Researchers found that skin in mice expresses its own photoreceptors using neuroposin, synchronizing circadian clocks to light-dark cycles independently of eyes or brain. This discovery has implications for understanding skin physiology and potentially enhancing medical practice.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology honored ophthalmologists who improved eye care worldwide through their scientific contributions, international work, and advocacy efforts. The honorees included Marilyn T. Miller, Graham E. Quinn, David F. Chang, Richard L. Abbott, Ralph C. Lanciano Jr., and Marcus Ang.
A new AI screening system has been shown to accurately detect diabetic retinopathy in 95.5% of cases, making real-time screening possible for primary care practices and diabetes centers. The EyeArt system can provide a reading in 60 seconds and does not require the input of an expert ophthalmologist.
A new study suggests combining eye drops and contact lenses can effectively slow nearsightedness in children, with benefits seen in both high and low myopia cases. The combination treatment was found to be 28-38% more effective than using either method alone.
A new study finds that severe sleep apnea is a risk factor for treatment-resistant diabetic macular edema, a complication of diabetes causing vision loss or blindness. Patients with severe sleep apnea were more likely to experience worsening eye disease and require multiple treatments.
A new study found that cataract surgery significantly improves drivers' safety on the road. After undergoing surgery, patients experienced a 48% decrease in near misses and crashes. This improvement was due to enhanced contrast sensitivity and night vision.
A new study links common bladder medication Elmiron to a vision-threatening eye condition, finding that about one-quarter of patients with significant exposure show signs of retinal damage. The research highlights the potential for long-term use of the drug to masquerade as other known conditions.
Researchers have made significant progress in developing gene therapy to treat wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Six patients have maintained vision after receiving a single intravitreal injection of gene therapy, offering hope for a potential
Researchers developed a new non-invasive optical imaging system to diagnose and treat dry eye disease. The Tear Film Imager images layers of the tear film with speed and precision, providing nanometer-level insight into subtle changes in each layer.
An international team has identified the LRIT3 gene mutation responsible for congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB) in dogs, a form of blindness also affecting humans. The researchers found that the mutation affects ON bipolar cells involved in dim light vision, but the retina's structure remains relatively unaffected.
Rates of filled opioid prescriptions after eye surgery doubled from 1.2% in 2000-01 to 2.5% in 2014 across six ocular subspecialties, despite reduced invasiveness and recovery time for these procedures. The study's findings are concerning as they suggest that efforts to reduce opioid use have not had the desired impact.
A study evaluated representation of female authorships in ophthalmologic journals from 2008 to 2018. The analysis found sex-disparities exist in the field of ophthalmology research.
A recent study by Anna M. Gruener et al., published in JAMA Ophthalmology, investigated the association between giant cell arteritis and race. The researchers found a significant association between the disorder and certain ethnic groups, with increased risk observed in African Americans, Hispanics, and individuals of mixed ancestry.
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is caused by the starvation of photoreceptors due to disrupted glucose transport. Research led by UofL's Douglas C. Dean and Wei Wang found similar metabolic changes in lung cancer.
The University of Pittsburgh has received a $6 million grant from the Richard King Mellon Foundation to support the development of a cortical vision research program. The program aims to understand how the eye and brain work together to restore vision, using cutting-edge technologies such as brain computer interfaces and optogenetics.
Dr. Jerry A. Shields, MD is honored with the 2019 Lucien Howe Medal for his distinguished service to the fields of ocular oncology and ophthalmology. He has made significant contributions to life-saving treatments and cures in eye cancer.
A recent study by Jae Hee Kang et al., published in JAMA Ophthalmology, initially reported a significant association between long-term statin use and reduced primary open-angle glaucoma risk. However, due to serious coding errors, the findings were later retracted.
A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that one-third of ophthalmic patients have discrepancies between clinician notes and EHR-generated medication lists. This inconsistency may lead to avoidable medication errors, threatening patient safety.
Researchers tested a medication reservoir implant in 220 patients with wet age-related macular degeneration, finding it safe and effective in reducing the need for injections. The study showed significant improvements in eyesight, with patients able to see farther than before, and a longer time between refills.
A recent study led by McGill University researchers offers a crucial step in unlocking the mystery of Leber hereditary optic neuropathy's cause. The team found that superoxide spreading among cells connecting the eye to the brain is likely the cause of the disorder.
A study by Kellogg Eye Center reveals that herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) cases tripled in 12 years, mostly affecting older adults. Shingles vaccination provides strong protection from HZO complications, but its use is not widespread.
