A follow-up analysis of the ACCORD Trial found that people with type 2 diabetes who intensively controlled their blood sugar level had cut their risk of diabetic retinopathy in half. The study, supported by the National Eye Institute, suggests that well-controlled glycemia has a positive and lasting effect on eye health.
The US is projected to see a doubling of visual impairment and blindness cases by 2050, with the greatest burden on non-Hispanic white women and African Americans. The National Eye Institute predicts that 2.15 million non-Hispanic white women will be visually impaired by then.
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.
Researchers designed a contact lens that adjusts its focus using a bioinspired retina structure, inspired by the elephant nose fish's ability to spot predators. The lens is powered by a small solar cell and can capture images under low-light conditions, offering a potential solution for people with presbyopia.
A two-year clinical trial found that Eylea (aflibercept) performed better than Avastin (bevacizumab) in participants with moderate or worse vision loss, while Lucentis (ranibizumab) yielded similar gains. The study confirmed the effectiveness of all three drugs for diabetic macular edema treatment.
A multi-center clinical study funded by the National Eye Institute has shown that uncorrected farsightedness in preschool children is associated with significantly worse performance on a test of early literacy. Children with moderate hyperopia did poorly on the Test of Preschool Early Literacy, especially in print knowledge domain.
The study, funded by the National Eye Institute, identified FOXC1, TXNRD2, and ATXN2 as contributing genes to primary open-angle glaucoma. Variations in these genes may lead to reduced mitochondrial protection, increasing optic nerve cell death.
Researchers have identified 52 genetic variants associated with AMD, including associations between CFH and TIMP3 genes and the extracellular matrix. The study provides a framework for future studies of AMD biology and therapy development.
A clinical trial funded by the National Institutes of Health found that Lucentis is highly effective in treating proliferative diabetic retinopathy, improving vision by about half a line on an eye chart compared to laser therapy. The study also showed lower rates of complications such as vitrectomy and serious systemic adverse events.
A study funded by the NIH has shown that gene therapy can preserve vision in dogs with late-stage retinitis pigmentosa. The treatment halted disease-associated cell death and preserved photoreceptor structure, improving visual performance under dim light conditions. Further research is needed to assess its safety and potential toxicity...
Researchers develop novel mouse model for Leber hereditary optic neuropathy and demonstrate successful gene therapy in improving visual function. The approach could aid therapy development for various mitochondrial diseases, with a clinical trial currently underway.
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 new study on mice reveals how motion-sensing cells in the eye form synapses with interneurons, creating a unique delay that allows for accurate tracking of small moving objects. This delay enables the object motion sensors to distinguish between the motion of an object and its background.
A large NIH clinical trial of 4,000 patients found that omega-3 supplements had no effect on cognitive decline. Researchers tested the combination of omega-3 fatty acids and lutein/zeaxanthin, but saw no benefit in slowing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or dementia.
Researchers propose that bacteria in the gut activate immune cells against proteins in the eye, leading to autoimmune uveitis. A study on mice found that eliminating gut bacteria delayed disease onset and severity, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for this condition.
Researchers found that microglia infiltrate the retina and create a cup-like structure over photoreceptors, accelerating their death. Inhibiting phagocytosis or targeting microglial activation may help preserve vision in retinitis pigmentosa.
Gene therapy for Leber congenital amaurosis improves vision and retina sensitivity within weeks of treatment, with peak benefits after one to three years. However, these gains diminish over six years, revealing the need for further research to sustain restored vision.
The National Eye Institute is committing $20.7 million to five bold projects that will develop new technology to image cells of the eye in unprecedented detail. The goal is to restore vision by regenerating neurons and neural connections in the eye and visual system.
A clinical trial comparing Eylea (aflibercept), Avastin (bevacizumab), and Lucentis (ranibizumab) for diabetic macular edema found that Eylea provided greater visual improvement, especially in patients with moderate vision loss. The study enrolled 660 participants and showed similar results when starting vision was mild.
A new study led by Dr. Barry Rovner shows that a type of rehabilitation therapy can cut the risk of depression from age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in half. The therapy, called behavior activation, helps people focus on activities they enjoy and maintain an active social life to reduce disability and prevent clinical depression.
A NIH-funded study found that telemedicine screening for ROP in premature infants can correctly identify cases with 90% accuracy. The approach, which involves sending photos of baby eyes to a distant image reading center, could help ease strain on hospitals and improve care for underserved areas.
Researchers have made significant progress in creating artificial vision that mimics the retina's natural response to movement. By targeting specific cells, they were able to reproduce natural patterns of activity, bringing closer the goal of restoring high-fidelity vision to blind individuals.
A study funded by the NIH found that acetazolamide can help preserve and restore vision for women with IIH, when combined with a moderate weight loss plan. The trial involved 161 participants who experienced improved visual field tests, optic nerve swelling reduction, and greater improvements in daily function and quality of life.
A recent NIH study found that contact lenses are safer and just as effective as permanent lenses for infants under seven months old after cataract surgery. The study showed more post-surgical complications and repeat surgeries in the IOL group compared to the contact lens group.
A new NIH-funded study found that cornea donation from donors aged 34-71 maintains high success rates after 10 years. While older donors may experience slightly lower success rates, the majority remain healthy and functional.
