A new study published in JAMA Ophthalmology suggests that telemedicine can accurately diagnose a rare cause of blindness in premature babies. The study found no significant difference between in-person and remote exams for diagnosing retinopathy of prematurity, which affects up to 16,000 US babies each year.
Researchers report successful cataract surgeries in 34 Ebola survivors, improving visual acuities from Hand Motions to 20/30 levels. The study provides evidence for safe elective eye surgery in Ebola survivors at risk of uveitis and vision impairment.
A study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology reveals that around half of vision impairment in Western Europe is preventable. The UK has a relatively low prevalence of blindness, but higher rates of moderate to severe vision impairment compared to some non-EU countries.
A new study published in the American Academy of Ophthalmology journal demonstrates an AI program that detects diabetic eye disease with improved accuracy by incorporating expert feedback from retina specialists. The research provides a groundwork for developing automated systems for screening patients at risk for diabetic retinopathy.
A recent study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that high levels of ICAM-1 are associated with better response to current treatments for diabetic macular edema. The discovery could lead to more personalized and tailored medicine, alleviating treatment burdens on patients and the healthcare system.
Researchers have developed a gene therapy that successfully treats a form of macular degeneration in dogs, which could lead to a human treatment for an untreatable disease. The therapy works by repairing the connection between retinal cells, restoring vision.
A new IRIS Registry-powered study explores racial and gender outcomes with minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, aiming to increase quality care for diverse patient groups. The research seeks to assess the real-world demographic differences in MIGS use, safety, and effectiveness.
Researchers found that ancient proteins in insect and mammal brains share common ancestry as regulators of body temperature rhythms crucial to metabolism and sleep. This discovery may lead to new treatments for circadian clock diseases and sleep problems.
Researchers found a clear link between low arachidonic acid levels and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in extremely premature babies. Providing the children with arachidonic acid may help reduce the risk of ROP and minimize blindness.
A groundbreaking study has identified a new periodic autoinflammatory syndrome affecting the eyes, known as keratoendotheliitis fugax hereditaria. The disease is caused by a mutation in the NLRP3 gene and affects corneal endothelium, leading to temporary ocular inflammation.
Dr. Jerry A. Shields, a pioneering ophthalmologist, received the inaugural Brady-Shields Endowed Chair in Ocular Oncology at Wills Eye Hospital. The chair honors Dr. Luther W. Brady Jr., Dr. Carol L. Shields, and their contributions to ocular oncology research.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed an improved gene delivery tactic for treating glaucoma, a leading blinding disease. The new method doubles the transfer of genes entering target cells and spreads them more uniformly across the trabecular meshwork tissue.
The special section on OCT published by SPIE Journal of Biomedical Optics highlights its continued relevance in medicine and biology. New opportunities emerge in areas like gastroenterology, dermatology, and oncology.
A study published in Ophthalmology found that art training improved medical students' observation and diagnostic skills. The study involved 36 first-year medical students who received six 90-minute art observation sessions at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, resulting in significantly improved observational skills and empathy.
A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that ophthalmologists' perceptions of financial and clinical productivity declined as they adopted electronic health records, while overall practice costs increased. Only one-third of surveyed ophthalmologists said they would return to paper records if possible.
Researchers identified shared immunity-related pathways involved in advanced stages of inherited blindness, hinting at potential therapeutic strategies. The study's findings also reveal similarities with common vision disorders like diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration.
A study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology found that drinking hot tea at least once a day is linked to a significantly lower risk of developing glaucoma. The researchers analyzed data from over 10,000 US adults and found that hot tea-drinkers were 74% less likely to have glaucoma compared to non-tea drinkers.
Researchers used adaptive optics technology to examine microscopic structures of the eye in living patients, obtaining high-resolution images of damaged photoreceptors. This study may lead to a deeper understanding of solar retinopathy and potentially develop new treatments.
A recent study published in Nature Medicine has identified a critical trigger for the damaging inflammation that causes macular degeneration. The enzyme cGAS plays a key role in detecting foreign DNA and is activated in the dry form of age-related macular degeneration, leading to vision loss.
A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that ambulatory surgery centers performed 73% of cataract surgeries in 2014, up from 43.6% in 2001. The shift is driven by convenience, lower out-of-pocket costs, and decreased cost-per-case for insurers.