Researchers have developed an innovative treatment using long-acting steroid implants to improve vision and reduce symptoms in patients with melanoma-associated retinopathy. After three years of monitoring, the patient's visual acuity remained stable at 20/20, marking a significant breakthrough in treating this debilitating ailment.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine developed a smartphone-based tool that uses artificial intelligence to analyze retinal images and detect diabetic retinopathy. The device, called RetinaScope, achieved high sensitivity and specificity rates in a study, outperforming human graders in detecting the condition.
A genomic study of a 1980s hospital outbreak in Wisconsin reveals how Enterococcus faecalis bacteria adapts to the modern hospital environment and causes repeated antibiotic-resistant bloodstream infections. Researchers identified mutations that allow the bacteria to resist antibiotics and develop new strategies for prevention and trea...
Researchers detected vascular changes in the human eye using an infrared camera, providing a new potential biomarker for identifying individuals at high risk of progressing to Alzheimer's. The study aims to explore the correlation between retinal capillaries and other brain biomarkers.
A new study published in Ophthalmology shows that AI can assist physicians in accurately diagnosing diabetic retinopathy, a potentially blinding eye disease. The researchers developed two types of assistance to help physicians read the algorithm's predictions, which improved diagnostic accuracy and confidence.
Researchers have discovered that a new imaging device can detect signs of Alzheimer's disease in just seconds. The study used optical coherence tomography angiography to analyze the retinas of patients and found altered small blood vessels indicative of the disease.
A research group at FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg is developing procedures for monitoring the newly-developed therapies for neuroretinal degeneration. They are using a highly accurate method to measure perception thresholds, which can also be used to track disease progression and test new treatments.
Researchers developed high-resolution functional ultrasound imaging to study brain activity in awake and behaving mice. They found that out of 181 consistently identified brain regions, 87 were modulated during the optokinetic reflex, a stabilizing eye movement response.
Researchers at UTHealth received grants to study the role of photoreceptors in sight and day/night vision. They aim to develop new therapeutic strategies for degenerative retinal diseases.
A clinical trial found that a minimally invasive treatment for retinal detachment resulted in better visual acuity and reduced visual distortion compared to traditional surgery. The procedure, called pneumatic retinopexy (PnR), also showed significant cost benefits for healthcare systems.
Stephen Christiansen, MD, received a Senior Achievement Award for his significant contributions to ophthalmology and pediatrics. Babak Eliassi-Rad, MD, was awarded an Achievement Award for his research and clinical work on glaucoma and cataract.
A new study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that traditional glaucoma tests often underestimate the severity of central vision loss. Researchers developed a finer visual field test to assess macular damage and found it can improve diagnosis at no extra cost.
Researchers from Harvard Medical School and the Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology are developing a novel gene therapy to treat Usher syndrome type IF. They will use three different strategies to overcome the challenge of delivering the unusually large Usher 1F protein into target cells.
A new editorial and free resource clarify corneal dystrophy diagnoses based on corrected medical literature, with the International Committee for Classification of Corneal Dystrophies providing an updated standard classification. The IC3D nomenclature has become internationally accepted.
Researchers reviewed published studies and found at least seven patients who experienced devastating harm from unapproved cell therapy. Clinics that offer such treatments often omit poor outcomes in their reports, leading to a significant under-reporting of complications.
A recent study by the American Academy of Ophthalmology found that WebMD Symptom Checker was incorrect 74 percent of the time when diagnosing eye problems. The online tool often assesses symptom severity incorrectly, leading to inappropriate recommendations such as self-care at home instead of emergency treatment.
A new study published by the American Academy of Ophthalmology suggests that taking metformin, a common diabetes medication, can lower the risk of age-related macular degeneration. Researchers found that patients who took metformin had half as many cases of AMD compared to those who did not.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology is honoring distinguished ophthalmologists like Steven T. Charles, M.D., for their scientific contributions to preventing blindness and restoring sight worldwide. Other notable recipients include David Heiden, M.D., and William L. White, M.D., who have made significant impacts through humanitarian ...
The American Academy of Ophthalmology has received a $2 million gift from the Knights Templar Eye Foundation to establish a permanent research fund focused on pediatric ophthalmology. The fund will leverage the IRIS Registry to uncover optimal approaches to prevention and treatment for common and rare eye diseases affecting children.
