This book presents a technology to help speech-, hearing- and sight-impaired people. It explains how they will benefit from an enhancement in their ability to recognize and produce speech or to detect sounds in their surroundings. Additionally, it is considered how sound-based assistive technology might be applied to the areas of speech recognition, speech synthesis, environmental recognition, virtual reality and robots. The primary focus of this book is to provide an understanding of both the methodology and basic concepts of assistive technology rather than listing the variety of assistive devices developed. This book presents a number of different topics which are sufficiently independent from one another that the reader may begin at any chapter without lacking background information. Much of the research quoted in this book was conducted in the author's laboratories at Hokkaido University and University of Tokyo. This book offers the reader a better understanding of a number of unsolved problems that still persist in the field of sound-based assistive technology.

Our understanding of human color vision has advanced tremendously in recent years, helped along by many new discoveries, ideas, and achievements. It is therefore timely that these new developments are brought together in a book, assembled specifically to include new research and insight from the leaders in the field. Although intentionally not exhaustive, many aspects of color vision are discussed in this Springer Series in Vision Research book including: the genetics of the photopigments; the anatomy and physiology of photoreceptors, retinal and cortical pathways; color perception; the effects of disorders; theories on neuronal processes and the evolution of human color vision. Several of the chapters describe new, state-of-the-art methods within genetics, morphology, imaging techniques, electrophysiology, psychophysics, and computational neuroscience. The book gives a comprehensive overview of the different disciplines in human color vision in a way that makes it accessible to specialists and non-specialist scientists alike. About the Series: The Springer Series in Vision Research is a comprehensive update and overview of cutting edge vision research, exploring, in depth, current breakthroughs at a conceptual level. It details the whole visual system, from molecular processes to anatomy, physiology and behavior and covers both invertebrate and vertebrate organisms from terrestrial and aquatic habitats. Each book in the Series is aimed at all individuals with interests in vision including advanced graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, established vision scientists and clinical investigators. The series editors are N. Justin Marshall, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Australia and Shaun P. Collin, Neuroecology Group within the School of Animal Biology and the Oceans Institute at the University of Western Australia.

This consolidated reference book addresses the various aspects of nano biomaterials used in ophthalmic drug delivery, including their characterization, interactions with ophthalmic system and applications in treatments of the ophthalmic diseases and disorders. In the last decade, a significant growth in polymer sciences, nanotechnology and biotechnology has resulted in the development of new nano- and bioengineered nano-bio-materials. These are extensively explored as drug delivery carriers as well as for implantable devices and scaffolds. At the interface between nanomaterials and biological systems, the organic and synthetic worlds merge into a new science concerned with the safe use of nanotechnology and nano material design for biological applications. For this field to evolve, there is a need to understand the dynamic forces and molecular components that shape these interactions. While it is impossible to describe with certainty all the bio physicochemical interactions at play at the interface, we are at a point where the pockets of assembled knowledge are providing a conceptual framework to guide this exploration, and review the impact on future product development. The book is intended as a valuable resource for academics and pharmaceutical scientists working in the field of polymers, polymers materials for drug delivery, drug delivery systems and ophthalmic drug delivery systems, in addition to medical and health care professionals in these areas.

Central Serous Chorioretinopathy discusses the mechanisms, pathogenesis and risk factors of CSCR, findings on various imaging modalities, available treatment options, and translational research into new treatment options for CSCR management. This comprehensive book is written for retina specialists and surgeons, researchers and clinical practitioners in sensory systems (vision), and ophthalmologists. Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is a common disorder across the world with a variable prognosis without any standard of care. Recently, advancements in imaging have led to a better understanding of the pathogenesis and mechanisms of this disease.

This monograph focuses on the use of analysis and processing methods for images from the Corvis (R) ST tonometer. The presented analysis is associated with the quantitative, repeatable and fully automatic evaluation of the response of the eye, eyeball and cornea to an air-puff. All the described algorithms were practically implemented in MATLAB (R). The monograph also describes and provides the full source code designed to perform the discussed calculations. As a result, this monograph is intended for scientists, graduate students and students of computer science and bioengineering as well as doctors wishing to expand their knowledge of modern diagnostic methods assisted by various image analysis and processing methods.

