Articles tagged with Cataracts
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A WVU research team is working to restore vision in people with inherited blindness due to genetic mutations in the Prominin1 gene. The team has observed encouraging early results using a mouse model and plans to investigate the therapy's effectiveness beyond initial restoration.
Researchers discovered that SUMO E1 enzyme activity drives lens fibrosis, while its inhibition with ML792 disrupts SMAD4 SUMOylation and subsequent TGFβ2-induced fibrotic transformation. This study establishes a novel SUMOylation-SMAD4 regulatory axis in ocular fibrosis.
Researchers are testing whether low-concentrate atropine drops can delay the onset of myopia in children. The study aims to reduce the risk of sight-threatening complications later in life by decreasing how nearsighted someone becomes.
A study found that more than half of the general population in the USA and Europe experience dry eyes, with only 20% of European patients and 17% of US patients receiving a diagnosis. The delay in seeking treatment is concerning, as early intervention can prevent inflammation and worsening symptoms.
Patients who had cataract surgery or received a new type of lens for presbyopia correction have excellent vision over near, intermediate, and far distances without glasses. The study found that nearly all patients needed glasses 'none' or 'a little of the time' for distance and intermediate vision.
Two new studies show that cataract surgery on both eyes can be safe and effective for most patients to perform immediately after surgery, with high rates of independence and minimal need for assistance. Patients receiving multifocal lenses achieved the best visual outcomes, with over 85% achieving 20/20 vision or better.
A team of researchers has received funding to study the PRPH2 gene, crucial for normal vision, but when mutated causes a range of retinal diseases leading to blindness. They aim to uncover the underlying mechanisms of PRPH2-associated pathology to develop effective therapies.
Researchers have established apple snails as a system to study eye regeneration, which may hold the key for restoring vision due to damage and disease. The team discovered that the snail eye is anatomically similar to humans and can regrow itself, with genes such as pax6 playing a crucial role in development.
A new study found that older people with diabetes who do not control their blood sugar levels are three times more likely to develop eye disease than those with controlled blood sugar levels. High glucose levels were also linked to an increased risk of glaucoma and macular degeneration.
A new low-cost, diode-based laser system safely emulsifies cataract tissue without damaging surrounding tissue. The technology has the potential to significantly reduce cataract surgery costs and complexity, bringing sight-saving treatment to millions worldwide.
A University of Cincinnati study explores the link between health literacy and fear surrounding cataract surgery, revealing no correlation between the two. The research emphasizes the importance of open communication and building relationships to overcome fear.
Research by Carolyn Drews-Botsch finds that patching after age 4 does not significantly impact vision, but less-aggressive protocols may be suitable for families with distress. Optotype acuity assessments in 4-year-olds can predict visual acuity at age 10.
Researchers from Indiana University have uncovered how the EphA2 protein receptor contributes to cataract formation. The study found that canonical ligand-dependent EphA2 signaling remains stable in aging lens tissue, while non-canonical signaling increases with age, affecting lens fiber cell maturation.
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.
Researchers have introduced DSFN to improve the speed and accuracy of diagnoses of retinal disorders. This AI-powered medical imaging technique combines retina images with vascular distribution information to accurately locate the fovea in complex clinical scenarios, enabling doctors to detect early signs of ocular diseases.
A new study found that private clinics in Ontario increased cataract surgery rates for higher-income patients after receiving public funding, while lower-income patients saw a 9% decrease in access. The researchers suggest policy changes to address conflicts of interest and ensure equitable access to surgery.
A new study has mapped priorities for UK eye care research, highlighting conditions like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration as key areas of focus. The survey involved 2,240 healthcare professionals and patients, revealing opportunities for improved prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Researchers at the University of East Anglia have developed a novel resin for 3D printing intraocular devices, offering unprecedented levels of customization and design precision. This innovation has potential to enhance eye care globally with tailored lenses, faster production, and cost reduction.
