Articles tagged with Eye Diseases
A study found that approximately 25% of eyes deemed normal had AMD, highlighting the need for correct identification and treatment in primary eye care. Undiagnosed AMD was associated with older patient age, male sex, and less than a high school education.
A new study by Rice University found that religious individuals are more likely to disapprove of reproductive genetic technologies than non-religious people. Evangelical Christians are the most opposed, with 23% deeming disease technologies morally wrong, while 80% of evangelicals reject enhancement technologies.
A team of Penn researchers has pinpointed the underlying mechanism leading to vision loss in Best disease, a condition affecting central vision. They discovered that differences in supporting structures between rods and cones contribute to lesion development in the macula.
A team of researchers identified the transcription factor RUNX1 as a novel therapeutic target for retinal neovascularization, a hallmark of advanced diabetic eye disease. By inhibiting RUNX1 with a small molecule drug, they achieved a 50% reduction of retinopathy in preclinical models.
Researchers at JAX will study mouse models of inherited RPE-driven disease to identify potential molecular pathways for druggable targets. Their goal is to prevent, delay onset or decrease the severity of age-related macular degeneration and other heritable retinal diseases.
Australian scientists have discovered five key genetic regions that increase the risk of developing Macular Telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel), a degenerative eye disease leading to blindness. The findings will help researchers understand the disease and explore ways to prevent or treat its progression.
Researchers found that vitamin B3 administration eliminated age-related molecular changes and provided robust protection against glaucoma. The treatment boosted metabolic reliability of aging retinal ganglion cells, keeping them healthier for longer.
Northwestern University scientists have developed a tiny, transparent device that can detect ultrasound waves, potentially helping diagnose diseases like macular degeneration and diabetes. The Micro-ring resonator detector uses optical ultrasound detection methods to create high-resolution images of biological materials.
Researchers found that using red-channel images improved the detection of diabetic macular edema, a complication of diabetes leading to blindness. The study suggests that this method could offer a clear-cut advantage in under-served groups with high rates of diabetic eye disease.
Researchers found that a slight increase in transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) protects retinal blood vessels from damage in early diabetic eye disease. The study suggests that inhibiting TGF-β may accelerate the disease, while increasing its signaling could prevent or delay diabetic retinopathy.
Researchers discover mutations in the REEP6 gene as a significant contributor to retinitis pigmentosa, a leading inherited eye disorder. The study identifies seven new cases of patients with tunnel vision and vision loss, shedding light on the genetic basis of this devastating disease.
Study findings reveal that IL-7 and IL-15 signal Th17 cells to chronically reside in the body, contributing to autoimmune disorders. The study suggests targeting these cytokines may lead to new therapies for chronic autoimmune diseases.
This review explores the potential of nanoparticle drug delivery systems to improve solubility, permeability, and stability of ophthalmic drugs. The development of these systems may offer a solution to the limitations of traditional topically administered formulations.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have developed a new imaging technique that can distinguish individual retinal ganglion cells, which bear most of the responsibility for relaying visual information to the brain. This breakthrough could enable earlier diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases like glaucoma.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals the potential clinical utility of an integrated, multi-modal battery of oculomotor, vestibular, and reaction time tests for detecting concussions. The results show promising sensitivities and specificities, paving the way for objective diagnostic tools at the point of injury or in emergency rooms.
Research at RIT aims to understand vitreous humor properties that result in vision impairment. The study may unlock new treatments for vision disorders and improve drug delivery and eye surgery.
A substantial percentage of LASIK surgery patients experience new visual symptoms, including double images and glare, despite a decrease in overall prevalence. Researchers found that up to 43% of patients reported these new symptoms at 3 months post-op.
Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the genetic diversity of Onchocerca volvulus, the parasite that causes river blindness. The study reveals gene flow between savanna and forest strains, with genes from the savanna strain flowing into the forest strain due to differences in climate and black fly behavior.
Research from the University of Southampton discovered that Alzheimer's disease proteins can accumulate in the retina and damage it, leading to Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). The study found that Amyloid beta proteins entered retinal cells within 24 hours and damaged the cell's structure.
