Researchers developed an innovative procedure to transplant the Bowman layer, stabilizing 90% of eyes and improving corrected vision to 20/200. The technique may enable patients to wear extended contact lenses and is safer than traditional full corneal transplantation.
Researchers are testing two new treatments for presbyopia, a condition that causes blurry near vision. Femtosecond laser reshaping of corneal tissue and electrostimulation have shown potential benefits over traditional procedures.
Researchers found that 57% of patients achieved 20/40 vision without glasses or contact lenses after five years, while some side effects included endothelial cell loss. The study suggests Phakic ICLs may be a viable option for those unsuitable for LASIK.
A wearable artificial vision device has vastly improved the daily productivity of visually impaired patients, with an average score of 9.8 out of 10 after one week of use. The device, which clips to glasses and features a miniature camera, recognizes text and faces, and reads them aloud via a bone-conduction earpiece.
Researchers found that people who closely follow the Mediterranean diet, especially consuming fruit and caffeine, have a lower risk of age-related macular degeneration. A significant reduction in risk was observed among those with higher diet adherence scores, with only 39% developing AMD compared to 50% of non-adherents.
BMJ has launched a new fully open access international journal, BMJ Open Ophthalmology, to cater for clinicians and scientists working in ophthalmology and vision science. The journal aims to publish high-quality content on basic, translational, and clinical science with a rigorous peer review process.
A novel contact lens-based system has been shown to be at least as effective as daily latanoprost eye drops in reducing eye pressure in a pre-clinical model for glaucoma. The lenses deliver medication gradually to the eye, eliminating the burden of administration from patients and improving compliance.
A large-scale study found that consuming at least 500mg of dietary omega-3 fatty acids daily was associated with a 48% reduced risk of developing sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy. The study, published in JAMA Ophthalmology, involved over 3,500 adults with type 2 diabetes and followed them for six years.
New findings suggest that abnormal proliferation of blood vessels and rare lymphatic vessel formation contribute to the swelling and inflammation in thyroid eye disease. The study offers potential therapeutic options for treating the condition through targeted therapies and functional lymphatic vessel creation.
A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that sedentary behavior is associated with an increased risk of diabetic retinopathy. Participants with diabetes who spent more time sitting had a 16% higher chance of developing mild or worse DR compared to those who were more active.
Research reveals a significant association between visual health and social determinants of general health, including education, socio-economic status, and ethnicity. The study found that even mild vision impairment can have a substantial impact on daily life, increasing the risk of unemployment and mental health issues.
The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology published a special issue commemorating the 25th anniversary of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) technology. OCT has revolutionized eye disease diagnosis and treatment, enabling early detection of devastating conditions like age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma.
Researchers have created a new technology to detect Alzheimer's progression in the retina of mice before symptoms appear, paving the way for early diagnosis and treatment. This breakthrough could help develop effective treatments well before patients show actual neurological signs.
A new study estimates that nearly 9.6 million adults in the United States are highly myopic, or severely nearsighted, with over 41,000 suffering from a complication called myopic choroidal neovascularization that could cause long-term vision loss. Women appear to be at greater risk for this condition, making up half of those affected.
A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology identified risk factors for ophthalmoscopic findings in infants born with microcephaly and presumed Zika virus infection. Infants with smaller head diameters at birth and those whose mothers reported symptoms during the first trimester were more likely to have ocular involvement.
A new study has found that the Zika virus is linked to a range of eye problems in Brazilian babies born with microcephaly. The researchers observed retinal lesions, hemorrhaging, and abnormal blood vessel development in three infants, which could result in severe visual impairment if left untreated.
Dr. Jayne Weiss, an LSU Health New Orleans ophthalmologist, recommends using UV protection not just outdoors but also inside cars to prevent cataracts and skin cancer. She cites studies showing a 93% reduction in cell death when UV exposure is filtered through UV-absorbing auto glass.
A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that automobile side windows have low levels of ultraviolet A (UV-A) light protection, with an average blockage rate of 71 percent. This is lower than the 96 percent blockage rate for front windshields, potentially contributing to increased rates of cataract and left-sided facial skin cancer.
Researchers have developed a medicated silicone ring that slowly releases medication over 6 months, potentially lowering the risk of vision loss among seniors with glaucoma. The device reduced eye pressure by about 20% in patients compared to traditional daily drops.
A miniature camera using optical character-recognition technology mounted on eyeglasses significantly improves the ability to read and perform daily living activities. The device, called OrCam, recognizes text, faces, and commercial products, offering a new hope for those with age-related macular degeneration or advanced-stage glaucoma.
