Researchers at the NIH developed eye drops containing a short peptide derived from PEDF, which slowed photoreceptor degeneration and vision loss in animal models of retinitis pigmentosa and dry age-related macular degeneration. The treatment preserved up to 75% of photoreceptors and showed no negative side effects.
A brain-based condition causing vision problems in children has been defined by a NIH-led team. The five elements of cerebral (or cortical) visual impairment (CVI) include difficulty visually searching for objects or understanding complex motion.
Researchers have discovered a gene responsible for some inherited retinal diseases, which damage the retina and threaten vision. The study identified the UBAP1L gene as a cause of different forms of retinal dystrophy, including maculopathy and cone-rod dystrophy, affecting central and night vision.
Researchers have identified a protein, RNF114, that reverses cataracts by facilitating protein degradation. This discovery may lead to a surgery-free treatment strategy for managing cataracts, a common cause of vision loss worldwide.
A large NIH-funded trial compares three surgical approaches for treating trachomatous trichiasis, finding that one technique is just as effective as another in reducing post-operative complications. The study suggests that existing standard surgeries are better options than a modified method with a larger incision height.
A study funded by the National Eye Institute found that 6.5 million Medicaid enrollees lacked routine adult eye exam coverage, while 14.6 million had no eyeglasses coverage. State-level variation in coverage policies and copays hindered access to essential eye care services.
Researchers found that taking AREDS2 supplements slows the expansion of geographic atrophy regions towards the central foveal region of the retina. The study suggests that antioxidant supplementation may slow central vision loss in people with late-stage dry AMD, supporting continued use of AREDS2 supplements.
Researchers at NIH have identified a new brain circuit in primates that quickly detects faces, which could help explain how humans develop facial recognition skills. The discovery sheds light on the neural mechanisms underlying face detection and recognition, potentially providing insights into conditions like autism.
Researchers at NIH developed a novel AI-based method called P-GAN to improve next-generation imaging of cells in the retina. The technique reduces imaging acquisition and processing time by 100-fold, yielding greater contrast and improving image quality.
A phase II clinical study found that minocycline did not slow the expansion of geographic atrophy regions or vision loss in people with dry age-related macular degeneration. Previous studies have shown that minocycline can reduce inflammation and microglial activity in the eye, but it has not previously been tested for this condition.
Researchers at NIH mapped the 3D organization of genetic material in human retinal formation, revealing a dynamic process that regulates gene expression. The findings lay a foundation for understanding clinical traits in many eye diseases.
Researchers identify Noelin proteins as crucial for supporting synapse function in the brain and retina, providing insight into processes like learning and memory. The study also highlights the development of blinding conditions like glaucoma.
A randomized controlled trial funded by NIH found low-dose atropine eyedrops to be no better than placebo in slowing myopia progression among US children. The study contradicts previous East Asian trials that showed a benefit from 0.01% atropine. Further research is needed to identify an optimal approach for preventing high myopia.
A clinical trial found that repeat intraocular corticosteroid injections improved vision in people with persistent or recurrent uveitis-related macular edema, reducing retinal swelling by 35% compared to ranibizumab and methotrexate.
A recent study from the National Eye Institute has discovered rare genetic variants that may be driving age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a chronic inflammatory response in the retina. The variants affect the stability of the membrane attack complex (MAC), which could lead to destructive inflammation and AMD progression.
A team from the National Eye Institute identified Reserpine as a compound that keeps light-sensitive photoreceptors alive in three models of Leber congenital amaurosis type 10, an inherited retinal ciliopathy disease. The study suggests a potential treatment strategy for addressing retinal ciliopathies caused by multiple genes.
A small study funded by the National Eye Institute found that a unique brain region called the occipital place area (OPA) supports visually guided navigation when walking, but fails to activate during crawling. This finding may help explain how children learn to navigate their surroundings and develop motor skills.
A recent study by the DRCR Retina Network found that early treatment with anti-VEGF drugs did not improve visual acuity in patients with diabetic retinopathy. The study enrolled 328 participants and used preventative injections to slow disease progression, but showed no benefit to vision.
Scientists have created eye tissue using patient stem cells and 3D bioprinting, providing a model for studying the genesis of age-related macular degeneration. The printed tissue exhibited patterns of early AMD, including drusen deposits and progression to late dry stage AMD.
Scientists discovered the first direct evidence that Stargardt-related ABCA4 gene mutations affect a layer of cells in the eye called the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The study suggests a therapeutic strategy for the disease, which currently lacks treatment.
Researchers at the National Eye Institute have discovered a mechanism by which an area of the protein RPE65 converts vitamin A into a form usable by photoreceptor cells. This finding provides better understanding of RPE65's function and will inform potential treatments for vision disorders linked to gene mutations.
NIH scientists mapped the organization of human retinal cell chromatin, revealing insights into regulation of gene expression and retinal function. The study identified distinct patterns of interaction at retinal genes suggesting how chromatin's 3D organization plays a crucial role in tissue-specific gene regulation.
Researchers at the National Eye Institute used adaptive optics to visualize cells across different tissue layers in the eye, revealing dramatic enlargement of RPE cells in people with choroideremia. This discovery may help design effective treatments for this rare genetic disorder.
Researchers have developed a gene therapy that rescues cilia defects in retinal cells affected by Leber congenital amaurosis, a disease causing blindness in early childhood. The therapy restores opsin protein concentration in photoreceptor outer segments, suggesting functional NPHP5 may stabilize the primary cilium gate.
Researchers used multimodal adaptive optics imaging to study photoreceptor and retinal pigment epithelium relationships in eyes with vitelliform macular dystrophy. The study provides valuable insights for developing new therapies to treat this rare eye disorder.