Viewing an electronic display screen varies significantly from reading text on paper and human eyes often suffer for it. Featuring cutting-edge research in the field of visual ergonomics, Visual Ergonomics Handbook focuses on vision and eye-care issues in both the office and industrial setting, including eye safety issues in industrial plants and construction sites. The text integrates the knowledge of leading experts in the fields of optometry, ergonomics, eye safety, and occupational medicine into a comprehensive, easy-to-read volume that also analyzes the economic benefits of developing a workplace visual ergonomics program. Written at a level that makes the information easily accessible, the chapter authors provide a simplified but thorough discussion of the process of eyesight and the components of the visual system. They explore the technology behind computer displays, discuss environmental issues surrounding eye symptoms and vision in the workplace, and examine lighting, glare, monitor position, vision distances, and other issues in detail. The chapter on glare in the workplace clarifies the role of anti-glare filters for display and the chapter on eye examinations covers the information that is critical to describe to the doctor. A discussion of the economic impact of ergonomic programs wraps up the main volume of the book. The book's multidisciplinary chapter authors give you wide ranging coverage of the issues and the editorial guidance of Jeffrey Anshel ensures that redundancies are weeded out. The first comprehensive handbook on visual ergonomics, it presents information that is adequately straightforward and technical.

A compact business education that strategically incorporates 500 keywords to lay the foundation and over 50 action items to initiate meaningful advances and excel in your eye care practice today. Medical training is a difficult journey with enormous amounts of information to absorb over a short time period. The intense time commitment required during this process leaves little opportunity to study any other discipline. However, even the most intelligent and well-intentioned provider cannot care for patients if the front door of the building is closed. Simply put: A fundamental background in business is required to effectively practice medicine. Eye care professionals, which includes their ophthalmic staff, can now fill the critical gap in their education with Essential Business Fundamentals for the Successful Eye Care Practice, providing them the necessary basic tools to make and execute winning practice management decisions. Writing in a high-density format that medical professionals will be familiar with, Dr. Savak Teymoorian combines his physician training and experience as a successful ophthalmologist at Harvard Eye Associates with the knowledge acquired earning his MBA. This unique perspective allows him to provide the proper theory and execution in the business of eye care and present it in an efficient manner like that used in medical education. Each chapter is dedicated to a different subject that would routinely be taught in a masters of business administration degree, tailored specifically for eye care professionals and distilled into the most critical information for a strong foundation. Each section is further enhanced with real life examples seen in ophthalmic care showing how to properly apply business strategies and tactics to obtain the best results. Chapter topics include: Marketing Leadership Negotiations Operations Finance Ophthalmologists, optometrists, and eye care staff will appreciate Essential Business Fundamentals for the Successful Eye Care Practice for its efficient and relevant information to running an eye care practice, whether they are currently in training and want to set themselves up for success or they are already practicing and want to fill in a deficiency in their knowledge.

This is the first book to cover all currently available methods to manage pre-, intra- and post-lacrimal sac stenosis. Comprehensive multidisciplinary approaches in adults and children are described. International experts provide a stepwise analysis and describe the clinical management of these patients with detailed medical and surgical treatment plans. With this guide's highly structured and reader-friendly format, the reader will be able to solve any problem that may occur with the reconstruction of a disturbed or damaged lacrimal system.

