Articles tagged with Blindness
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.
Researchers have identified 107 genes that increase a person's risk of developing glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness globally. The new test uses genetic information from tens of thousands of people worldwide to accurately predict glaucoma risk using a single blood or saliva sample.
Researchers have developed a method to create Braille math textbooks using an authoring system and enhancements to standard methods. The new process enables mass production of affordable Braille textbooks, making mathematics more accessible to visually impaired students.
Researchers at Flinders University have developed a new method to measure myopia, using OCT to identify irregularities in the eye's shape. This approach could lead to more effective monitoring and prevention of vision loss, as high myopia is expected to become the leading cause of blindness worldwide by 2050.
Researchers at UNH have reported the first structural model of PDE6 enzyme and its activating protein, offering clues for new therapeutic interventions to manage retinal diseases. The study's findings could lead to improved treatments for genetically inherited eye diseases like retinitis pigmentosa and night blindness.
Research led by Dr. Nicolas Bazan has discovered the critical role of MFRP and Adipor1 proteins in preserving retinal function. The study found that mutations in these proteins lead to retinal degeneration, highlighting their importance in preventing age-related macular degeneration and other eye diseases.
A study of people with prosopagnosia after stroke reveals that face blindness involves an entire network, rather than a single area, potentially opening the door for improving face recognition. The findings also suggest that face processing deficits in autism may be causal or result from the condition.
Researchers developed new imaging methods to study retinal cilia, discovering previously unknown compartments and pinpointing protein locations in diseased cilia. These findings contribute to a better understanding of structural defects leading to cilia-related blindness.
Researchers at Stanford University created a touch-based display that mimics the geometry of 3D objects, enabling blind users to design and create independently. The system received positive feedback from test users, who praised its ability to provide multiple perspectives of an object, enhancing their understanding and creativity.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology honored ophthalmologists who improved eye care worldwide through their scientific contributions, international work, and advocacy efforts. The honorees included Marilyn T. Miller, Graham E. Quinn, David F. Chang, Richard L. Abbott, Ralph C. Lanciano Jr., and Marcus Ang.
An international team has identified the LRIT3 gene mutation responsible for congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB) in dogs, a form of blindness also affecting humans. The researchers found that the mutation affects ON bipolar cells involved in dim light vision, but the retina's structure remains relatively unaffected.
Research found that 65% of visual cortex regions in blind individuals show synchronized activity when listening to audio clips, indicating a higher-order processing role. The study suggests an underlying organization dictates the brain's repurposing of unused regions in blind people.
A new study suggests that high glucose levels increase enzymatic precursor lysyl oxidase propeptide (LOX-PP), promoting cell death and contributing to retinal vascular cell loss. LOX-PP may be a therapeutic target for developing novel treatments for diabetic retinopathy.
Researchers at UCLA Health have developed an experimental brain implant that restores visual perception in patients who are blind due to injury or disease. The device enhances users' ability to navigate the world by detecting movement and distinguishing light and dark, with the goal of one day restoring a full field of vision.
Researchers found that sound-shape associations, such as the bouba-kiki effect, are formed during a sensitive period of visual development in early childhood. Participants with congenital or late-onset blindness did not form these associations, while those with normal vision showed evidence of reliable sound-shape associations.
A young patient's blindness was caused by a 'junk food' diet lacking essential vitamins and minerals. Researchers recommend clinicians consider nutritional optic neuropathy in patients with unexplained vision symptoms and poor diets.
Scientists have developed a new type of intraneural electrode called OpticSELINE, which stimulates the optic nerve and sends messages directly to the brain. This innovative approach bypasses the eyeball entirely, offering a promising solution for restoring sensory function in the blind.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin discovered that claudin-5 plays a crucial role in the development of dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration. The study suggests that regulating blood vessel integrity may prevent the disease.
Recent advances in preclinical research are being translated into innovative clinical solutions for blindness, including gene replacement and neuroprotective strategies. Gene editing strategies could potentially reverse vision loss, while early intervention during retinal degeneration is particularly promising.
A new study found that blind adults develop rich insights into animal appearance by inferring from biological classifications and linguistic communication. Blind participants organized animals similarly to sighted ones in shape and texture groups, but disagreed on color groups.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University developed a smart suitcase that warns blind users of impending collisions and a wayfinding smartphone app provides turn-by-turn audio instructions. The apps were tested at Pittsburgh International Airport with promising results, improving independence for travelers with visual disabilities.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that eculizumab significantly reduced the risk of relapse in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. Nearly 98% of patients treated with eculizumab had not relapsed after 48 weeks, compared to 63% for those on the placebo.
Researchers found that blind individuals have narrower neural tuning in the auditory cortex, allowing them to extract more information from sound. Additionally, the brain's hMT+ region is recruited to track moving objects in space using sound.
Researchers have found and tested compounds from a group of plants that could be used to treat proliferative diabetic retinopathy and other degenerative eye diseases. The study suggests that these natural compounds may provide a new approach to treating blindness caused by diabetes, offering hope for future treatments.
Scientists inserted a green-light receptor gene into the eyes of blind mice and, a month later, they regained sight. The researchers aim to develop this therapy for humans within three years, potentially restoring their ability to read or watch video.
A simulation training study found that blindfolding pediatric team leaders improved their leadership skills ratings by 11% compared to non-blindfolded leaders. The technique may help save lives by enhancing communication and reducing distractions during resuscitation scenarios.