A recent NIH study found that the loss of 'youth' protein pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) may drive aging in the retina. The study showed that mice lacking PEDF experienced gene changes similar to those seen in age-related macular degeneration, highlighting a potential therapeutic target.
A specific step strategy, starting with a less expensive medicine and switching to a more expensive one if vision does not improve sufficiently, gives results similar to starting off with the higher-priced drug. After two years, both groups had similar visual acuity outcomes, improving on average approximately three lines on an eye chart.
Researchers identified distinct circuits in the eye that drive vision and non-vision functions, such as regulating pupil size and sleep/wake cycles. Rod photoreceptors were found to play a crucial role in controlling pupillary light responses and circadian rhythm regulation.
Researchers at the National Eye Institute have discovered a novel genetic eye disease, a type of macular dystrophy that affects central vision. The disease is linked to mutations in the TIMP3 gene, which regulates retinal blood flow and is secreted from the retinal pigment epithelium.
A new report confirms the benefits of supplements containing lutein and zeaxanthin for slowing age-related macular degeneration progression. The AREDS2 study found that these supplements reduced the risk of AMD progression by 26% compared to the original formula, which contained beta-carotene.
A new study maps the distinct differences among cells in the retina's retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), which nourishes and supports photoreceptors. The research identifies five subpopulations with varying levels of disease sensitivity, opening doors to more precise cell and gene therapies for specific degenerative eye diseases.
A NIH-funded study found that patients with retinal vein occlusion experience significant visual acuity gains, but require long-term monitoring and treatment. After five years, many participants retained an average of three lines of improvement in their visual acuity.
Researchers found that attention-related signals occur independently of eye movement signals, and microsaccades are not required for shifting attention. This breakthrough resolves controversy about brain systems for attention and has implications for understanding attention disorders and behavior.
Researchers found that mitochondria act as microlenses to focus light on outer segments where it's converted into nerve signals, shedding new light on the retina's optical properties. This discovery has potential clinical implications for detecting retinal diseases.
A new AI-based method has been developed to evaluate patients with Stargardt disease, a leading cause of childhood blindness. The study found that the severity of vision loss can be classified into different phenotypes based on genetic variants, and provided sensitive structural outcome measures for therapeutic trials.
Researchers have created a human stem cell model of albinism using patient-derived stem cells, allowing for the study of how lack of pigmentation affects retinal development and function. This model will enable high-throughput screening of potential therapies to treat eye conditions associated with albinism.
Researchers developed a dish-based model that replicates the characteristics of dry age-related macular degeneration, allowing them to screen over 1,200 drugs for their ability to slow or halt disease progression. Two drugs, Aminocaproic acid and L745, showed promise in inhibiting key phenotypes associated with AMD.
A NIH study has identified a molecular link between a gene mutation and late-onset retinal degeneration, a rare eye disease. The researchers found that the diabetes drug metformin and gene therapy may be effective treatments for the condition, which can cause abnormal blood vessel growth and deposits of apolipoprotein E.
A new handheld screening device has been shown to accurately detect amblyopia (lazy eye) in children, with a sensitivity rate of 100% and specificity rate of 85%. Early detection is key to treating the condition, which can affect school performance and lifelong visual acuity.
A newly improved robotic cane, funded by NIH/National Eye Institute, uses a color 3D camera, inertial measurement sensor, and onboard computer to guide users to desired locations while avoiding obstacles. The device can provide accurate navigation assistance in large spaces with sensory and auditory cues.
Researchers at the National Eye Institute developed a new sample preparation method to detect SARS-Cov-2, simplifying purification and potentially reducing test time and cost. The method uses a chelating agent to preserve RNA in samples, allowing for direct detection and increasing sensitivity.
Researchers found that decision-related feedback is spatially unselective, affecting neurons broadly beyond the task at hand. Location and depth information are processed differently, with location feedback only associated with attention and depth feedback related to the decision.
Scientists discover gene therapy that protects optic nerve cells and preserves vision in mouse models of glaucoma. The study suggests a way forward for developing neuroprotective therapies for glaucoma, a leading cause of visual impairment and blindness.
Researchers have determined how peptides derived from PEDF protect neuronal cells in the retina layer, which could lead to treatments for degenerative retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration. The study found that these peptides work by binding to a protein receptor and processing omega-3 fatty acids like DHA.
Researchers developed classification criteria using machine learning to standardize language and identify characteristics that distinguish each disease. The criteria have been validated with over 90% accuracy within uveitic class.
A four-year clinical trial from the DRCR Retina Network found that early anti-VEGF injections slowed diabetic retinopathy progression, but did not improve vision at two years. Standard treatment remained effective in preventing further vision loss.
The National Eye Institute's Data Commons now offers access to AREDS2 data, including thousands of participants with age-related macular degeneration. Researchers can analyze genomic and phenotypic data, as well as retinal images, to better understand the disease and develop new therapies.
A NIH-led team has noninvasively visualized photoreceptors in the retina with greater detail than ever before, improving resolution by a third. This breakthrough technique enables better tracking of degenerative changes and may lead to earlier detection and treatment of vision loss diseases.
Researchers developed a gene therapy strategy to treat Leber congenital amaurosis by adding copies of the normal CRX gene under its native control mechanism. This approach restored some CRX protein function and drove expression of opsins in patient-derived retinal organoids.
Children who undergo cataract surgery as infants have a 22% risk of developing glaucoma by age 10. Lifelong monitoring is crucial to preventing vision loss due to increased eye pressure and optic nerve damage.