Femtosecond-assisted laser in-situ keratomileusis flaps have revolutionized refractive surgery since their introduction. The use of the femtosecond laser to create the LASIK flap has led to an improvement in the safety profile of the flap creation step as compared to the mechanical microkeratome. Although this laser is exceedingly safe, complications still do occur. LASIK Emergencies: A Video Primer focuses specifically on the different flap complications that are still known to occur and their management. Designed as a narrated video-based book of ophthalmic surgeries, LASIK Emergencies covers the entire spectrum of Intralase flap complications. With 15 chapters, this book and accompanying website contains nearly 4 hours of state-of-the-art video teaching. Drs. Samir Melki and Ali Fadlallah have designed LASIK Emergencies so that each chapter focuses on a specific complication and its management, and features multiple videos for each. Each video is edited in such a way that the viewer can quickly grasp all the relevant information without having to sit through extensive, unedited surgical videos. Some Complications Covered: Loss of suction Air bubbles in the Anterior Chamber Irregular Flaps Subconjunctival hemorrhage and bleeding Ophthalmologists, laser ophthalmic technicians, and optometrists alike will appreciate this unique resource, as LASIK Emergencies: A Video Primer covers the entire spectrum of LASIK complications in a detailed, yet digestible manner.

For over thirty years, the Oxford Handbook of Clinical Specialties has guided students and junior doctors through their clinical placements, renowned for providing all the information needed for both practice and revision in a deceptively small package. Now in its eleventh edition, the Handbook has been revitalized by an expanded team of specialty experts and junior doctors to guide readers through each of the specialties encountered through medical school and Foundation Programme rotations, while remaining true to the humanity and patient focus of the original edition. Updated with the latest advice and clinical guidelines, packed full of high-quality illustrations, boxes, tables, and classifications, and with a brand new chapter on how to survive your junior doctor years and beyond, this handbook is ideal for both study and use at direct point of care. Each chapter is clear and concise and filled with medical gems, with features including ribbons to mark your most-used pages and mnemonics to help you memorize and retain key facts. With reassuring and friendly advice throughout, this is the ultimate guide and revision tool for every medical student and junior doctor for each clinical specialty placement. This well-loved Handbook remains the perfect companion to the Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine, together encompassing the entire spectrum of clinical medicine and unmatched by any competitor in their class, helping you become the doctor you want to be.

Photopigments are molecules that react to light and mediate a number of processes and behaviours in animals. Visual pigments housed within the photoreceptors of the eye, such as the rods and cones in vertebrates are the best known, however, visual pigments are increasingly being found in other tissues, including other retinal cells, the skin and the brain. Other closely related molecules from the G protein family, such as melanopsin mediate light driven processes including circadian rhythmicity and pupil constriction. This Volume examines the enormous diversity of visual pigments and traces the evolution of these G protein coupled receptors in both invertebrates and vertebrates in the context of the visual and non-visual demands dictated by a species' ecological niche.

This text is a comprehensive look at the current knowledge on stem cell application for vision loss, showcasing different types of stem cells (adult, embryonic, iPSCs) for diseases of the front and the back of the eye. It also highlights data obtained in various models from fish to human, as well as from the bionic eye project for vision regeneration. This volume in the Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine series is essential reading for stem cell biologists, ophthalmologists, advanced and graduate students, in addition to academics and medical staff who work in these disciplines.

This book will contain the proceedings of the XIV International Symposium on Retinal Degeneration (RD2010), held July 13-17, 2010, in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, Canada. The volume will present representative state-of-the-art research in almost all areas of retinal degenerations, ranging from cytopathologic, physiologic, diagnostic and clinical aspects; animal models; mechanisms of cell death; candidate genes, cloning, mapping and other aspects of molecular genetics; and developing potential therapeutic measures such as gene therapy and neuroprotective agents for potential pharmaceutical therapy.

Optical Coherence Tomography represents the ultimate noninvasive ocular imaging technique although being in the field for over two-decades. This book encompasses both medical and technical developments and recent achievements. Here, the authors cover the field of application from the anterior to the posterior ocular segments (Part I) and present a comprehensive review on the development of OCT. Important developments towards clinical applications are covered in Part II, ranging from the adaptive optics to the integration on a slit-lamp, and passing through new structural and functional information extraction from OCT data. The book is intended to be informative, coherent and comprehensive for both the medical and technical communities and aims at easing the communication between the two fields and bridging the gap between the two scientific communities.