A partnership between Kellogg Eye Center and the University of Michigan used radio-frequency identification (RFID) to track patient wait times and enhance time spent at the doctor's office. The smart clinic model improved efficiency and boosted transparency, allowing doctors to monitor patients' movements and provide timely reassurance.
A team of researchers has identified 261 new genes linked to blindness and vision disorders in mice, which could help identify new causes of hereditary blindness in humans. The study uses a large database of gene-knockout mice to accelerate the application of genomics in clinical medicine.
A new therapy has shown 'very promising' initial results in improving the sight of people with Leber congenital amaurosis type 10 (LCA10), a severe inherited retinal disease. The therapy, QR-110, was injected into one eye and left untreated in the other, resulting in improved vision and restored levels of normal CEP290 protein in cells.
A new injection treatment has shown success in improving vision in children with a form of congenital retinal blindness. The treatment, which targets CEP290 mutations, restored visual acuity and allowed patients to read letters on an eye chart within months.
A new study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that traditional glaucoma tests often underestimate the severity of central vision loss. Researchers developed a finer visual field test to assess macular damage and found it can improve diagnosis at no extra cost.
Uveitis, a serious eye disease, affects 200,000 people in the US and can lead to irreversible blindness. MDM2 inhibitors have been found to inhibit ocular inflammation, suggesting a new treatment option with reduced systemic side effects.
Researchers reviewed published studies and found at least seven patients who experienced devastating harm from unapproved cell therapy. Clinics that offer such treatments often omit poor outcomes in their reports, leading to a significant under-reporting of complications.
Researchers debunked the effectiveness of EnChroma glasses for color blind individuals, showing they do not improve color vision or correct color blindness. The study used 48 volunteers and multiple testing methods, concluding that the glasses' effect is similar to those used for specific activities, such as hunting.
A multidisciplinary team of scientists from the University of Pennsylvania, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and University of Wisconsin-Madison are developing a stem cell-based approach to treat blindness in dogs. The researchers aim to generate specialized retinal cells using adult stem cells and transplant them into the retina.
Scientists discovered that mistakes in proofreading the genetic code of retinal cells lead to a form of inherited blindness, retinitis pigmentosa. The study, published in Nature Communications, offers hope for a new gene therapy treatment.
A new study published in Clinical Neurophysiology found that attention plays a key role in restoring vision in patients with hemianopia, a condition where half of the visual field is impaired. After five weeks of vision rehabilitation training, patients showed significant improvements in their visual function.
A team of researchers has developed a gene therapy cure for the Leber Congenital Amaurosis, a genetic form of childhood blindness. The treatment restores vision to treated children and adults, paving the way for new treatments for genetic conditions.
T. Michael Redmond's work deduced the molecular biology of the retina and led to the development of Luxturna, a gene therapy approved by FDA for treating Leber congenital amaurosis, an inherited genetic disorder causing severe vision loss.
A study found that blind people need additional timing cues to accurately judge sound locations, unlike sighted individuals. Blind participants performed better with proportional delays, while uniform delays impaired their judgement.
The Cheetah 3 robot can navigate staircases littered with debris and recover its balance when yanked or shoved, thanks to two new algorithms developed by MIT engineers. The contact detection algorithm helps the robot determine the best time for a leg to switch from swinging in the air to stepping on the ground.
Researchers have identified a genetic variation associated with an increased risk of developing neuromyelitis optica (NMO), a potentially fatal disease that blinds and paralyzes patients. The study, published in Nature Communications, may help scientists develop targeted treatments for NMO.
A new approach in VR redirected walking leverages eye blinks to provide users with a realistic perception of infinite space. The technique, developed by computer scientists, involves redirecting the user's viewpoint during natural instances of eye blinking, without undetectable camera movements.
Researchers mapped the brain of a blind woman who can see moving objects but not stationary ones due to Riddoch syndrome. Her brain takes detours around damaged pathways to bypass the visual system.
A new AI-powered algorithm has been developed to diagnose retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a leading cause of childhood blindness, with an accuracy rate of 91% compared to 82% for human experts. The algorithm uses deep learning to analyze images of infant eyes and can help prevent blindness in more babies worldwide.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a strategy that delays blindness in mice with retinal degeneration by boosting cells' ability to process misfolded proteins. The approach could potentially be used to prevent cell death in other neurodegenerative diseases, such as Huntington's and Parkinson's.
A new approach developed by engineers at the University of Washington and Carnegie Mellon University uses the keyboard as a two-dimensional way to access tables, maps and nested lists. The tool, Spatial Recognition Interaction Techniques (SPRITEs), lets blind and low-vision users navigate these kinds of sites much more successfully tha...
A new study published in JAMA Ophthalmology suggests that telemedicine can accurately diagnose a rare cause of blindness in premature babies. The study found no significant difference between in-person and remote exams for diagnosing retinopathy of prematurity, which affects up to 16,000 US babies each year.
A new audio-based interface called RAD enables visually impaired players to experience full 3D graphics and complex racetracks in racing video games. The system uses sonification techniques to provide players with relevant information, allowing them to form a plan of action and compete at the same level as sighted players.
The National Eye Institute is seeking innovative approaches to create functional human retina prototypes using stem cells. The goal is to develop 'mini-retinas' that can replicate the complexity of the human retina, enabling the study of underlying causes of retinal diseases and testing new drug therapies.
Researchers found a clear link between low arachidonic acid levels and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in extremely premature babies. Providing the children with arachidonic acid may help reduce the risk of ROP and minimize blindness.