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New cataract gene discovered
February 15, 2008The international team of researchers was able to identify the location and defect in the coding region of the gene through analysis of genetic material (DNA) from members of a large Swiss family, the majority of whom suffered from autosomal dominant juvenile cataract. The corresponding protein belongs to a family of monocarboxylate transporters which move small molecules across cell mem-branes. Surprisingly, this genetic defect may also lead to the condition of renal glucosuria, a non-pathological kidney defect with elevated levels of glucose in the urine, but not in blood.
New research underway
The search for the molecule that is carried by this new transporter across the membrane has now begun. The researchers suspect that this genetic defect interferes with homeostasis in the lens as well as in the kidney. Since the known environmental risk factors for age-related cataract point to physiological and oxidative damages accumulating over time within the lens, the researchers assume that defects in this newly discovered transporter may also be a cause of age-related cataract. Age-related cataract patients are now being screened to find mutations in this gene. Understanding the exact function of this transporter may open new venues for non-surgical treatment of cataract.
Gradual blurred vision
Cataract, the condition of altered refractive index in the lens of the eye, is the clouding of the eye's normally clear lens and results in blurry vision that frequently includes disturbing glare in the visual field. Successful treatment today involves surgical removal of the affected lens and replacement with an artificial one.
Two conditions of cataract
Age onset of cataract is the distinguishing characteristic between affliction in childhood or in later years. Whereas about 14% of blind children are affected, half of the adult population worldwide aged 60 and older suffers from age-related cataract. Various underlying defects cause its development. Research in molecular and genetic science has enabled identification of several genes that play an important role in structural or regulatory functions in lens cells. Although all cataract genes identified to date are known to affect children, genetic factors for age-related cataract continue to remain widely undiscovered.
ETH Zurich/Swiss Federal Institute of Technology
Gradual blurred vision
Cataract, the condition of altered refractive index in the lens of the eye, is the clouding of the eye's normally clear lens and results in blurry vision that frequently includes disturbing glare in the visual field. Successful treatment today involves surgical removal of the affected lens and replacement with an artificial one.
Two conditions of cataract
Age onset of cataract is the distinguishing characteristic between affliction in childhood or in later years. Whereas about 14% of blind children are affected, half of the adult population worldwide aged 60 and older suffers from age-related cataract. Various underlying defects cause its development. Research in molecular and genetic science has enabled identification of several genes that play an important role in structural or regulatory functions in lens cells. Although all cataract genes identified to date are known to affect children, genetic factors for age-related cataract continue to remain widely undiscovered.
ETH Zurich/Swiss Federal Institute of Technology
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Cataract Current Events and Cataract News RSSDrug for urination difficulties linked with complications after cataract surgery
Use of the medication tamsulosin to treat male urination difficulties within two weeks of cataract surgery is associated with an increased risk of serious postoperative ophthalmic adverse events such as retinal detachment or lost lens.
Vigorous Exercise May Help Prevent Vision Loss
There's another reason to dust off those running shoes. Vigorous exercise may help prevent vision loss, according to a pair of studies from the U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
Melatonin may save eyesight in inflammatory disease
Current research suggests that melatonin therapy may help treat uveitis, a common inflammatory eye disease. The related report by Sande et al., "Therapeutic Effect of Melatonin in Experimental Uveitis," appears in the December issue of The American Journal of Pathology.
Vision loss more common in people with diabetes
Visual impairment appears to be more common in people with diabetes than in those without the disease, according to a report in the October issue of Archives of Ophthalmology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
Corneal transplant technique shows promise in children
For infants and children with blinding diseases of the cornea, a sophisticated new corneal transplantation technique offers the hope of improving vision while overcoming the technical difficulty and low success rate of traditional penetrating keratoplasty (PK) in children, according to reports in the current issue of the Journal of AAPOS (American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus).
Self-moisturizing contact lenses, naturally
Even contact lenses are joining the trend to go green.
MU researchers find clue to cataract formation
It is the No. 1 line-item cost of Medicare reimbursement and affects more than 20 million people in the United States. Cataracts, which can have devastating effects on the eye, affect 42 percent of the population between the ages of 70 and 80, and 68 percent of the population over the age of 80.
Early vision screening associated with better eyesight in children with amblyopia
Children who screen positive for amblyopia, reduced vision in one eye, before age 2 appear to have better visual outcomes than those whose vision problems are detected during screenings between ages 2 and 4.
Diets high in lutein, zeaxanthin and vitamin E associated with decreased risk of cataracts
Women who have higher dietary intake of lutein and zeaxanthin-compounds found in yellow or dark, leafy vegetables-as well as more vitamin E from food and supplements appear to have a lower risk for developing cataracts.
Physics provides new insights on cataract formation
Using the tools and techniques of soft condensed matter physics, a research team in Switzerland has demonstrated that a finely tuned balance of attractions between proteins keeps the lens of the eye transparent, and that even a small change in this balance can cause proteins to aggregate and de-mix.
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Cataracts: A Patient's Guide to Treatment by Howard Gimbel MD (Author), David Chang MD (Author) Providing prospective patients with an understandable account of the diagnosis and treatment of cataracts, this book thoroughly explores the issues surrounding this condition. Surgical treatment and postoperative processes are described in detail, including the risks and possible complications. The emotional side of sight loss and its effect on the patient's life is discussed. Answering questions frequently asked by individuals with cataracts, this comprehensive reference covers the causes of cataracts; prevention and treatment; intraocular lenses; deciding when cataracts should be removed; and whether cataract surgery eliminates the need for glasses. |
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Advances in Cataract Surgery Cataracts can affect people of any age, but are more common in the elderly. By age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery. Cataract removal is one of the most common operations performed in the United States. It's also one of the safest and most effective types of surgery. About 90 percent of those who have cataract surgery experience better vision. This program will concentrate on advances in the quality of vision and quality of life due to modern cataract surgery. This product is manufactured on demand using DVD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply. |
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