The key knowledge assembled in this book comprises today's most comprehensive resource on Sjoegren's syndrome. Sjoegren's patients require the care of a wide variety of clinical and surgical specialists to treat their disease and improve their quality of life. This volume presents a broad multi-disciplinary approach, enlisting the expertise of well-respected authors from around the world, covering the specialties of rheumatology, ophthalmology, oral medicine, oral surgery, otolaryngology, hematology, and others. This practical clinical resource begins with an overview of Sjoegren's myths, pearls and tips, information for referring physicians, and diagnostic and classification and criteria. The second section covers pathogenesis, providing the backbone for our understanding current diagnostics and therapeutics. The third section is devoted to clinical manifestations and therapeutic considerations. It covers the entire spectrum of symptoms and treatment, infused with the experience and astute clinical observations of the book's contributors. With system-wide coverage of local and systemic therapy, the book examines current therapy, biologics, and emerging therapeutic targets. Presenting many international perspectives, this book creates an inter-connective conduit for the global community of Sjoegren's patients and physicians.

This book presents a unique approach not found in any other text for those looking to improve the clinical results of refractive surgery by gaining a better understanding of corneal biomechanics and the instrumentation related to it. Written by leading experts in the field, this book provides authoritative coverage of the interactions of the cornea and the bioinstrumentation, such as corneal topography, pachymetry, aberrometers, tonometry and optical coherence tomography. Organized in an easy-to-read manner, Corneal Biomechanics and Refractive Surgery is designed for refractive surgeons and general ophthalmologists alike and describes the biomechanical role of the corneal tissue and how each part is affected in refractive surgery. Additionally, showing what the bioinstrumentation can measure, how models can improve understanding of the interaction between biomechanics, bioinstrumentation, and refractive surgery, and how these models and bioinstrumentation together can improve the refractive results, are also discussed.

This book will contain the proceedings of the XV International Symposium on Retinal Degeneration (RD2012). A majority of those who will speak and present posters at the meeting will contribute to this volume. The blinding diseases of inherited retinal degenerations have no treatments, and age-related macular degeneration has no cures, despite the fact that it is an epidemic among the elderly, with 1 in 3-4 affected by the age of 70. The RD Symposium will focus on the exciting new developments aimed at understanding these diseases and providing therapies for them. Since most major scientists in the field of retinal degenerations attend the biennial RD Symposia, they are known by most as the "best" and "most important" meetings in the field. The volume will present representative state-of-the-art research in almost all areas of retinal degenerations, ranging from cytopathologic, physiologic, diagnostic and clinical aspects; animal models; mechanisms of cell death; candidate genes, cloning, mapping and other aspects of molecular genetics; and developing potential therapeutic measures such as gene therapy and neuroprotective agents for potential pharmaceutical therapy. While advances in these areas of retinal degenerations will be described, there will be many new topics that either were in their infancy or did not exist at the time of the last RD Symposium, RD2010. These include the role of inflammation and immunity, as well as other basic mechanisms, in age-related macular degeneration, several new aspects of gene therapy, and revolutionary new imaging and functional testing that will have a huge impact on the diagnosis and following the course of retinal degenerations, as well as to provide new quantitative endpoints for clinical trials. The retina is an approachable part of the central nervous system (CNS), and there is a major interest in neuroprotective and gene therapy for CNS diseases and neurodegenerations, in general. It should be noted that with successful and exciting initial clinical trials in neuroprotective and gene therapy, including the restoration of sight in blind children, the retinal degeneration therapies are leading the way towards new therapeutic measures for neurodegenerations of the CNS. Many of the successes recently reported in these areas of retinal degeneration sprang from collaborations established at previous RD Symposia, and many of those will be reported at the RD2010 meeting and included in the proposed volume. We anticipate the excitement of those working in the field and those afflicted with retinal degenerations will be reflected in the volume.