Researchers have identified a novel protein, Tmem135, that regulates retinal aging and causes age-dependent diseases like macular degeneration in mice. The study reveals that irregular levels of the protein lead to symptoms of macular degeneration.
Research by Dr. Przemyslaw Sapieha and colleagues suggests that a diet rich in fat can alter the gut microbiome, leading to inflammation and increased risk of wet AMD, a blinding form of age-related macular degeneration. The study provides new insights into the role of gut microbes in disease prevention.
A study of 564 patients found that women with long-term axial spondyloarthropathy are at higher risk for extra-articular manifestations, including uveitis, which is significantly more prevalent in women (46.7%) and those in late disease stages. IBD prevalence was also higher in women (16.5%), particularly those with elevated CRP levels.
Researchers discovered that activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathway blocks collagen production and myofibroblast proliferation in thyroid eye disease. The study suggests AHR ligands may be a novel target for treatment, offering hope for targeted therapies.
A new iPad game was shown to be more effective than traditional patching treatment in improving vision outcomes for children with amblyopia. After just two weeks of playtime, the game improved visual acuity by more than double that achieved with patching.
The journal Drug Delivery and Translational Research published a special issue on ocular drug delivery, highlighting the need for sustainable release of therapeutics to target tissues in the posterior segment. The market opportunity is significant, with the global pharmaceutical market projected to grow to $23 billion by 2018.
A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology estimates that approximately 30,000 individuals per year report to US emergency departments with sports-related eye injuries. The majority of these cases involve males playing basketball or baseball, with the latter leading to significant blowout fractures and impaired vision.
Researchers have adapted a facial analysis software to quantify how often patients' eyes closed when instructed to keep them open, finding a correlation with clinician ratings. The new program has the potential to help study facial tics and twitches in other contexts, including Tourette Syndrome, schizophrenia, and Parkinson's disease.
A new imaging method has captured the daily disposal and regeneration of photoreceptor cells in a living human eye, revealing crucial insights into blinding diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. The study's findings have the potential to improve our understanding of vision and eye health.
A new study from LA BioMed found that lower-income minority patients and healthcare providers have markedly divergent perceptions of the barriers to diabetic retinopathy screening. Patients reported financial burden and depression as major obstacles, while providers deemed other factors more significant.
A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that triple-drug chemotherapy with topotecan improved survival of eyes and useful vision in patients with advanced localized disease, compared to standard chemotherapy including etoposide.
Researchers from University of Eastern Finland discovered that retinal changes can be detected earlier than brain changes in CNS diseases. Functional abnormalities were found in three genetically engineered mouse models of human CNS diseases, suggesting eye examinations could be used as a noninvasive screening tool.
A new study has found that adalimumab (Humira) is an effective, non-steroid alternative for treating eye inflammation in patients with non-infectious uveitis. The medication targets a protein that promotes inflammation, delaying treatment failure and reducing symptoms.
Researchers found that corticosteroids worsened long-term recovery from facial paralysis in Lyme disease patients, recommending cautious use of corticosteroids and prompt antibiotic therapy instead. The study's findings suggest a clear association between corticosteroid use and worse facial function outcomes.
Researchers have found Zika virus genetic material in human tears and live virus in mouse eyes, raising questions about transmission through bodily fluids. The study's findings have implications for corneal transplantation and potential new diagnostic methods, such as testing tear samples for viral RNA or antibodies.
BMJ has launched a new fully open access international journal, BMJ Open Ophthalmology, to cater for clinicians and scientists working in ophthalmology and vision science. The journal aims to publish high-quality content on basic, translational, and clinical science with a rigorous peer review process.
New findings suggest that abnormal proliferation of blood vessels and rare lymphatic vessel formation contribute to the swelling and inflammation in thyroid eye disease. The study offers potential therapeutic options for treating the condition through targeted therapies and functional lymphatic vessel creation.
Scientists found a link between overexpression of the miR-182 gene and increased eye pressure in primary open-angle glaucoma patients. The study suggests that this variation may contribute to the disease's destructive effects on vision.