Researchers found that a class of proteins affecting visual system development also appears to affect vulnerability to Alzheimer's disease in the aging brain. The proteins, such as LilrB2 and PirB, physically partner with beta-amyloid, triggering a harmful chain reaction in brain cells.
A study in mice reveals an essential brain circuit that helps dictate how the eyes connect to the brain, which could lead to new treatments for amblyopia. The research found that manipulating a specific brain circuit can prevent ocular dominance in young mice and induce it in older mice beyond the critical period.
A team of researchers has gained a detailed understanding of aquaporin zero, a protein crucial for maintaining the transparency of the human eye lens. This knowledge could lead to new insights and therapies for treating cataracts and other eye conditions.
Scientists develop a new approach to eliminate mutated DNA in mitochondria using TALEN technology inspired by plant-infecting bacteria. The method shows promise for treating mitochondrial diseases, including Leber hereditary optic neuropathy, and could lead to effective treatments for various eye diseases.
A recent NIH study found that adding omega-3 fatty acids and lutein/zeaxanthin to a combination of nutritional supplements does not improve protection against age-related macular degeneration. However, removing beta-carotene from the supplement formulation may help reduce risk, according to researchers.
A study published in Cell Metabolism suggests that targeting cholesterol metabolism in the eye may prevent severe age-related macular degeneration. Researchers found that macrophages play a key role in clearing cholesterol from the eye, and that with aging, these cells become less efficient at this task.
Researchers have discovered seven new genetic loci associated with increased risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition that affects central vision and can lead to blindness. The study, supported by the National Eye Institute, represents the most comprehensive genome-wide analysis of AMD genetics.
The National Eye Institute has launched new resources to help people with low vision, including a large-print booklet and videos. The materials provide tips for maximizing remaining eyesight and encourage individuals to seek help from a low vision specialist.
A NIH study found that changes in immune gene function may cause age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Decreased DNA methylation led to increased IL17RC protein, promoting inflammation and immune cell recruitment that damages the retina.
Researchers have published a detailed description of neurotensin's interaction with its receptor, suggesting a novel binding mechanism that may activate G-protein coupled receptors. This knowledge could lead to the development of better drugs for conditions such as Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia.
Researchers found that Avastin and Lucentis improve vision in patients with AMD, with monthly treatment yielding slightly better results. The study suggests that both drugs can be effective regardless of dosing schedule, providing valuable information for treatment decisions.
The National Eye Institute has expanded its genetic and clinical research database by adding more than 72,000 lens and fundus photographs from the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS). These images are now accessible to scientists through NCBI's online database of Genotypes and Phenotypes, dbGaP.
The ACCORD Eye Study found that intensive blood sugar control and combination lipid therapy slowed diabetic retinopathy progression by about one-third. Combination therapy reduced disease progression compared to statin therapy alone.
The Los Angeles Latino Eye Study found that US Latinos develop visual impairment, blindness, diabetic eye disease, and cataracts at higher rates than non-Hispanic whites. Researchers also identified specific risk factors for these conditions, including diabetes and age.
A comparative-effectiveness study confirms that ranibizumab eye injections in combination with laser therapy result in dramatic visual improvement for patients with diabetic macular edema. The treatment demonstrates substantial visual benefits, including a 50% improvement rate and prevention of blood vessel leakage.
Researchers have discovered three new genes associated with age-related macular degeneration, including two involved in the cholesterol pathway. The study increases understanding of DNA variations that predict individual risks of AMD and provides clues for developing effective therapies.
Researchers confirm that early treatment for selected infants with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) improves their vision through 6 years of age. Doctors can identify high-risk infants by examining certain eye characteristics, such as blood vessel appearance and location.
A study found laser therapy equivalent to corticosteroid medications in treating vision loss from BRVO, with lower complication rates. Laser treatment showed no significant difference in visual improvement compared to corticosteroid injections.
A new corticosteroid medication has been shown to improve vision and reduce vision loss in patients with central retinal vein occlusion. The treatment, which involves eye injections of the medication, has been proven effective in reducing vision loss by five times.
Researchers report significant visual benefits in three young adults with Leber congenital amaurosis, a previously untreatable form of blindness. The gene therapy, which restored the RPE65 protein necessary for vision production, has shown safety and stability over one year.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive early detection device for cataracts, detecting subtle protein changes before the lens becomes cloudy. The device uses dynamic light scattering technology and has potential applications in reducing cataract risk through lifestyle changes and preventing age-related eye diseases.
A new study found that office-based vision therapy by a trained therapist, along with at-home reinforcement, is more effective in treating convergence insufficiency (CI) in children than traditional home-based therapy. The treatment resulted in reduced symptoms and improved vision in nearly 75% of participants.
Researchers found that increasing omega-3 fatty acids and decreasing omega-6 fatty acids in the diet can reduce retinopathy severity by suppressing inflammatory proteins. The study suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may act as protective factors in diseases affecting retinal blood vessels.
A nationwide study aims to slow vision loss from AMD by testing a combination of vitamins, minerals, and fish oil. The study will examine whether the added nutrients can further reduce AMD progression, potentially saving over 300,000 people from vision loss.
A recent study found that 14 million Americans have visual impairment, but most cases can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. The study emphasizes the importance of routine eye examinations and public awareness campaigns to address this public health issue.