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For Your Eyes Only!

March 11, 2013

Photo of a woman in glasses next to a eye chartEyes get old, just like other parts of the body, but people can take steps to preserve vision.

“Eventually, we all develop cataracts,” says James Dillon, an NIU expert on eyes.

At the next STEM Café, Dillon will speak on how the eye changes with age and what people can do to slow the deterioration of vision.  His talk, “For Your Eyes Only,” will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 26, at Eduardo’s Restaurant, 214 E. Lincoln Highway in DeKalb.

In addition to explaining the amazing biological process that allows us to see, Dillon will share practical advice on protecting the eyes. For instance, he says that many sunglasses on the market today do not provide protection from ultra-violet rays, which can harm vision. He will also discuss changes in vision before and after cataract surgery.

“For Your Eyes Only” is the first in a series of STEM Cafés dealing with health and disease research. A future session will include the latest scientific perspectives on glaucoma, macular degeneration, and other conditions that diminish vision in older adults.

James Dillon

James Dillon

Dillon has conducted extensive research on the human lens, the retina, and eye disease.  He directs NIU’s Center for Biochemical and Biophysical Studies, which emphasizes projects related to human health.  The Center includes faculty members and students from a number of departments in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the College of Health and Human Sciences. Dillon earned his Ph.D. at Columbia University.

This talk is one of NIU STEM Outreach’s popular monthly STEM Cafés, which invite people to meet at restaurants throughout the area to eat, drink, and have lively discussions about the latest innovations in science, technology, engineering, and math. STEM Cafés are free and open to the public. Food and drinks will be available for purchase from Eduardo’s.

STEM Outreach is also planning several STEM Cafés in April to share the latest research on everything from ground water to credit card debt.

  • Saturday, April 20, 1 p.m.: “The Impact of Tourism on Ecosystems” –  Lincoln Inn in DeKalb
  • Tuesday, April 23, 6:30 p.m.: “Be Smart about Using Credit and Debt” – Claddagh Irish Pub at Geneva Commons
  • Thursday, April 25, 5 p.m.: STEM Café will join the Green Lens Environmental Film Festival in Downtown DeKalb for several short discussions about going green.

Learn about these and other upcoming STEM Outreach programs by contacting Judith Dymond at jdymond@niu.edu or visiting www.niu.edu/stem.