Fishing for Evidence on Omega-3s and Dry Eyes

Jonathan Jarry M.Sc. — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 20:06:39 +0000

Are omega-3s the new vitamin C? In the past few years, these fats, primarily found in fish and flaxseeds, have acquired a reputation as veritable superheroes. Have arthritis? Try omega-3s! Don’t want cancer? Try omega-3s! Your car won’t start in the winter? Have you tried omega-3s?

Some websites will even direct people with dry eyes to start taking omega-3 supplements in order to help with symptoms. And while the evidence for that looked surprisingly good for a while, a recent trial casts doubt as to their usefulness in getting your eyes to stop burning.

The Real Connection Between Carrots and Vision

Joe Schwarcz PhD — Fri, 29 Nov 2019 17:10:52 +0000

During World War II, the British Royal Air Force started a rumour that carrots gave their fighter pilots sharp vision and accuracy. This was not true. Radar was responsible for their success against the Luftwaffe. But the British wanted to keep this a secret from their enemies. So naturally, they planted a false trail. Yes, it’s true that carrots are excellent source of beta-carotene, the body’s precursor for vitamin A, but studies have shown vision benefits will only be seen when there is a deficiency of vitamin A.

Looking at the Science of Sunglasses

Jonathan Jarry, MSc — Fri, 24 May 2019 16:53:02 +0000

The sunglasses at the dollar store feel flimsy, yet I buy a pair. It costs me $1.43. The sticker on one of the lenses states “UV 400 Protection”. I walk over to a fancy sunglasses store and ask the employee if she would trust this pair to filter out UV light. She says no. I ask why not. “Because they’re from the dollar store.”

The cheapest pair she sells is a Ray-Ban that retails for $190. Do I need it if I want to protect my eyes?

The Sun is not your friend

The Right Chemistry: Do blueberries improve night vision?

Joe Schwarcz PhD — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 14:37:34 +0000

Video of Dr. Joe Schwarcz: Do blueberries improve night vision?

Under the Microscope: Eyelashes

Ada McVean B.Sc. — Mon, 08 Apr 2019 18:24:16 +0000

Did you know that the real name for eye sleepies is rheum, and it doesn't only come from your eyes?

Ada McVean B.Sc. — Thu, 01 Nov 2018 17:15:28 +0000

Sleepies, eye gunk, eyeboogers… Whatever you call them, the proper name for that gunk that collects in the corners of your eyes is rheum. It's exuded from your eyes while you sleep (as you know) but also your nose and mouth. When it comes from your eyes it’s primarily made of mucus discharged from your cornea or your conjunctiva. It doesn't only happen when you're asleep though! During the day our blinking flushes the mucus away into the nasolacrimal duct along with your tears over the Habs losing again.

It’s Not the Smoke from a Joint That Makes Your Eyes Red

Ada McVean B.Sc. — Thu, 12 Jul 2018 18:00:00 +0000

The familiar red and glassy-eyed stare of someone who’s high was previously thought to be due to the irritation of eyes by pot smoke. But, now we know that weed makes your eyes red for the same reason it makes you dizzy- vasodilation.

Cracked Science 12: Vision Loss and Vitamins

Jonathan Jarry, MSc — Thu, 10 May 2018 18:19:57 +0000

Video of Vision Loss and Vitamins (CS12)

Are Cats and Dogs Colourblind?

Ada McVean B.Sc. — Thu, 26 Apr 2018 19:00:00 +0000

Si tu veux lire cet article en français, cliquez ici!

Why Do We ‘See Things’?

ada.mcvean@mail.mcgill.ca — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 14:01:09 +0000

Light enters your retina and is detected by photoreceptor cells, of which humans have 3 specialized kinds- rod cells, cone cells and photosensitive retinal ganglion cells. The retinal ganglion cells are a bit different than the rods or cones, as they do not help you see directly, but sense light none the less, and use that information to help with circadian rhythms to regulate sleeping, and to help pupils know when to contract or dilate.

Can you change your eye colour?

Joe Schwarcz PhD — Tue, 25 Apr 2017 18:16:37 +0000

Increased media attention on beauty and perfection has influenced many to turn to cosmetic surgery. A recent survey revealed that, if possible, many would consider altering their eye colour. Now, Dr. Gregg Homer, a U.S. Doctor, claims that this will be possible via a new laser procedure. The procedure starts with a computerised scan of the patients’ iris so a laser can hit one spot on the iris at a time, to heat up the pigment cells.

Dr. Sen’s Perfect Vision System

Joe Schwarcz PhD — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 22:05:01 +0000

I’m accustomed to being forwarded all sorts of videos about miraculous cures that are being suppressed by the establishment. There’s usually some “maverick doctor” who has made an astounding, shocking discovery about curing every disease known to mankind with some revolutionary herbal treatment, exotic juice or dietary supplement. There are testimonials, “rock solid” money back guarantees, and warnings about the need to click on the “buy now” button right away because of the uncertainty of keeping the video on the web. Why?

What is macular degeneration?

Joe Schwarcz PhD — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 18:21:54 +0000

You probably won't like this advice. Eat more spinach! I can hear the yucks already, but listen up and maybe you'll see things my way. And seeing is what we're talking about. I bet that Popeye didn't suffer from age related macular degeneration, a disease that affects about 20% of people over the age of 65.