Articles tagged with Cataracts
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.
A protein thought to be inert actually helps protect the lens of the eye from cataract formation. The protein's disulfide bond can drive damaged proteins to aggregate, leading to clouding and cataracts.
Researchers are exploring ways to prevent secondary cataracts, a condition that occurs when scar tissue forms in the eye after surgery. Melinda Duncan's team has made several discoveries, including molecules critical for forming PCO scar tissue, and is working on a drug to block this potentially blinding condition.
Researchers at OIST Graduate University have discovered a molecular 'tuning mechanism' that helps control eye lens development in zebrafish. By studying the impact of a mutated gene, they found that a signaling pathway called TGF-ß became enhanced, leading to abnormal lens development.
Cognitive decline was slowed after patients underwent cataract surgery and adopted hearing aids. The rate of decline was halved following cataract surgery and 75% less following the adoption of hearing aids, according to researchers at the University of Manchester.
A new study has found evidence that links dynamin-binding protein (DNMBP) to congenital bilateral cataracts and severe vision loss in infants and children. The researchers discovered mutations in the DNMBP gene on chromosome 10, indicating a recessive disorder common in inbred populations.
A new study found that cataract patients have a 29% increased risk of developing osteoporosis or fractures compared to healthy controls. Patients who underwent cataract surgery had a 42% lower risk of developing osteoporosis or fracture.
A new study estimates that 92% of Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older use eyeglasses for distance or near vision correction. Researchers found sociodemographic differences between those who used eyeglasses, shedding light on potential implications of policy changes regarding eyeglass coverage.
A large population-based study found that cataract surgery is associated with a modest decrease in the risk of being involved in a serious traffic crash. The study analyzed data from 559,546 patients who underwent cataract surgery between 2006 and 2016.
Researchers at the University of Delaware have discovered a protein, Celf1, that triggers degradation in the eye lens, allowing clear vision. The study reveals the molecular mechanism behind this complex process, shedding light on how cells degrade their own nuclei and DNA without killing themselves.
A study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology reveals that around half of vision impairment in Western Europe is preventable. The UK has a relatively low prevalence of blindness, but higher rates of moderate to severe vision impairment compared to some non-EU countries.
A study by Kellogg Eye Center links smaller social connections to reduced likelihoods of cataract surgery in older adults. Adults with few family members had 40% lower odds of receiving the procedure compared to those with three or more family ties.
A new study by Anglia Ruskin University found that people with diabetes are twice as likely to develop cataract as the general population. The relative risk is highest among individuals aged between 45 and 54, who are up to 5.7 times more likely to be diagnosed with cataract than their healthy counterparts.
A new study by NYU Langone Health finds that a healthcare center in India has developed a sustainable cataract surgery model, emitting 96% less carbon than the UK while producing comparable health outcomes. The model's key practices include shorter surgery durations, better re-use of surgical materials, and more efficient sterilization.
A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that ambulatory surgery centers performed 73% of cataract surgeries in 2014, up from 43.6% in 2001. The shift is driven by convenience, lower out-of-pocket costs, and decreased cost-per-case for insurers.
A Massachusetts panel has identified factors contributing to cataract surgery adverse events and strategies for preventing patient harm. The team recommends standardized safety protocols, proper training, and the use of least invasive anesthesia forms to reduce errors.
A study of over 74,000 women found that cataract surgery was associated with a 60% reduced risk of death from all causes. The researchers also noted significant reductions in deaths due to pulmonary, accidental, infectious, neurologic and vascular diseases, and cancer.
A recent study by Queen's University researcher Dr. Robert Campbell found that young ophthalmologists are struggling to secure practice opportunities after total provincial surgical rates plateaued in Ontario. The study suggests a pressing need for effective career counselling and policy changes to address the issue.
A study published in Optometry and Vision Science found that cataracts are associated with higher rates of depressive symptoms in older adults, regardless of education level or socioeconomic status. Symptoms were more common in women and those with lower vision acuity.
Researchers recommend a new eye pressure test to check for high eye fluid pressure after cataract surgery, which can cause swelling and vision loss. The test has been shown to reduce the risk of cystoid macular edema by 2.5-4 times.
