Protecting Sight #107: The ancient, earth-friendly wisdom of Mongolian nomads. Pearls on draping the eyelids, IOL calculations in high myopes, and Leaves of Grass.

Welcome to my daily learning journal. My daily goal is to watch one Ted Talk and one cataract surgery. I also plan to read one journal article and read/listen to a book chapter, short story or significant work.

Here’s today’s list:

1. Ted Talk – Khulan Batkhuyag. The ancient, earth-friendly wisdom of Mongolian nomads. “There’s a lot we can learn from Mongolian nomads about how to survive in the years to come, says environmental activist Khulan Batkhuyag. Taking us on a journey through the country’s stunning rural landscape, she shows how Mongolian nomads have survived in remote areas for thousands of years by virtue of some truly incredible, earth-friendly, zero-waste innovations. There’s wisdom here for all of us on how to live more minimally, sustainably and in harmony with Mother Nature.” (ted.com)

A most enjoyable Ted Talk. I love Ms. Batkhuyag’s commentary on the lessons she’s learned after spending time with nomads.

I don’t see disadvantages from developing countries anymore. On the contrary, I see countries that have the biggest opportunity to do things in the right way, countries that can define their own kind of development and have the most advantage to build a better and safer environment for everyone.What worked for our ancestors for thousands of years can work for us now, and in the future, when combined with the latest innovations.

Khulan Batkhuyag (Ted Talk)

2. Cataract Surgery – Uday Devgan MD –my secret for draping eyelids. Dr. Devgan writes, “It’s really not a secret, but it is critically important: you must sequester the eyelid margin and keep all eyelashes away from the surgical field. This means that the plastic drape goes around the eyelid margin so that none of the oils, secretions, or bacteria from the eyelids / eyelashes will come in contact with the ocular surface.” Love this technique!

3. Journal – Effect of Axial Length Adjustment Methods on Intraocular Lens Power Calculation in Highly Myopic Eyes. Jiaqing Zhang, Xuhua Tan, Wei Wang, Guangyao Yang, et. al. American Journal of Ophthalmology. June 2020, Pages 110-118. I look at many formulas when calculating IOLs. A most helpful article.

4. Book Chapter – Walt Whitman – Leaves of Grass: Sparknotes, Wikipedia, and Gutenberg. Book 24 (Part II).

I wish I had stopped at O Captain! My Captain! Please send me suggestions on the next book to read.