Researchers have developed a gene delivery system that can be applied as an eye drop, rapidly moving from the surface to the retina and remaining for over eight hours. This method shows promise for treating several eye diseases, including diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration.
Researchers aim to develop a multi-layered defense strategy targeting mucosal barriers, blood, and tissues. The goal is to induce host defenses against HIV simultaneously at multiple levels.
The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology published a special issue commemorating the 25th anniversary of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) technology. OCT has revolutionized eye disease diagnosis and treatment, enabling early detection of devastating conditions like age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma.
Researchers at the University of New South Wales have developed a new eye test that can detect glaucoma four years earlier than current techniques. The patented method involves patients looking at small dots of light of specially chosen size and light intensity, identifying blind spots in the eye and early loss of peripheral vision.
Researchers have created a new technology to detect Alzheimer's progression in the retina of mice before symptoms appear, paving the way for early diagnosis and treatment. This breakthrough could help develop effective treatments well before patients show actual neurological signs.
A new clinical trial funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) aims to transform early detection of diabetic eye disease by introducing a novel screening method. The trial will enable patients at lower risk to undergo tests only every two years, while those at higher risk can be checked up to twice a year.
A study found that routine eye exams lead to a change in vision prescription or other changes in care for over half of asymptomatic patients. The study also showed that older patients and those with longer intervals between visits were more likely to experience significant changes.
Researchers outline recent progress in clinical applications of retinal gene replacement therapy and preclinical advances in gene-specific therapy for photoreceptor diseases. Gene therapy strategies are being developed to treat a broader range of disorders affecting vision, providing new hope for individuals with eye diseases.
A USC study predicts that the US prevalence of visual impairment and blindness will more than double over the next 35 years. The number of Americans with age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts is expected to skyrocket, impacting individuals and society.
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.
Researchers developed a new technique to selectively stiffen corneal tissue using two-photon absorption, enabling precise crosslinking without damaging the innermost layer. This approach has the potential to improve treatment outcomes for keratoconus patients and may also be useful for tissue engineering applications.
The study found that Latinos diagnosed with bilateral AMD and large drusen had a substantially lower health-related quality of life compared to those with single-eye lesions. The research also indicates an earlier decline in quality of life due to early-stage AMD, highlighting the need for earlier stage interventions.
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.
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.
The USC Roski Eye Institute's largest Chinese American eye study found a higher percentage (85 percent) of neovascular or 'wet' AMD among Chinese Americans compared to other ethnic groups. The study also revealed that participants with diabetes were three times more likely to experience significant visual impairment.
New materials and technologies enable innovative applications for contact lenses, including slowing nearsightedness progression, drug delivery and disease monitoring. Researchers propose solutions to clinical challenges in these emerging areas, going beyond traditional vision correction.
Researchers at Penn Vet have found that retinal cells continue to differentiate and divide before overwhelming cell death causes degeneration, a common feature of inherited blindness diseases. This study suggests that this feature may be present across many forms of inherited blindness.
Sylentis presents positive Phase II results with SYL1001 for treating ocular discomfort, achieving primary and secondary endpoints in reducing ocular pain and conjunctival hyperaemia. The trials also confirm a favorable safety profile of SYL1001.
Research associates outdoor air pollution with dry eye disease, finding decreased humidity and increased ozone levels increase DED risk. PM10 was not associated with DED, possibly due to reflex tearing or low environmental levels.
A research team at the University of Iowa uses proteomics to create personalized molecular diagnoses, tailoring treatments to individual patients. By analyzing protein profiles, doctors can identify specific disease causes and develop targeted therapies.
A new study found that IL-33 amplifies an innate immune response in the degenerating retina, leading to retinal cell death. Inhibiting IL-33 may help treat AMD and other retinal degenerative diseases.
Researchers will investigate how cells decide their fates using the eye lens as a model, with implications for understanding cancer development and organ regeneration. The study aims to uncover new mechanisms that control cell differentiation and disease states.
A large study of Ebola survivors found that many reported complications such as vision and hearing problems, as well as joint pain, months after recovery. The study suggests that the virus may persist in certain bodily fluids and highlights the need for follow-up care in West Africa.