Researchers developed a handheld device called SimVis that simulates different intraocular lens designs, allowing patients to choose the best correction for their needs. The device uses an optoelectronic tunable lens to change shape in response to an electric current, providing a realistic visual experience.
Researchers led by Salil Lachke are investigating cellular processes controlling protein production in eye lenses to prevent cataracts. The team aims to build a biological gene regulatory circuit and understand the role of RNA-binding proteins in lens development.
A population-based study of nearly 6,000 people aged 60 and over found that Indian women who cook with biomass fuels were nearly 50% more likely to have visually impairing nuclear cataracts compared to those using clean fuels. The association was stronger for women cooking with longer duration of biomass fuels.
A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that automobile side windows have low levels of ultraviolet A (UV-A) light protection, with an average blockage rate of 71 percent. This is lower than the 96 percent blockage rate for front windshields, potentially contributing to increased rates of cataract and left-sided facial skin cancer.
Researchers at UEA discovered that reducing growth factor availability can impede cell invasion and improve the effectiveness of open-bag cataract surgery. Anti-VEGF treatment is being explored as a potential new approach to prevent secondary cataract.
The University of South Carolina's Tim Mousseau and Anders Møller studied the natural inhabitants of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, finding damaging effects of chronic radiation exposure on wildlife. They discovered that even low levels of radiation can cause cataracts, diminish brain size, and affect fertility in animals.
Research found that overexpression of VEGF-A in animal models promotes both wet and dry age-related macular degeneration and cataract formation. The study identified the NRLP3 inflammasome as a key component in this process, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for preventing or inhibiting these diseases.
A diet high in vitamin C may help delay or prevent cataract progression. Researchers found that consuming vitamin C-rich foods reduced the risk of cataract development and severity by up to 33%. Genetic factors played a smaller role in cataract progression, with environmental factors such as diet accounting for 65% of the difference.
Researchers found that vitamin C intake was associated with clearer lenses and a reduced risk of cataract progression. The study suggests that increasing fruit and vegetable consumption through a healthy diet may help protect against cataracts, particularly in older adults.
A new treatment approach has been developed to remove congenital cataracts in infants and allow remaining stem cells to regrow functional lenses. The method produced fewer surgical complications and resulted in superior visual function compared to the current standard-of-care.
The USPSTF found convincing evidence that visual acuity testing can identify refractive errors, but inadequate evidence on the benefits of screening and detection. Early treatment of refractive error, cataracts, and AMD improves or prevents loss of visual acuity, with small harms from early treatment.
Chronic low radiation exposure damages animal eyes, causing increased cataract frequency and reproductive issues in females. New study supports ecosystem-wide effects of radiation on wild populations.
After routine cataract surgery, older people experience significantly less dizziness due to improved vision. However, wearing multifocal glasses after surgery may negate this benefit, particularly for those with frailty or frequent spectacle changes.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology's IRIS Registry has revealed new information on rare complications following common eye procedures. Analysis shows no significant difference in endophthalmitis rates among three anti-VEGF treatments, but slightly higher rates in eyes with combined cataract surgery and anterior vitrectomy.
Scientists have identified a chemical compound that can potentially be used in eye drops to reverse cataracts. The compound, known as compound 29, was shown to stabilize crystallins and prevent them from forming amyloids, which are the hallmark of cataract disease.
Researchers discovered a compound that stabilizes αB-crystallin proteins, reducing aggregation and improving cataract transparency. The molecule partially reversed existing aggregation and restored lens clarity in mice and human samples.
Researchers identified lanosterol as a key molecule in preventing lens protein aggregation, a major factor in cataract formation. Treatment with lanosterol significantly decreased preformed protein aggregates and reduced cataract severity in animal models.
A recent report by the King's Fund shows that increasing day surgery has led to improved patient outcomes and reduced NHS expenditure. By 2013, day case activity had increased from 7% in 1974 to nearly 35%, saving an estimated £2bn for the NHS.
University of Delaware researchers have identified two genes linked to cataract formation. Deficiency in these genes leads to lens clouding and cataract development without aging or radiation exposure required. The study could contribute to interventions that delay or prevent cataract formation.
