Articles tagged with Blindness
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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.
Scientists found that seven genes associated with bright-light vision are absent in burrowing snakes, demonstrating extensive vision gene loss over millions of years. This challenges the hypothesis that all modern snakes evolved from extreme burrowers, suggesting a different evolutionary path for these subterranean snakes.
Researchers have found that people with genetic risk factors for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) have thinner retinas and photoreceptors, even if they haven't yet lost their sight. This early detection could lead to earlier treatment and lifestyle changes to prevent vision loss.
A recent study published in iScience found that congenitally blind individuals and normal sighted people are equally good at discriminating between sounds. However, those who lost sight later in life had more difficulties with tasks requiring detailed auditory processing, suggesting an adaptation to the new condition.
A recent study published in JAMA Open Network evaluates the performance of the EyeArt AI system, detecting diabetic retinopathy with high sensitivity and specificity. The results demonstrate the ability to accurately detect vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy without physician oversight, facilitating efficient diabetic eye exams.
Researchers from the University of Maryland School of Medicine and NIH found that retinoid therapy improved vision in mice with Usher syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. The study identified key functions of protocadherin-15, which helps recycle molecules essential for eye tissue.
A study to investigate stem cell therapy as a potential treatment for glaucoma, the world's second leading cause of blindness, has received $6.7M in NEI funding. The research team will explore ways to make stem cell-derived neurons survive and integrate into the eye.
A new rapid screening test for glaucoma uses infra-red sensors to monitor eye movement, providing accurate results within seconds. The test could help advance early detection of the disease, a leading cause of irreversible blindness, and make it more accessible for national screening programs.
A team of scientists successfully created a form of artificial vision for a blind woman using a prosthesis hardwired into her brain. The Moran|Cortivis Prosthesis enabled Gómez to identify lines, shapes, and simple letters evoked by different patterns of stimulation.
A new project aims to empower people who are blind to independently review and protect their personal visual content from accidental privacy leaks. Researchers have developed novel computer vision algorithms that can detect sensitive information in images and videos, allowing users to blur or remove private content before sharing.
A case study evaluated the experience of a deafblind adult using three wayfinding support tools on an urban college campus. The tactile map proved to be the most successful tool, while the mobile application yielded the lowest performance and confidence. Simplifying wayfinding tools and tailoring information to individual preferences a...
Researchers at UVA Health System found that fluoxetine, an antidepressant commonly known as Prozac, shows promise against age-related macular degeneration. Patients taking fluoxetine were less likely to develop dry AMD, a condition affecting nearly 200 million people worldwide.
Researchers successfully implanted a microelectrode array in the visual cortex of a blind volunteer, allowing her to identify lines, shapes and simple letters. The implant stimulated neurons to produce phosphenes, creating an image and demonstrating safety and efficacy.
A novel computational platform called scAAVengr uses single-cell RNA sequencing to quickly evaluate viral vectors for delivering gene therapies to the retina with maximum efficiency and precision. This approach saves time and resources by identifying suitable candidates that can deliver therapy to affected parts of the retina accurately.
Researchers developed a new protein treatment that prevents glaucoma from forming in mice and reduces pressure in the eyes. The study provides new targets for therapies and aims to develop an injectable treatment for patients.
A new study by MIT researchers has found that blind and sighted readers have sharply different takes on what content is most useful to include in a chart caption. The study created a four-level framework for evaluating charts, which could help develop more effective tools for automatically generating captions and alternative text.
A Tanzanian study found that laser treatment (SLT) successfully reduced eye pressure to normal levels in 61% of patients after one year, compared to 31% with daily eye drops. SLT may be an affordable alternative for glaucoma care in Africa.
Researchers have discovered toxic DNA buildup in the eyes of patients with geographic atrophy, a devastating form of age-related macular degeneration. Common HIV drugs or safer alternatives, such as Kamuvudines, may block inflammation and protect against retinal cell death, offering new hope for treatment.
A new study provides evidence supporting the involvement of aquaporins in corneal cell proliferation and nerve regeneration, suggesting AQP5 induction as a potential therapy to accelerate corneal defect resurfacing. The study found that AQP5 deficiency can slow down corneal epithelial repair, but its specific mechanism remained unclear.