Extended periods of patching for children with unilateral congenital cataracts do not negatively impact parenting stress, child motor development, behavior, or self-perception. A new study found that continuing to patch throughout preschool years is crucial in preventing blindness and promoting healthy vision.
Researchers develop AI-assisted algorithm to analyze surgical videos of cataract surgeries in Global South, aiming to improve surgical outcomes and training. The algorithm can work with conventional image material and smartphone videos, addressing the need for resource-saving solutions in these countries.
Researchers developed a spiral-shaped lens that provides clear focus at different distances in varying light conditions, potentially revolutionizing ophthalmology. The lens works by creating multiple clear focus points through optical vortices, allowing for improved depth perception and visual acuity.
Researchers developed 'acoustic touch' smart glasses that translate visual information into distinct sound icons, enhancing the ability of blind or low-vision individuals to navigate their surroundings. The technology significantly improved object recognition and reaching abilities, empowering independence and quality of life.
Scientists developed computational eye models to help patients and surgeons select ideal intraocular lenses and predict visual outcomes. The technology uses anatomical information of the patient's eye to provide guidance on expected optical quality post-operatively.
Researchers found that rodents exposed to light for the first time in adulthood showed significant plasticity in their brains, challenging previous beliefs about adult brain rigidity. After a month, their brains looked similar to those of healthy controls, with organized visual responses and smaller receptive fields.
A NYU Abu Dhabi study reveals that improvements in visual functions are linked to changes in white matter pathways and specific brain regions. The research confirms the potential of cataract surgery to improve visual function and brain plasticity, especially when performed at a younger age.
Research suggests Medicare reimbursements for complex cataract surgery are far lower than simpler procedures, resulting in a 'negative' margin. This disparity affects ophthalmologist practice patterns and patient accessibility, particularly for vulnerable populations.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital investigators found early signs of eye damage before type 2 diabetes onset, suggesting pre-diabetic complications. They discovered immune cells migrating to the lens, causing cellular changes that compromise lens function.
Scientists have identified long interspersed nuclear element-1 (L1) RNA as a promising new target for treating progeroid syndromes. Increased L1 RNA expression in cells from patients with these disorders led to deactivation of an enzyme, causing cell aging.
Researchers found that cataract surgery patients experienced fewer systemic complications than those undergoing other low-risk procedures, even without anesthesia experts present.
Research found a link between genetic variants that mimic statin medication effects and increased risk of developing cataracts. Genetic analysis revealed carriers of rare mutations in the HMGCR gene have almost complete protein inhibition, similar to taking statins.
A team of scientists led by Professor Barbara Pierscionek has made significant progress in developing an anti-cataract drug. Lab trials showed improvement in refractive index profiles and lens opacity in 61% and 46% of cases, respectively.
A new study by the University of South Australia found that up to a quarter of people aged over 50 with undiagnosed visual problems like cataracts or AMD are misdiagnosed with mild cognitive impairment. Cognitive tests relying on vision-dependent tasks can skew results.
A new study published in The Lancet Planetary Health found that improved eye health services are associated with moving closer to achieving seven SDGs. Multiple direct connections were discovered between eye health services and increased productivity, household expenditure, income, education, and equality.
A new study will focus on the biological mechanisms causing cataracts, potentially leading to new treatments. The research team, led by Nicholas Delamere, PhD, will investigate the role of protein ion channels TRPV1 and TRPV4 in age-related lens cell changes.
A study of 3,000 adults with cataracts found that those who underwent cataract removal had a lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who didn't. The findings suggest a potential protective effect of cataract surgery on cognitive health.
Researchers found that subjects who underwent cataract surgery had a nearly 30% lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who did not. The results persisted for at least a decade after surgery and were associated with lower risk of Alzheimer disease dementia specifically.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology found that individuals with clinically significant cataracts have a higher risk of dying from strokes and heart attacks. The study analyzed data from over 14,000 participants and found that the risk of death was 36% higher for those who had undergone cataract surgery.
