A recent study found that digital tablets can significantly improve reading speed and comfort for people with moderate vision loss. Using a tablet with a back-lit screen resulted in the fastest reading speeds, with participants increasing their reading speed by 15 words-per-minute on average.
A recent study found that individuals with glaucoma are at a higher risk of being involved in accidents due to their limited peripheral vision. The research recommends mandatory visual field testing for drivers to ensure road safety.
Dr. Jonathan Lass will receive the 2012 Paton Award for his outstanding contributions to corneal preservation and clinical eye care. The award recognizes his 30-plus-year career as an ophthalmologist and medical educator at Case Western Reserve University.
Researchers have found that abnormal eye movements in amblyopia are caused by changes in the brain's subcortical regions. The study, published in Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience, suggests that these changes may be an attempt to enhance contrast sensitivity in visually impaired eyes.
A meta-analysis conducted by researchers from China found a strong association between smoking and the risk of age-related cataracts. Current smokers were found to have a higher risk of incidence compared to non-smokers, while former smokers also showed an increased risk of certain subtypes of cataract.
A new study links heavy caffeinated coffee consumption to an increased risk of developing exfoliation glaucoma, the leading cause of secondary glaucoma worldwide. Women with a family history of glaucoma are also at higher risk.
A new Hopkins study found that monthly injections of ranibizumab improve eye chart test results, build driver confidence, and keep those with wet AMD driving longer. This treatment may help elderly individuals maintain their independence by continuing to drive despite vision loss.
A nationwide study of over 300,000 patients found that statin use reduces the risk of open-angle glaucoma by eight percent. The study suggests that statins may protect against glaucoma by improving blood flow and reducing intraocular pressure.
A recent study identified a gene linking age-related cataracts and Alzheimer's disease, suggesting common etiologic factors between the two conditions. The study found correlations between cortical cataract formation and brain degeneration measures, as well as poorer cognitive performance.
Researchers at the Singapore Eye Research Institute and Genome Institute of Singapore have identified three new genes linked to PACG, a leading cause of blindness worldwide. The study used genome-wide association analysis and validation experiments to uncover genetic risk factors for the disease.
The University of Leicester has received a unique piece of retinal imaging equipment through charitable donations. The handheld scanner will enable researchers to study nystagmus in infants and young children, improving medical understanding and treatment for this condition.
A groundbreaking study has identified the mode of death of cone photoreceptor cells in an animal model of retinitis pigmentosa. The receptor interacting protein (RIP) kinase pathway is found to be involved in cone degeneration, and a deficiency of RIP kinase reduces cone loss.
A recent study by the American Academy of Ophthalmology shows that cataract surgery significantly reduces the risk of hip fractures in older patients with vision loss. The study found a 16% decrease in hip fracture incidence among patients who underwent cataract surgery, particularly those aged 80-84 and those with severe cataracts.
Dr. Joseph Ciolino, a Mass. Eye and Ear ophthalmologist, has received the Research to Prevent Blindness (RPB) Career Development Award to support his translational projects in keratoprosthesis and ocular drug delivery. The award aims to attract young physicians and scientists to eye research.
The Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary has been awarded a $110,000 grant from Research to Prevent Blindness to conduct research on the causes, treatment and prevention of blinding diseases. The grant will be directed by Dr. Joan Miller, who leads the Mass. Eye and Ear/Mass General Department of Ophthalmology.
According to a Northwestern University study, the prevalence of visual impairment in adults aged 65 and older decreased by 58% between 1984 and 2010. Improved cataract surgery techniques and reduced smoking rates are likely contributing factors.
Research suggests women require higher power reading glasses than men of equivalent age due to preferred reading distances or arm length. The study found no significant gender-related difference in the eye's focusing ability.
A recent Queen's University study found that the cheaper drug for treating wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) has a higher risk of causing eye inflammation and vision loss. The research indicates that patients receiving the cheaper drug had a 12 times higher risk of serious eye issues, emphasizing the need for caution in its use.
Researchers developed an ocular pulse amplitude test to detect carotid artery stenosis, a known stroke risk factor. The test could be performed by ophthalmologists during routine exams and may help prevent strokes.
Researchers at the University of Alberta found that omega-3 fatty acid DHA in fish prevented toxic buildup in the retina, a common cause of age-related vision loss. The discovery could lead to a therapeutic use for supplementing the diet with DHA.