A Penn-coordinated study confirms that half of patients with age-related macular degeneration retain 20/40 vision or better after five years of treatment with Avastin or Lucentis. The study also found signs of modestly worsening disease, but overall, the therapy has shown significant benefits in slowing vision loss.
A recent NIH-funded study found that half of patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) maintained 20/40 vision or better after five years of anti-VEGF drug treatment. The study also showed that the two most commonly used drugs, Avastin and Lucentis, were equally effective in preserving visual acuity.
A clinical trial found that patients treated with tacrolimus experienced equal relief of ocular symptoms as those treated with methylprednisolone, with fewer negative serious side effects. The study suggests that tacrolimus is an effective therapeutic option for ocular GVHD without the known hypertensive effects of steroids.
Researchers identified TNFa as a key inflammatory factor causing optic neuropathy in keratoprosthesis recipients. Blocking TNFa with antibodies successfully halted nerve damage in a mouse model, providing new insights into the underlying process and potential therapeutic pathway.
The USC Roski Eye Institute's largest Chinese American eye study found a higher percentage (85 percent) of neovascular or 'wet' AMD among Chinese Americans compared to other ethnic groups. The study also revealed that participants with diabetes were three times more likely to experience significant visual impairment.
Dr. Joseph Rizzo, a neuro-ophthalmologist at Mass Eye and Ear/Harvard Medical School, has received funding from the US Department of Defense to develop a visual prosthesis that can bypass damaged optic nerves and restore vision. The project aims to improve the quality of life for wounded warriors and Americans with severe visual impair...
A study by Mass. Eye and Ear researchers describes an association between a defective myogenic response in blood vessels of the retina and early development of diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 1 diabetes. The findings provide a potential target for therapies to delay or prevent accelerated onset diabetic retinopathy.
A diet high in vitamin C may help delay or prevent cataract progression. Researchers found that consuming vitamin C-rich foods reduced the risk of cataract development and severity by up to 33%. Genetic factors played a smaller role in cataract progression, with environmental factors such as diet accounting for 65% of the difference.
Researchers at Mass Eye and Ear have shown a link between mitochondrial dysfunction in corneal endothelial cells and the development of Fuchs' Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy. The study found that lifelong accumulation of oxidative DNA damage leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death in FECD tissue.
Researchers have developed a new nanoparticle that kills tumor cells in the eye by mimicking an enzyme used by immune cells, extending survival of mice with advanced breast cancer. The treatment offers advantages such as producing toxins per hour and being activated by light.
A research team at the University of Iowa uses proteomics to create personalized molecular diagnoses, tailoring treatments to individual patients. By analyzing protein profiles, doctors can identify specific disease causes and develop targeted therapies.
Researchers found that high-dose atorvastatin regresses lipid deposits and improves visual acuity without progression to advanced disease in dry AMD patients. This potential therapy offers a new avenue for treating the leading cause of blindness worldwide.
Researchers from Harvard Medical School have gained new understanding of how endomucin, a key molecule with anti-adhesive properties, prevents inflammatory cells from adhering to blood vessels. By promoting the expression of endomucin, they believe it may be possible to develop treatments for inflammation.
A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that higher dietary nitrate and green leafy vegetable intake is associated with a lower risk of primary open-angle glaucoma. Participants who consumed more nitrate-rich foods had a 20-30% reduced risk of developing the condition.
A large new study found previously unknown risk factors associated with keratoconus, a condition that causes progressive nearsightedness at a young age. The study revealed higher odds of developing keratoconus among men, African Americans, Latinos, and those with asthma and sleep apnea.
Researchers found that low-dose atropine eye drops significantly slowed myopia progression in children, with a 50% reduction compared to untreated children. The medication is safe for use in children age 6-12 for up to five years and may be an effective treatment in the fight against global nearsightedness.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology's IRIS Registry has revealed new information on rare complications following common eye procedures. Analysis shows no significant difference in endophthalmitis rates among three anti-VEGF treatments, but slightly higher rates in eyes with combined cataract surgery and anterior vitrectomy.
A new study presents a regenerative agent, Cacicol, that speeds up the healing of corneal tissue after surgery, reducing recovery time by up to 70% and minimizing complications. The treatment also alleviates eye pain, burning, and light sensitivity.
Research identifies falls as the leading cause of eye injuries, accounting for over 8,425 hospitalizations, with serious ocular trauma injuries being expensive and preventable. The median cost of treating eye injuries increased by 62%, from $12,430 to $20,116, between 2002 and 2011.