A new study by the National Center for Atmospheric Research found that the Montreal Protocol will spare Americans from 443 million skin cancer cases and 63 million cataract cases through the end of this century. The treaty phased out ozone-destroying substances, resulting in reduced UV radiation and corresponding health benefits.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that people with Alzheimer's disease are less likely to undergo cataract surgery compared to those without the condition. This decrease in procedure rate starts one year after diagnosis, highlighting a concerning trend that may impact patients' quality of life.
A breakthrough study by Anglia Ruskin University experts suggests that cataract treatment could shift from surgery to drug therapy, offering exciting implications for public health. The research found the role of aquaporin proteins in lens development and highlights the potential for nanotechnologies to support drug-based therapies.
A new study has found a reduced risk of eye cataracts associated with obesity surgery. Patients who underwent weight loss through bariatric surgery showed a lower incidence of cataract compared to those who did not have surgery, especially when performed before age 60.
The University of Delaware lab will investigate the role of Elav11 and its partners in eye development under a four-year NIH grant. Researchers aim to understand mechanisms behind cataracts and lens abnormalities.
A team of researchers found that protein imbalance leads to cataract formation by causing proteins to clump together and become cloudy. The study provides new insights into the causes of this common eye ailment, which may lead to the development of new treatment methods.
Researchers found significant differences in astigmatism measures obtained by Pentacam, Cassini, and IOL-master systems, affecting cataract surgery outcomes. The study's findings highlight the need for further investigation into refractive predictability studies to determine the best optometric device.
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.
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.
Researchers will analyze stem cell activation with a focus on identifying novel mechanisms for how immature eye cells become mature visual cells. The goal is to develop regenerative therapies for diseases such as cataract, retinal degeneration, and heart disease.
Researchers analyzed surgical outcomes in Swedish cataract surgeries from 2007-2016, finding that high-volume surgeons had a lower proportion of severe cases and complications. The study suggests that surgeons can improve patient safety by understanding the impact of case mix on outcomes.
A new optical coherence tomography (OCT) instrument has been developed to image the curved layers of the cornea with cell-level detail, enabling improved monitoring of eye diseases and general health conditions. The device provides a large viewing area, allowing for more precise counting of cells and nerves.
Researchers at ITMO University and S.N. Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Complex introduced a laser method for cataract surgery that stimulates tissue regeneration while destroying the cloudy lens. The technique has been clinically proven to reduce corneal endothelial cell loss by 1.8 times.
A randomized clinical trial found that cataract surgery increased melatonin secretion in patients aged 60 and above. The study suggests that changes in light perception due to cataract surgery may affect the body's natural circadian rhythm.
A recent study by the University of Gothenburg found that many 70-year-olds in Sweden overestimate their eyesight, but can still see considerably better with glasses or power correction. The study also highlights the importance of regular eye exams to detect visual impairment and age-related diseases.
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.
A new study found that cataract surgery significantly improves drivers' safety on the road. After undergoing surgery, patients experienced a 48% decrease in near misses and crashes. This improvement was due to enhanced contrast sensitivity and night 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.
Researchers investigated the financial and environmental impact of unused pharmaceuticals in cataract surgery, revealing substantial economic and ecological consequences. The study's findings emphasize the importance of implementing effective waste management practices to minimize these effects.
Despite NICE guidelines stating cataract surgery is cost-effective, NHS commissioners are restricting access to the procedure. Over 2,900 prior approval requests for cataract surgery were rejected in 2022, more than double the number two years ago.
Researchers found that eliminating routine but low-value preoperative tests for cataract surgery patients can lead to significant cost savings. The study showed a savings of $67,241 over three years at one medical center, without measurable negative effects on patients.
Researchers found that a diet high in antioxidants from foods like citrus fruits, capsicum, and dark green vegetables can delay the onset of age-related cataracts. The study suggests that such a diet could halve the number of people requiring cataract surgery.
A new human model simulates cataract surgery on human donor eyes, allowing evaluation of artificial intraocular lens (IOL) implants. The model predicts that Hoya Vivinex IOL is better able to manage events leading to Posterior Capsule Opacification (PCO) than Alcon Acrysof IOL.