A new study published in Current Biology reveals that visually impaired babies primarily use touch to respond to stimuli, while sighted babies rely more on auditory cues. The research suggests that both senses will be crucial in designing tools to aid their development.
Researchers at Kyoto University found that monkeys with impaired visual cortex can still identify hidden areas using visual signals, suggesting a possible mechanism for blindsight. The study's findings have implications for understanding human brain functions and artificial intelligence.
A recent study of 1.5 million Israeli teens found that approximately 1% have lazy eye, with a decline in incidence over the past two decades. Socioeconomic factors and ultra-orthodox upbringing are linked to increased risk, while immigrants from certain countries have a higher prevalence
Researchers co-led by Jonathan L. Haines are conducting a comprehensive analysis of genetic data from over 100,000 people worldwide to better understand the condition. The study aims to uncover the genetic architecture of age-related macular degeneration and its impact on diverse populations.
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 found that blind and sighted adults share identical understanding of color, including reasoning and explanations, in experiments with natural and man-made objects. This challenges the notion that blind people lack deep knowledge of visual phenomena.
Scientists found that HtrA1 protein levels decrease with age in individuals with chromosome 10 risk variants associated with age-related macular degeneration. The study identified HtrA1 as a protective factor, suggesting it maintains the integrity of the RPE-Bruch's membrane interface.
Researchers design new stimulation protocol for optic nerve stimulation to produce consistent and meaningful visual sensations. They use machine learning approaches to optimize protocols, which have shown promising results in artificial neural networks and psychophysical tests.
Researchers developed a non-contact laser imaging system that can detect telltale signs of major blinding diseases in retinal blood and tissue, allowing for earlier diagnosis and management. The technology, known as photoacoustic remote sensing, improves patient comfort and test accuracy.
A 10-week training program showed that both sighted and blind participants improved on echolocation tasks, with some even performing better than expert echolocators. The study's findings suggest that click-based echolocation can be a valuable tool for people with vision loss or progressive degenerative eye conditions.
A breakthrough study uses oral tactile visualization of complex 3D structures to improve accessibility in STEM education for blind and visually impaired students. Students recognized structures by mouth at 85.59% accuracy, similar to recognition by eyesight using computer animation.
A device created by Dr Matthew Griffith uses absorbed light to fire neurons transmitting signals from the eyes to the brain, acting as an artificial retina for those with lost capacity. The goal is to provide a biomedical solution to vision impairment caused by retinitis pigmentosa and AMD.
Researchers have discovered a new potential mechanism for age-related macular degeneration, suggesting that the structural organization of light-sensing cells may be affected by the disease. This finding offers hope for identifying new molecular targets to treat the condition and potentially reversing its effects.
New fossil discoveries of ancient lamprey growth series overturn conventional wisdom on the origin of vertebrates, including humans. Ancient lamprey larvae were found to have large eyes and toothed suckers like adult phases, contradicting long-held ideas about their evolutionary history.
Researchers at EPFL have developed a retinal implant that uses electrodes to stimulate retinal cells, allowing blind individuals to see simplified images in black-and-white. The system has been tested virtually using virtual reality simulations and has demonstrated promising results, paving the way for potential human trials.
A meta-analysis of 48,000 people found that vision impairment is associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality compared to normal vision or mild vision impairment. The risk increases significantly among those with severe vision impairment.
Rapidly rising levels of sight loss are largely due to untreated ocular conditions, affecting hundreds of millions globally. A new study highlights the need for standard terminology and robust definitions to measure non-visually impairing eye diseases.
Researchers have developed tactile books with 3D mini-scenarios that allow blind children to explore and identify objects using gestures and body simulations. This innovative approach has been shown to narrow the perception gap between blind and sighted children, enabling them to recognize objects more easily.
New gene editing strategies, including CRISPR technologies, are being investigated for treating inherited retinal diseases. Researchers aim to identify the most viable therapeutic approaches using human retinal tissue and organoids.
New gene editing strategies, including CRISPR technologies, are being investigated for treating inherited retinal diseases. The article highlights the most viable therapeutic approaches and discusses safety concerns and challenges in extending the capabilities of CRISPR-Cas9.
Researchers Gustavo D. Aguirre, Jean Bennett, and Albert M. Maguire receive $1 million prize for developing FDA-approved gene therapy for Leber congenital amaurosis, a genetic disease causing visual impairments. Their work has enabled routine treatment of the condition, restoring vision in children and adults.