Researchers have developed programmable electronic glasses that help improve vision in children with lazy eye as effectively as traditional treatment using eye patches. The 'digital patch' is a new effective treatment for lazy eye in half a century, offering an alternative to traditional methods.
Researchers discovered that anti-PlGF antibody treatments, such as aflibercept, may slow the progression of dry age-related macular degeneration. The study found that PlGF actually worsened retinal damage in mice, but an anti-PlGF treatment provided protection against light-induced degeneration.
Researchers at the University of Utah have developed software to create detailed 3-D models of animal brains, allowing for a more complete understanding of brain connectivity. This new tool can aid in studying mental and neurological conditions such as schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, and autism.
A recent study found that Latinos with greater African ancestry are at increased risk for high intraocular pressure, a condition that can lead to glaucoma and blindness. The study, led by Xiaoyi Gao, analyzed the genomes of over 3,500 participants and found that those with more African ancestry had higher pressure inside the eye.
A home monitoring device for AMD showed promise in patients who completed a qualification test, allowing them to track progression at home. Younger participants were more likely to qualify and successfully use the device.
A Penn study shows that gene therapy can cure canine X-linked retinitis pigmentosa, even when treatment is started at mid- or late-stage disease. The treatment successfully halted photoreceptor cell loss and maintained vision in dogs for over three years.
A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that first-born individuals are more likely to be nearsighted than later-born individuals, with the association reduced when adjusting for educational exposure. The researchers suggest that reduced parental investment in education may contribute to this increased risk.
Researchers found that genetic and lifestyle factors contribute to AMD in a synergistic way, increasing risk for women with heavy smoking and poor diet. Eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise can lower AMD risk.
A team of researchers at Penn Vet has identified a form of congenital night blindness in dogs, which shares similarities with human forms of the condition. The discovery may lead to the development of gene therapy to correct the dysfunction in both humans and dogs.
Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center found that peripheral lesions in the retina correlate strongly with retinal non-perfusion, a condition caused by lost small blood vessels. This discovery may enable clinicians to estimate disease progression without invasive angiography.
Researchers found that advanced diabetic eye disease remains low among children living with diabetes, regardless of disease duration. They recommend delaying annual screenings until age 15 or 5 years after diagnosis for most children with type 1 diabetes.
Research suggests retinal changes can serve as measures of brain pathology in schizophrenia, predicting disease risk and progression. The findings may help guide future treatment adjustments.
A new Penn study analyzing insurance claims data suggests that repackaged Avastin injections do not carry a higher risk of endophthalmitis than commercially available Lucentis. This finding contradicts the FDA's planned restriction on Avastin's ophthalmic use and may inadvertently increase infection risk for patients.
A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology has found associations between lower blood manganese levels and higher blood mercury levels with a greater risk of glaucoma diagnosis. The research suggests that trace metals may play a role in the pathogenesis of glaucoma, and future investigations could explore potential neuroprotective effects.
Researchers at Mass Eye and Ear discovered that the alternative complement pathway exacerbates photoreceptor cell death after injury, but blocking it can protect photoreceptors. Inhibition of this pathway offers a new therapeutic target to prevent initial photoreceptor loss.
Researchers found that vision-restoring gene therapy leads to strengthening of visual pathways in the brain, even after decades of near blindness. The treatment restored nearly intact retina-brain connections, suggesting that unused pathways rebuilt themselves.
A new study demonstrates that gene therapy can give life-long protection to photoreceptor cells in a mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa. The preserved cells were able to drive visually-guided behaviour even in later stages of the condition and despite becoming less sensitive to light.
Researchers used OCT to study brain vascular imaging during real-time experimental stroke, revealing high-resolution images of in vivo vascular networks and biologically initiated rescue mechanisms. This could provide guidance for clinicians treating stroke patients.
A three-year clinical trial results show that the Argus II device improves visual function and quality of life for people with retinitis pigmentosa by up to 89%. The study found no device failures after three years and no negative impact on patients.
A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that patients taking metformin hydrochloride had a 25% reduced risk of developing open-angle glaucoma compared to those who took no metformin. Higher doses of metformin were associated with greater reductions in OAG risk, suggesting potential benefits for eye health.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland have discovered a new way to treat diabetic retinopathy by blocking two growth proteins, VEGF and angiopoietin-like 4. This could prevent many cases of proliferative diabetic retinopathy, which is the most common cause of vision loss in working-age adults in the US.