Over the past decades, knowledge about the cellular and molecular basis underlying the visual process has remarkably increased. In Retinal Degeneration: Methods and Protocols, expert researchers in the field provide a guide of relevant and state-of-the-art methods for studying retinal homeostasis and disease. These include methods and techniques for addressing cell culture systems and animal models of disease, their generation, their phenotypic and molecular characterization as well as their use in therapeutic approaches to the retina. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and key tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Retinal Degeneration: Methods and Protocols aids scientists in continuing to study the cutting-edge techniques of retinal cell biology in health and disease.

Continuous regeneration of the cornea is necessary to maintain this tissue in the transparent state that is essential for vision. Therapy for repair of the damaged anterior cornea is currently addressed through the transplantation of donor corneas or the delivery of limbal epithelial stem cells (LESC) to the ocular surface using amniotic membrane (AM) as a supporting scaffold. Research on the bioengineering of corneal equivalents as replacement tissue is underway to develop viable corneal prosthetics. Corneal Regenerative Medicine: Methods and Protocols provides a concise overview of essential techniques in the field of corneal regenerative medicine, highlighting novel strategies to guide the management of key therapies within this area of medicine. Divided into four convenient sections, topics include the identification, characterisation and cultivation of LESC, as well as the investigation of biopolymers used as the basis for corneal substitutes. Written in the successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and easily accessible, Corneal Regenerative Medicine: Methods and Protocols covers the fundamental techniques useful for both the laboratory and clinical settings.

The introduction of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents has revolutionized therapy for a host of ocular diseases associated with leakage from normal blood vessels and pathologic blood vessel growth. Anti-VEGF Use in Ophthalmology is an all-inclusive reference designed to provide detailed, up-to-date, and clinically relevant information on the current use of anti-VEGF agents in the treatment of all ocular conditions. Drs. Jay S. Duker and Michelle C. Liang have assembled a prestigious group of contributors who pool their collective expertise in this comprehensive book. Anti-VEGF Use in Ophthalmology is split into two sections with the first providing the history of VEGF and an overview of anti-VEGF agents and different routes of drug delivery, as it is important for eye care providers to be familiar with up-to-date aspects of the medications and indications for use. The second section details the clinical uses of anti-VEGF agents in numerous ocular diseases, from the anterior segment including cornea and glaucoma to uveitis and various retinal and choroidal diseases. Each chapter in this section summarizes the disease process and utilizes high-quality ocular imaging to demonstrate the therapeutic use of the anti-VEGF agents. Some of the topics covered in Anti-VEGF Use in Ophthalmology: Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy Retinal Vein Occlusion Uveitis Neovascular Glaucoma Macular Edema Retinopathy of Prematurity Corneal Disease Anti-VEGF Use in Ophthalmology combines the theory and applications of anti-VEGF agents, making it not only a great learning tool for beginners but also a useful reference tool for a wide range of eye care professionals including optometrists, residents, comprehensive ophthalmologists, as well as specialists in anterior segment, pediatrics, and vitreoretinal disease.

Daily rhythms are a ubiquitous feature of living systems. Generally, these rhythms are not just passive consequences of cyclic fluctuations in the environment, but instead originate within the organism. In mammals, including humans, the master pacemaker controlling 24-hour rhythms is localized in the suprachiasmatic nuclei of the hypothalamus (SCN). This circadian clock is responsible for the temporal organization of a wide variety of functions, ranging from sleep and food intake, to physiological measures such as body temperature, heart rate and hormone release. Moreover, accumulating evidence suggests that dysfunction of the circadian rhythms due to genetic mutations or environmental factors (i.e., jet-lag or shift work) contribute to the development of many pathologies, including sleep disorders, mood and affective disorders such as major depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, as well as the risk of metabolic and cardiovascular disorders.