The Mass. Eye and Ear Cataract Master uses computer-based simulation to provide a realistic interactive experience for ophthalmology residents and practicing surgeons. The program aims to minimize clinical risk while boosting skills and confidence, ultimately raising the quality of patient care.
A type of herpesvirus infection of the eye has been found to be associated with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness in the elderly. The virus triggers the production of vascular endothelial growth factor, leading to retinal tissue destruction and vision loss.
A study by Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine found that only 15% of patients with low vision reported being recommended smartphones for their accessibility features. However, 24% of participants used smartphones, which can offer features like font size increase and GPS navigation to enhance quality of life.
A study found that narrower central retinal arteriolar equivalent (CRAE) is associated with a higher six-year incidence of any cardiovascular disease and lower extremity arterial disease. Larger retinal venular diameter, on the other hand, was linked to an increased risk of hypertension.
Researchers developed a genetic test to predict ocular melanoma tumor spread, classifying tumors with over 97% accuracy. The test identified two classes of tumors: those unlikely to spread (class 1) and those more likely to develop metastatic cancer (class 2).
Researchers confirm that Avastin and Lucentis yield similar improvements in vision for patients receiving monthly or as-needed treatment. The year-two results of the Comparison of AMD Treatment Trials (CATT) support the findings from the first year of the study.
A case study highlights the need for ophthalmologists to be vigilant for signs of child abuse in patients with chronic or recurrent keratoconjunctivitis. The patient's symptoms improved but persisted despite treatment, leading to a diagnosis of child abuse.
The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) has announced its 2012 ARVO Award recipients, honoring vision researchers who have made significant contributions to the field of ophthalmology. This year's award winners include Peter Sterling, John V. Forrester, Jeffrey L. Goldberg, and Josh Wallman, who will be recogniz...
The presentation presents one-year IVAN and two-year CATT trial results evaluating the efficacy of Lucentis and Avastin in treating age-related macular degeneration. The studies demonstrate Lucentis' effectiveness in reducing edema and improving vision.
Scientists at University College London have successfully transplanted photoreceptors into adult mice with degenerate retinas, restoring their vision. The study suggests that this approach could lead to effective treatments for thousands of people affected by degenerative eye disorders.
A recent study found that caffeine can significantly increase tear production in people with dry eye syndrome. The research suggests that individuals who are sensitive to caffeine may benefit from using it as a treatment option, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
A recent study found that moderate visual impairments significantly degrade drivers' ability to recognize pedestrians at night. Drivers with blurred vision recognized pedestrians 52.1% of the time, while those with cataracts only recognized them 29.9% of the time.
Researchers found that corneal thickening occurs in FECD patients before swelling is observed, necessitating regular monitoring and potential surgical intervention. The study's findings have the potential to improve patient care for Fuchs corneal dystrophy.
The number of ophthalmologists worldwide is insufficient to meet the growing demands of ageing populations and developing countries. The global shortfall of trained eye doctors is a pressing concern, particularly in low-income countries where capacity is increasing faster than the population.
A new pig model has been developed to study and potentially treat the debilitating eye disease retinitis pigmentosa. The miniature swine model expresses classic features of the disease and can be used to screen novel therapies for this devastating condition.
Researchers developed a low-cost digital head posture measuring device using Nintendo Wiimotes to help diagnose ocular torticollis in children. The system demonstrated high accuracy and reliability in measuring head posture, showing promise as a diagnostic tool for ophthalmic patients.
Home measurement of IOP can provide baseline information about expected variability of eye pressures in healthy children, according to a new study. The study found that normal eyes of healthy children have a fluctuation in eye pressure of about five mm Hg throughout the day.
Glaucoma is now viewed as a neurologic disorder causing nerve cell degeneration and death, similar to Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's. Researchers are exploring treatment advances, including RGC-targeted medications and electrical stimulation, that may ultimately restore vision.
A new flexible pressure sensor was developed at the University of California, Davis, using a drop of liquid in a polydimethylsiloxane sandwich. The sensor successfully measured human pulse and has potential applications in smart gloves and contact lenses for biosensing and monitoring.
Researchers in British Journal of Ophthalmology reveal that self-inflicted blinding is a rare complication of severe psychosis, such as schizophrenia. The phenomenon has been mistakenly attributed to sexual guilt and the Oedipus complex, but cultural beliefs are not a plausible explanation for this behavior.
The Elisabeth Severance Prentiss Foundation has donated $5 million to the University Hospitals Eye Institute to support various programs, including the Center for Retina and Macular Disease. The gift will help launch a new phase of expansion and enhancement of facilities and equipment across the UH system.