Researchers have developed nanosponges that can absorb and neutralize toxins secreted by bacteria causing intraocular infections. These engineered nanoparticles, consisting of a polymeric core surrounded by natural red blood cell membranes, demonstrated effectiveness in protecting the retina from damage in animal models.
Optic nerve hypoplasia is a leading cause of childhood blindness in developed nations, and researchers have discovered the biological mechanism behind it. The condition affects brain growth during development, particularly with the CASK gene, which helps provide architectural support for neuronal communication.
Researchers from Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center and Bascom Palmer Eye Institute conducted two clinical trials using human embryonic stem cells to treat dry macular degeneration, a leading cause of new blindness. The studies showed that stem cell injection into the eye replaced damaged cells and improved vision in some patients.
A study of firearms-related eye trauma in the US found significant racial disparities, with African Americans making up 35% of patients and suffering greater odds of being assaulted on the street. Whites were more likely to suffer self-inflicted injuries at home, while most common injury locations were the home and the street
Regular physical activity can significantly reduce the risk of developing glaucoma, with study participants showing a 73% lower risk compared to less active individuals. Exercise has been found to impact eye pressure, a major risk factor for the disease, although more research is needed to confirm the exact relationship.
A new smartphone app has shown comparable results to in-office vision testing for patients with age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. The Checkup app encourages patients to take an active role in their care, sending reminders and storing test results securely.
A new study supports the view that increased lifetime exposure to estrogen is linked to a reduced risk of developing glaucoma. Women who took estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy after ovary removal had a lower risk of developing glaucoma.
A new microdose delivery system achieved comparable treatment effect to conventional eyedrops while delivering less than four times the amount of drug, reducing eye exposure by 75-80%. Microdosing reduced side effects, leading to gentler treatment for patients with glaucoma and other eye diseases.
A new neurostimulator device inserted into the nose has shown significant relief for people suffering from dry eyes, increasing tear production and producing a complete tear. Researchers tested 97 patients with moderate to severe dry eye and reported no side effects.
A new study of patients who underwent laser treatment to vaporize floaters found a very low complication rate and significant improvement in vision. Most patients reported no complications and experienced improved vision after the procedure.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology and Research to Prevent Blindness announce a new grant opportunity to support researchers using the IRIS Registry database for population-based studies in ophthalmology and blindness prevention. The grants will help advance patient care by leveraging big data analytics.
A new gene therapy has shown significant improvements in vision for patients with Leber congenital amaurosis, a rare inherited retinal disease. The treatment, currently under FDA review, allows patients to navigate mazes and experience improved light sensitivity and peripheral vision.
The 121st annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology features keynotes from CMS Administrator Seema Verma and a world-renowned expert on inherited eye disease. The meeting also explores innovations in big data, stem cell therapy, and gene therapies to improve patient care.
Children considered at risk for retinoblastoma should receive genetic counseling and testing as soon as possible to detect the disease early. The new guidelines aim to improve care for these children by focusing on those at highest risk while reducing unnecessary examinations.
Two new studies published in the Journal of AAPOS found that all 70 infants with suspected and confirmed CZS had visual impairment, regardless of ocular abnormalities. Cortical visual impairment may be the most common cause of blindness among children with CZS.
A new study has identified potential lipid biomarkers in human blood plasma associated with age-related macular degeneration, which may lead to earlier diagnoses and better treatment options. The study's findings also suggest that metabolomics profiling may provide novel insights into the relationship between lipids and AMD.
Researchers found patients with FTD showed thinning of outer retina compared to control subjects. The degree of retinal thinning was worse in those with lower cognition scores.
Researchers found that art observation training significantly improved observational recognition skills among first-year medical students. The study also showed improvements in empathy and emotional recognition, as well as an increase in open-mindedness. Art training alone can help teach medical students to become better clinical obser...
A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that laser treatment, YAG vitreolysis, significantly improved symptoms of eye floaters in 54% of patients, with 53% reporting complete improvement. The procedure also showed improvements in quality of life, including general vision and independence.
A study found significant abnormalities in Parkinson's disease patients' visual systems, including optic radiations alterations and white matter concentration reductions. These changes may serve as biomarkers for early detection and monitoring of the disease.
