A decline in vision is a natural part of aging, with everyone losing some degree of their eyesight as they grow older. However, thanks to a new study, that might all start to change. It appears there’s a way to slow down the deterioration of your vision, and all it requires a few minutes of your time every day.
Look Into The Light
According to the Journals of Gerontology, the best way to keep your eyesight in good condition for years to come is to stare at a deep red light. If you do this for just three minutes each day, it could work wonders for your vision.
This is because the light increases mitochondrial performance, a process that typically decreases above the age of 40. Your retinas require a lot of energy from the mitochondria to keep functioning, so when the operation of these cells starts to slow down, your eyesight weakens. However, if looking at a red light can speed them back up again, your vision may begin to strengthen.
Putting It To The Test
The study into this was conducted using 24 participants between 28 and 72 years old who had no history of ocular disease. Their peripheral and color vision were tested on the first day before they were sent off with an LED torch containing a deep red light. For two weeks, they looked into this light for three minutes a day, before returning to receive another eye test.
The results found that the participants aged over 40 had a significant increase in their cone function, which is the photoreceptor cell responsible for color vision. The improvement averaged out at 22%. There was also a rise in rod function – the cell that gives us peripheral vision – but this wasn’t as high.
Thanks to this discovery, it’s possible that the future may start looking a lot clearer for us all.
South Korea Hits Out at Google and Apple Stores Monopoly Over Payment Systems
South Korea’s Telecommunications Business Act is all set to introduce a watershed bill that prevents Google and Apple store owners from making it mandatory for developers to use only in-house payment systems. Additionally, the proposed law also bans app store owners from delaying the approval of newly developed apps or removing them from the market without sufficient reason. Currently, the law has been passed by South Korea’s National Assembly and awaits approval (by signing) of President Moon Jae-in.
The Issue
Globally, Apple and Google enjoy a 30% commission over most app purchases, sales made through apps, and even subscriptions. The idea behind the new proposed bill is to offer developers the advantage to identify the best deals for their Apps. Unless developers are looking for specific advantages offered by Google’s and Apple’s stores – like user verification, hassle-free purchases due to storage of database information, or distribution of digital items, developers will now have the freedom to branch out on their own and find their own purchasers. Typically a credit card processor charges a meager one to three percent of sales.
The Risk
Responding to the proposed legislature Google spokesperson stated that their charges were justified as it costs money for app stores to build and maintain operating systems. Apple on the other hand insisted that in the absence of their locked-in ecosystem, purchasers will be put at risk of scams and frauds. Analytics firm Sensor Tower reports that App Store revenue models run in billions, with Apple facilitating $72.3 billion of global spending in 2020, and Google Play at $38.6 billion.
Lawsuits Galore
South Korea’s proposed law is the newest clampdown against the mega app stores. Globally, Epic Games, which owns games like Fortnite and the Unreal Engine, has been at loggerheads with Google’s and Apple’s app store revenue models and has called for regulations. In the US alone, Google has faced lawsuits in 36 states, with some states considering developing their own app store regulations. In fact, several app developers like Epic, Online Music Giants Spotify, and Tinder owners MatchGroup have collaborated to form the “Coalition for App Fairness” advocacy group to contest exorbitant App fees.