Neurointervention in the Medical Specialties is a first-of-its-kind reference that serves as a bridge between the neurointerventionalist and the physicians who most frequently look to these specialists for answers to some of the most intractable problems they face. Providing background on the wide range of diseases treated through neurointervention along with the indications and alternatives to such treatments, this landmark title is grouped into four parts: an introduction to the tools and anatomical structures that are integral to the field; disease processes most often encountered by neurologists, cardiologists, and vascular surgeons; those diseases more frequently treated by neurosurgeons; and finally those diseases first seen by several other specialties including ophthalmologists and head and neck surgeons. Importantly, each chapter includes details of neurointerventional technique and case discussions that are sufficiently detailed to provide a treatment template and guidance to neurointerventionalists in training and practice. At the same time, the descriptions provide referring physicians with insight into how neurointerventional procedures are performed. Finally, there are several concluding, thought-provoking chapters that examine what new opportunities await the field of neurointervention on the horizon. Neurointervention in the Medical Specialties is a major contribution to the literature and invaluable resource for all clinicians and researchers interested in this exciting field.

The field of contact lenses continues to evolve at a rapid pace, with new optical designs and vision correction options continually being developed. Additionally, the rapid expansion of clinical instrumentation offers eye care practitioners a wide choice of investigative techniques for assessing in-eye contact lens performance and diagnosing adverse reactions. Now in its fourth edition, Contact Lens Practice has been thoroughly updated and revised to capture these developments and more, and translate them into an organised and easily digestible resource. Written and edited by award-winning author, researcher, and lecturer, Professor Nathan Efron, this title provides a comprehensive, evidence-based overview of the scientific foundations and clinical applications of contact lens fitting. The text has been refreshed by the inclusion of five new authors - a mixture of scientists and clinicians, all of whom are at the cutting edge of their specialty. Serves as an essential companion and guide to current thinking and practice in the content lens field, ideal for use by optometrists, ophthalmologists, orthoptists, opticians, students, and contact lens industry professionals. Presents subject matter in a clear and logical format to allow the reader to quickly identify and comprehend key information. Features highly illustrated chapters in full colour, helping the reader to visualize core concepts. Includes completely rewritten chapters, by new authors, on scleral and corneo-scleral contact lenses, high ametropia, therapeutic applications, post-surgical lens fitting, and practice management. A new chapter on Post-Surgery Management consolidates core information on post-operative management involving contact lenses. Enhanced eBook version included with purchase. Your enhanced eBook allows you to access all of the text, figures, and references from the book on a variety of devices.

This book, besides reviewing basic and clinical aspects of Behcet's disease, covers the latest findings, including genetic studies and treatment with biologics for the disease. Although the cause of Behcet's disease is still unknown, it is well known that genetic factors, such as HLA-B51, are involved in its development. Recently, novel susceptibility loci including IL10, IL23R-IL12RB2, and endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1 have been identified, providing new insights into the pathogenesis of the disease. In addition to basic research, the beneficial efficacy of anti-TNF-alpha monoclonal antibodies has also been suggested for not only uveitis associated with the disease but also other subtypes of the disease such as entero-, vasculo-, and neuro- Behcet's disease. Behcet's Disease: From Genetics to Therapies provides essential information both for basic researchers working in the fields of immunology, inflammation, and genetics, and for clinical physicians who are interested in Behcet's disease, such as ophthalmologists, rheumatologists, dermatologists, gastroenterologists, neurologists, and vascular surgeons.

All aspects of ophthalmic trauma from the lid to the optic nerve of both mechanical and nonmechanical trauma are covered in this unique book. The focus is on practical issues and incorporates cutting-edge approaches, such as temporary keratosprosthesis, artificial iris diaphragm, and prophylactic retinectomy.

This book explains and answers not simply the when, the what, and the how, but also the why questions. The information is based on epidemiologic and clinical data from evaluation to management.

All chapters are written using the standardized ocular traumatology terminology. The user-friendly format, including many tables, flowcharts and illustrations, allows the reader to quickly find the information they are looking for.

Written by a well-known expert in the field, this concise pocketbook provides clinically useful information that will be of great help to the attending ophthalmologists and emergency room physicians in the decision-making process. The book has practical recommendations for all who see patients with eye injuries."