A new surgical procedure called superior rectus transposition with adjustable medial rectus recession has shown promising results in aligning the eyes of patients with complex strabismus. The procedure, adopted at Boston Children's Hospital, allows for precise eye movement fine-tuning in the recovery room or up to a week after surgery,...
The ARVO Foundation for Eye Research has awarded $40,000 fellowships to Balamurali K. Ambati and Stephen H. Tsang to conduct age-related macular degeneration (AMD) research. The fellowships aim to develop therapeutics and personalized medicine approaches for AMD.
Corneal specialist Dr. James Chodosh has received a $150,000 grant from Research to Prevent Blindness to study viral infections of the eye and identify characteristics that cause inflammation in the cornea. The goal of his research is to develop predictive models for Adenovirus-infected corneas and improve treatment options.
Researchers at Penn Vet & Scheie Eye Inst. successfully treated dogs with X-linked Retinitis Pigmentosa using gene therapy, correcting defects in the RPGR gene and restoring vision. The treatment targets both rod and cone cells, showing promise for treating other photoreceptor degenerations.
Researchers at Mass. Eye and Ear will develop an algorithm to evaluate anatomical changes in the eye associated with certain glaucoma treatments. The fellowship will support the work of Mamta Shah under the mentorship of Drs. Louis Pasquale and Suzanne Freitag.
SUNY Downstate has been awarded a four-year challenge grant of $220,000 from Research to Prevent Blindness to develop advanced research into blinding diseases. The institution's ophthalmology team is now one of 52 institutions receiving recognition for its eye research.
A study published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology reveals a significant reduction in new cases of legal blindness in Denmark, with the rate of blindness from AMD falling by over 50% between 2000 and 2010. The introduction of new treatment for wet AMD has been credited with this progress.
Researchers at Mass Eye and Ear aim to understand the origins of eye allergies, a major health problem in the US. They hope to uncover more effective targets for treatment, potentially offering new hope for those suffering from ocular surface allergy.
A new study published in Archives of Ophthalmology found that replacing Medicare's visual acuity screenings with coverage for dilated eye exams for healthy patients could be highly cost-effective. The research used a Monte Carlo cost-effectiveness simulation model to analyze the costs and benefits of this policy change.
A study published in Archives of Ophthalmology found that commercial insurance was the most frequent payer of emergency department outpatient services in Florida, followed by self-pay and Medicaid. The data suggest a shift towards Medicaid as patients move into eligible categories, which may impact eye care delivery models in the state.
Researchers found that women are more vulnerable to exfoliation syndrome (ES) than men, and that living in the middle or southern tier of the US reduces the risk. The study also confirms established associations with age and family history, as well as new data on associations with gender, eye color, and ancestry.
A new UCSF study shows a popular antibiotic treatment for trachoma can be administered every six months, reducing treatment costs and potentially treating twice as many patients. Researchers found a significant decrease in trachoma prevalence, even elimination in some villages, regardless of treatment frequency.
A recent study published in Ophthalmology found that astronauts who spent long durations in space experienced swollen optic nerves, distorted eyeball shapes, and retinal changes. The study also revealed that many astronauts experienced worsening of distance or near visual acuity after flight.
Einstein researchers discovered a mechanism governing cell specialization, where a pair of proteins act as super regulators of existing ones. This finding has implications for cancer, stem cell research, and regenerative medicine, as it suggests that specific proteins can be turned on or off to create specialized cells.
A NASA-sponsored study found that prolonged space flights can cause a range of visual system changes in astronauts, including blurry vision and abnormalities in the eye tissues. The study's findings have implications for long-duration manned space voyages, such as a trip to Mars.
A novel cocktail of neutralizing reagents has been developed to treat proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), a sight-threatening complication after retinal detachment surgery. The approach targets growth factors and cytokines that promote PVR, with promising results in animal models.
Researchers found that cataract surgery improved cognitive ability, mood, and sleep patterns in mild Alzheimer's disease patients. The study suggests that vision correction may boost quality of life for these patients and their families.
A new analysis of recent eye health studies shows that more time spent outdoors is related to reduced rates of nearsightedness in children and adolescents. Exposure to natural light and looking at distant objects may be key factors.
A recent British study published in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science may revolutionize the way healthcare professionals assess glaucoma risk. The study used a new method to measure intraocular pressure, correcting for corneal biomechanics, and found accurate measurements of eye pressure with improved accuracy.