Walter Kohn

Can Math and Optical Physics help people with Macular Degeneration of the Eye? (Lecture + Discussion)

Tuesday, 29 June 2010
14:30 - 15:45 hrs CEST

Abstract

Macular degeneration (MD) is a partial or total physical breakdown of the macula, a small spot at the back of the retina. The macula, with an area of about (2.5mm)², absorbs that part of the incident light which is responsible for our most acute vision, the so-called central vision.
MD affects primarily older people, 50% of those over 80, and is the leading cause of legal blindness of people over 55. Because of lengthening average life-expectancy, MD is becoming increasingly important.
I shall report and demonstrate the status of a project aimed at improving the vision of patients with moderate MD, conducted with the help of engineer Jim Klingshirn, using “higher” mathematics, unconventional optics, and interactive participation of patients.

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