A growing global population is exacerbating the need for eye care services, with no significant reduction in treatable vision loss over the last decade. The study highlights cataracts and refractive errors as major causes of moderate to severe vision impairment.
Researchers developed high-resolution implants consisting of 1024 electrodes to generate artificial images, enabling the recognition of shapes, lines, and letters in sighted monkeys. The technology aims to restore vision in blind people with intact visual cortex, significantly improving their independence.
New research from the University of East Anglia found that households where mothers grow their own food have healthier children, with reduced stunting, wasting, and underweight. The study suggests home farming can complement Vitamin A supplementation programmes to control Vitamin A deficiency.
A new study found that public health services are failing to meet targets to reduce avoidable sight loss, with a significant increase in cases despite a decrease in prevalence. Cataract is the leading cause of blindness, accounting for 15 million people, and treatable by surgery.
A new 30-year study found that public health services worldwide have failed to meet targets for reducing avoidable sight loss, with cataract and uncorrected refractive error being major contributors. The number of cases of blindness and severe vision impairment is expected to rise dramatically by 2050.
Blind soccer players use larger downward head rotations when trapping a ball, outperforming sighted non-athletes. The study may lead to improved smart-assistant devices that utilize similar techniques.
Researchers have developed a novel gene therapy approach that activates genes with similar functions to compensate for the primary defect in retinitis pigmentosa. This method has shown promise in slowing down retinal degeneration and improving retinal function without side effects.
A new study found that special filter glasses enhance color vision for those with red-green color vision deficiency, and the effect persists even when not worn. The filters increased chromatic contrast response in individuals with anomalous trichromacy.
A new study finds that people with face blindness use different memory processes for face recognition, relying on familiarity rather than recollection. The research suggests that successful facial recognition requires more than a vague familiarity with a face.
Researchers at Rochester Institute of Technology are developing a virtual reality-based rehabilitation strategy for stroke patients with cortically induced blindness. The approach utilizes eye-tracking technology and multisensory exercises to help patients regain lost portions of their visual field.
Scientists have developed a new gene therapy approach that offers tremendous promise for treating an eye disease that leads to blindness. The collaborative team used a modified virus to deliver a normal functioning copy of the RP2 gene into 'mini retinas' containing the defective version, resulting in significant improvement.
Scientists have developed a gene therapy approach that reactivates visual circuitry in human retinas using near-infrared light, potentially restoring vision in blind patients. The treatment was tested on human retinas kept alive in culture medium and showed promising results.
Researchers identified a gene responsible for eye loss in cavefish, revealing its connection to a human vascular disease. The gene, cystathionine beta-synthase 'a' (cbsa), prevents blood flow to developing eyes, leading to withered eyes in blind fish.
A multi-disciplinary team has identified a protein called SARM1 as a potential therapeutic target for treating retinal degeneration. This discovery may provide a new approach to slowing the progression of blinding diseases such as AMD and retinitis pigmentosa.
Researchers have achieved a groundbreaking milestone in treating inherited blindness by using CRISPR gene editing within the human body. The BRILLIANCE clinical trial aims to repair mutations causing Leber congenital amaurosis type 10, a rare form of blindness. This permanent approach avoids passing on genetic changes to offspring.
A new study published in Cortex journal reveals that visual rehabilitation therapy improved vision in almost 80% of stroke and traumatic brain injury patients. The NeuroEyeCoach therapy was shown to improve daily activities, such as navigating surroundings, identifying obstacles, and avoiding collisions.
Scientists from Trinity College Dublin have discovered that TLR2 plays a critical role in the development of retinal degeneration, a leading cause of blindness. The study suggests that regulating TLR2 activity may help prevent dry AMD, offering new avenues for therapy.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals a major link between protein FHR4 and age-related macular degeneration, affecting 1.5 million people in the UK alone. The findings show that higher levels of FHR4 in the blood increase the risk of AMD by activating part of the immune system.
Researchers have developed a new single AAV gene therapy platform that can treat almost any mutation, showing improved vision in blind mice and paving the way for clinical trials by 2025.
A WVU project uses the Intelligent Retinal Imaging System to detect diabetic retinopathy in West Virginians, reducing risk of severe vision loss by 90%. Over 5,400 patients have been screened, with 21% showing evidence of retinopathy.