Scientists discover that amyloid precursor protein binds to FE65 and FE65L1 proteins to facilitate eye and muscle health. Mice lacking these proteins develop severe lens degeneration and muscle weakness, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for cataracts and Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers found routine preoperative testing for cataract surgery is still done in 53% of patients, despite being unnecessary. Testing varies widely among ophthalmologists and seems to be driven more by provider behavior than patient characteristics.
A study published in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science reveals that cells multiplying on the eye's lens surface push neighboring cells towards the equator, mirroring a carnival game's coin movement. This insight may help scientists understand how the eye maintains its shape and develop cataracts.
Tufts researchers discovered a link between the ubiquitin and calpain pathways, leading to protein degradation and clouding of the lens that causes cataract. The study may provide insights into developing pharmaceutical and dietary approaches to delay cataract onset.
A recent study found a significant association between statin use and an increased risk of developing cataracts. However, experts emphasize that the benefits of statins in preventing cardiovascular disease outweigh the potential risks. The study's findings add to the accumulating knowledge on the statin-cataract connection.
Researchers at Lund University discover that proteins in the lens of the eye convert from a fluid to a glassy state, leading to reduced mobility and potential cataract formation. This transition may be responsible for age-related long-sightedness.
A new device called a punctum plug has been shown to be effective at reducing pain and inflammation following cataract surgery. The implant delivers the correct amount of postoperative medication, potentially solving issues of poor patient compliance with eye drops.
A recent study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that daily supplements of vitamin E and/or selenium had no material impact on the incidence of age-related cataracts in men. The study, which involved over 11,000 participants, included data from a large cohort of healthy men.
A new study suggests that spending time outdoors may contribute to the development of exfoliation syndrome in the eyes. The research found a link between UV radiation and the condition, with people living at higher latitudes and spending more time outside having a greater risk of developing XFS.
A new DNA test can identify the exact genetic cause of congenital cataracts in 75% of cases, allowing for earlier treatment and genetic counseling. The targeted next-generation sequencing test has been shown to be effective in diagnosing rare diseases associated with childhood blindness.
Researchers at the University of Washington have designed a low-power sensor to track eye pressure changes and monitor for glaucoma. The sensor would be embedded with an artificial lens during cataract surgery and transmit data wirelessly, allowing for real-time tracking and potentially preventing vision loss.
A study of over 400 Vietnamese patients found a significant decrease in falls after cataract surgery on one eye, with risks reduced by 78% the year following treatment. Researchers monitored patients before and after surgery to track the impact of improved vision on daily life.
Rates of blindness have halved in high-income countries over the past 20 years, falling from 3.314 million to 2.736 million people. Macular degeneration has become the leading cause of blindness in rich countries, replacing cataracts.
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.
Researchers found a significant decrease in cataract risk among male physicians taking a daily multivitamin supplement, with a 9% lower risk compared to the placebo group. However, the study also found a slight increase in age-related macular degeneration risk among multivitamin users.
A study by Mass Eye and Ear researchers found significant plasticity in the visual system after extended blindness, leading to improvements in contrast sensitivity tests. The findings suggest that the critical period for vision development may be longer than previously thought.
A recent study suggests that routine preoperative lab testing is not associated with improved outcomes in low-risk patients undergoing cataract surgery. Effective communication between healthcare providers can help reduce unnecessary testing and high-value care.
A study found that preoperative medical consultation for cataract surgery became more common among Medicare patients, with significant variations in referral rates by patient age, race, and location. The research highlights an area of opportunity for reducing unnecessary healthcare resources.
Researchers at UC Irvine and Germany have identified the molecular mechanism behind cataract formation, which could lead to new treatments. Understanding how crystallin proteins interact with genetic mutations, UV light, or chemical damage may enable the development of better artificial lenses and drugs.
Cataract surgery yields significant patient value and economic wealth, saving $123.4 billion over 13 years with a 4,567% financial return on investment. The procedure also improves quality-of-life by 36.2%, enabling individuals to regain independence.
Researchers have discovered how αA-crystallin and αB-crystallin proteins prevent protein clumping in the ocular lens, paving the way for new treatment approaches. The molecular switch mechanism triggers protein activation when cells are stressed, such as under heat or stress.