Two studies using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) reveal altered retinal blood vessels in patients with Alzheimer's disease, even before symptoms appear. Researchers hope this new method will enable early detection and treatment of the condition.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology has announced the construction of a public museum dedicated to vision and eye health in San Francisco. The $12 million project will feature immersive exhibits, virtual reality headsets, and interactive screens showcasing the history of ophthalmology and its latest innovations.
Researchers have developed an implantable delivery system that enables patients to go 15 months in between treatments, significantly improving the conventional regimen of nearly monthly eye injections. The study found that patients treated with the highest drug concentration were able to maintain their vision for a longer period.
A case report presents a patient with progressive drusen accumulation, which was halted by a resveratrol-based nutraceutical (Longevinex). The patient's vision improved after adopting the nutraceutical regimen, whereas statin drugs showed only modest success. A dietary approach to retinal health is proposed as primary consideration.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have discovered a characteristic of the Descemet membrane that can cause difficulties for surgeons performing corneal transplants. The study found that elastin, an elastic-like fiber, governs the direction of the membrane's roll and may be responsible for its unidirectional behavior.
Researchers found intravitreal treatments to be superior to periocular injections in reducing macular edema and improving visual acuity. The study suggests shifting towards intravitreal corticosteroid injections for treating uveitic macular edema.
A comparative clinical trial found that delivering corticosteroids directly into the eye is more effective than injecting them adjacent to the eye in treating uveitic macular edema. The treatment led to significant reductions in macular edema and improvements in visual acuity, with intravitreal triamcinolone and dexamethasone implant s...
Scientists have detected signs of Alzheimer's disease in the eyes of patients who showed no symptoms, using a non-invasive technique called optical coherence tomography angiography. The study found that patients with elevated levels of Alzheimer's proteins had significant thinning in the center of their retinas.
Researchers developed a handheld ophthalmology instrument with adaptive optics technology to image individual photoreceptors in the eye, improving diagnosis of eye diseases. The device can capture images of tiny photoreceptors close to the center of the retina, providing insights into brain-related diseases and trauma.
A new study suggests that excessive screen time is contributing to an increase in nearsightedness among children, with symptoms including dry eye and blurred vision. Parents can take steps to mitigate this by encouraging outdoor activities, using good posture, and taking regular breaks from screens.
A new study estimates that 92% of Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older use eyeglasses for distance or near vision correction. Researchers found sociodemographic differences between those who used eyeglasses, shedding light on potential implications of policy changes regarding eyeglass coverage.
The Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel (IOB) is a pioneering organization developing new therapies for eye diseases. With a strong interdisciplinary approach, IOB combines basic and clinical science to address global challenges like macular degeneration, glaucoma, and myopia.
Researchers have developed a CRISPR-based treatment that can restore retinal function in mice afflicted with retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative eye disease. The 'ablate-and-replace' strategy allows for the precise removal and replacement of the faulty gene, enabling faster and less expensive treatment options for dominant disorders.
A study finds that ophthalmology residents face substantial burnout and depression burdens, affecting patient care. Hospitals can improve support by offering wellness programs and ensuring free time for residents.
Tivanisiran, an RNAi-based compound, shows promise in treating dry eye syndrome by improving ocular inflammatory parameters and reducing symptoms. The Phase III Helix study will evaluate its efficacy in over 300 patients across six countries.
A new AI-powered algorithm has been developed to diagnose retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a leading cause of childhood blindness, with an accuracy rate of 91% compared to 82% for human experts. The algorithm uses deep learning to analyze images of infant eyes and can help prevent blindness in more babies worldwide.
Sylentis presents preclinical and clinical results for three ophthalmological compounds targeting dry eye syndrome, macular degeneration and eye allergies. The company is a leader in RNAi technology and has developed new treatments for ophthalmological and inflammatory illnesses.
Dr. Steven Galetta has been awarded the 2018 A.B. Baker Award for Lifetime Achievement in Neurological Education by the American Academy of Neurology. He is recognized for his contributions to neurological education and leadership, as well as his research on MS, concussion, and optic nerve disorders.
Astronaut David Wolf shares his experience of worsening eye sight after space missions, citing a possible connection between microgravity and visual impairment. Researchers are using advanced imaging techniques to find solutions for the effects of space travel on vision, critical for future long-duration missions.
The study, funded by the National Eye Institute, tested oral omega-3 supplementation on patients with dry eye disease. Despite finding some improvement in symptoms and signs, researchers concluded that omega-3 supplements did not show a beneficial effect relative to placebo.