Many people say that once they'd bought an iPhone, they wondered how they ever coped without it. From social media, games, navigation tools and keeping up-to-date with news, the possibilities are endless when it comes to apps to download.But it turns out that iPhone apps could be useful for medical professionals, too. Researchers from the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Hospital, Harvard Medical School have explored the feasibility of using a simple smartphone camera for retinal imaging. Retinal imagi… Continue reading →

We take a look at one of the planet's most visually-aware animal the giant squid!The words attributed to the largest of squid species in the giant and colossal manifestations suggest that their bodily features are likely to be on the large side, with an interesting theory on how their eyes have developed and evolved to help protect the oversized squids from becoming an easy target for lurking predators in the depths of the ocean.All The Better to See You WithThe giant squid’s eyes are roughly … Continue reading →

A medical trial is underway in Sao Paulo, where doctors are looking at a new way to cure keratoconjunctivitis sicca, more commonly known as dry eye syndrome.Dry eye syndrome is caused when the eye doesn’t produce enough tear film – a protective layer of water, fats, proteins and infection-fighting cells, which lubricates the eye and protects it from dust and infections. Without tear film, eyes can dry out, and become enflamed and sore. Vision can become blurred and in extreme cases, ulcers c… Continue reading →

In all the popular science fiction space-based television programmes, it’s rare that a hero or heroine wears glasses. Star Trek, Star Wars, Dr Who – it’s hard to think of a key individual who needed help to see (although possibly Darth Vadar, who was more machine than human, had artificial eyesight).

Did Dr Spock Need Glasses?

In fact, scientific research carried out into the long-term effects of space travel on astronauts has suggested that there is a link between d… Continue reading →

A global study into how people perceive their eyesight has found that a third of those questioned have not had their eyes tested in the past two years, yet still claim to have perfect vision.When those questioned were asked why they did not have regular eye tests, 63% of people replied that they had not been experiencing any symptoms of poor eyesight.Britons rank highly in global surveyThe study was carried out by Bausch + Lomb, a world-renowned eye and healthcare company. They asked 1,050 UK re… Continue reading →

The natural evolutionary reflexes and tear duct process in the eye tends to prevent us from much potential eye damage when coming into contact with unwanted objects, although not every danger can be repelled, and an eye injury or trauma can be incredibly alarming.Until technology becomes so advanced that we can replace the human eye, we are stuck with the pair we are born with and have to look after them carefully.Types of Injury and Treatment RequiredCause: The most common eye injury would be t… Continue reading →

We are aware that the prevalence of eye disease is only likely to increase as we reach middle age, but startling statistics published in a recent report in the United States on vision problems shows a rapid increase in common eye disease of the older population in recent years.What Does The Report Say?A report entitled ‘Vision Problems in the US’ was released to the public in recent weeks by Prevent Blindness America which outlines a sharp increase in common eye problems of American citizens… Continue reading →

Here at Direct Sight HQ we pride ourselves on being eye geeks. There’s not much we don’t know about them, and if we were a contestant on Mastermind they would definitely be our specialist subject.

The design of each part of the eye is so detailed and intricate that we are overwhelmingly lucky to have the gift of sight, and with that in mind we thought we’d show off a selection of our favourite peculiar facts.

1.    The structure of our eyes is so dazzlingly remark… Continue reading →

Here at DirectSight HQ we’re keener than anyone to make sure our visitors have a good pair of well protected peepers. There I was tucking into a nice slice of jam on toast when I thought to myself...  this really is an underrated way of keeping your eyes in tip top condition.

That’s right – the humble slice of bilberry jam on toast packs quite a punch where our optics are concerned, and that’s because bilberry jam contains a compound called anthocyanoside – and anything wit… Continue reading →

A number of sensations can cause an unpleasant feeling in your eye which may feel as though there is a foreign body causing itching or a burning sensation, a stabbing feeling, a dull ache or a searing flash.Toothache Can Cause Eye PainConditions that are unconnected to the eye can nonetheless cause discomfort in that location due to the connection of the nerves in the facial area.  For example, chronic sinusitis can a painful throbbing in the eye, which is due to the congestion of the area and … Continue reading →