Researchers at University College London and Oxford have developed magnetic implants to control eye movement, improving symptoms of nystagmus for the first time. The study, published in Ophthalmology, shows that the implants can correct oscillopsia and improve visual acuity.
Researchers evaluated macular changes using spectral domain type optic coherence tomography in 63 eyes of patients with acute NAION, finding normal posterior pole in 33.3% and subretinal fluid in 34.9%. The study suggests that macular OCT can identify coexistent macular abnormalities and monitor disease progression.
A team of Penn researchers has pinpointed the underlying mechanism leading to vision loss in Best disease, a condition affecting central vision. They discovered that differences in supporting structures between rods and cones contribute to lesion development in the macula.
A new study finds high levels of undiagnosed anxiety and depression persisting in patients with wet age-related macular degeneration despite improved visual outcomes. Human interaction between clinicians and patients is shown to offer reassurance on anti-VEGF injection efficacy and safety.
A genome-wide association study reveals three novel genomic loci linked to Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD), a condition affecting the cornea and causing progressive vision loss. The findings provide new insights into the disease's pathology and potential therapeutic targets.
A study found that only 65% of youths with type 1 diabetes and 42% of those with type 2 diabetes had undergone an eye examination by six years after initial diagnosis. Groups at reduced likelihood of screening include racial minorities and economically disadvantaged youth.
A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that patients with age-related macular degeneration who received seven or more eye injections of bevacizumab annually had a higher risk of developing moderate to advanced glaucoma. This increased risk was associated with the potential for elevated intraocular pressure, highlighting the need...
A Florida clinic's unproven stem cell treatment blinded three women with macular degeneration, causing vision loss and other complications. The treatment, which involved injecting fat cells into the eyes, lacked proper scientific design and oversight.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine found that in-home occupational therapy significantly reduces the severity of depression in patients with central vision loss. The therapy, which includes training on daily activities like cooking and reading, is more effective than supportive therapy in improving mental health outcomes.
Researchers found that a two-drug combination provided better protection against diabetes-related vision loss than a single drug in rat models. The treatment reduced capillary loss by 68% and decreased inflammation, slowing the progression of diabetic retinopathy.
A study from Michigan Medicine reveals significant disparities between patients' self-reported eye symptoms and their electronic medical records. The study analyzed 162 Kellogg patients and found that only 38 had exact agreement between their survey responses and medical records, with symptom reporting driving the inconsistencies.
Researchers found inconsistencies between patient self-report on an Eye Symptom Questionnaire (ESQ) and documentation in the EMR, with 34% having different reporting of blurry vision. This study highlights the importance of accurate symptom documentation for high-quality patient care.
Advances in telemedicine and anti-VEGF treatments offer new hope for patients with retinopathy of prematurity. New technologies are transforming the care of ROP patients, enabling more widespread treatment options.
A recent study by Queen's University researcher Dr. Robert Campbell found that young ophthalmologists are struggling to secure practice opportunities after total provincial surgical rates plateaued in Ontario. The study suggests a pressing need for effective career counselling and policy changes to address the issue.
A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that higher UVB radiation exposure between ages 14-29 was associated with a significant reduction in the odds of adult myopia. This suggests that spending time outdoors may play a protective role against nearsightedness, particularly during adolescence and young adulthood.
A national five-year clinical trial will evaluate new treatment protocols for herpes zoster ophthalmicus, a form of shingles affecting the eye. The trial aims to reduce complications and preserve vision with longer-term suppressive antiviral medication.
A study by Mainz University Medical Center found that the level of education is more decisive than intelligence in developing short-sightedness. The researchers analyzed data from the Gutenberg Health Study and found a strong correlation between educational attainment and myopia, but not with cognitive ability.
New UCL research reveals that blood vessels play a vital role in telling neural stem cells when and how to reproduce. The study found that preventing blood vessel growth interferes with normal neuron production, causing stem cells to disappear from the brainstem.
A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology estimates that approximately 30,000 individuals per year report to US emergency departments with sports-related eye injuries. The majority of these cases involve males playing basketball or baseball, with the latter leading to significant blowout fractures and impaired vision.
Research investigates links between dental occlusion, temporomandibular joints, and vision. Malocclusions, myopia, astigmatism, and cross-bite prevalence found in patients with malocclusions, suggesting a clinical connection.