Articles tagged with Eye Diseases
Joslin Medalists with type 1 diabetes for 50+ years have higher levels of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and circulating progenitor cells (CPCs), associated with lower cardiovascular and kidney disease. These findings suggest that measuring CPC levels may help identify people at risk for complications.
A study published in the journal Ophthalmology found that physically active individuals and occasional drinkers have a reduced risk of developing visual impairment. The research suggests that modifiable lifestyle behaviors may alter the odds of developing sight loss not correctable with glasses or contact lenses.
Studies suggest that eye structure and function may reveal features of early-stage Alzheimer's disease, including changes in retinal pigment epithelial layer and choroidal layer thickness. Researchers hope to develop new diagnostic methods using the eye as a window to brain activity.
Complex NHS sight tests are leading to unnecessary referrals and resource waste due to clinically insignificant abnormalities. Opticians refer patients to medical practitioners if abnormalities are found, but many of these referrals result in false positives and anxiety for patients.
Research suggests that shortening the time from symptoms to diagnosis has no bearing on survival or disease stage for most children with unilateral retinoblastoma. However, a longer lag-time between symptom onset and diagnosis is associated with a more advanced stage and worse survival in bilateral cases.
Researchers found that drivers with hemianopia had lower detection rates for pedestrians on the side of their field loss due to inadequate scanning patterns. These individuals often failed to scan the entire intersection or scanned too little, increasing the risk of accidents.
Researchers at UCL have developed a new technology that can deliver the AMD drug Avastin via eye drops, potentially replacing painful injections. The system uses nanoparticles to transport the drug across biological barriers and could be customized for different medications.
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 new compound called DENAQ has been found to restore light perception in blind mice by conferring sensitivity on ganglion cells. The treatment, which requires only a single injection, shows promise as a potential vision-restoring drug, but further testing is needed for safety and efficacy
Researchers from UCLA have developed a drug delivery system that may improve glaucoma management by reducing side effects and increasing patient compliance. The nanodiamond-drug compound was released into the eye through contact lenses, showing great promise for sustained treatment.
The genomes of King Richard III and one of his living descendants are being sequenced to shed light on his ancestry, health, and genetic makeup. The project will also analyze the genetic information of pathogens that may have caused diseases in the past.
Researchers found that moderate aerobic exercise preserved photoreceptors and retinal cell function in mice with retinal degeneration. Exercise also increased levels of BDNF, a growth- and health-promoting protein.
Researchers have designed a system-on-chip that could enable fully implanted cochlear implants, restoring hearing in individuals with profound loss. The internal unit would be wirelessly rechargeable and require lower power sound processing.
Dr. Jason I. Comander has received a $250,000 Research to Prevent Blindness Career Development Award to study patients with inherited retinal degenerations, including retinitis pigmentosa. The award aims to develop techniques for high-throughput functional characterization of human genetic variation and mutation in retinitis pigmentosa.
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Hospital has awarded Christina Marsica Grassi a $30,000 fellowship to investigate sterile vitritis in patients with artificial corneal implants. The research project aims to improve understanding of immune responses to prosthetic devices and develop better treatments for this condition.
The probability of blindness from glaucoma has decreased by nearly half since 1980, with advances in diagnosis and therapy likely contributing to the reduction. However, a significant proportion of patients still progress to blindness, emphasizing the need for continued research and vigilant eye exams.
A special issue of IOVS addresses the aging eye, focusing on unmet needs and accelerating clinical care. The issue features new research on genetics, biology, and prevention/treatment of age-related diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
Researchers from Penn Vet found a shared cell death pathway involved in inherited vision diseases, including rod cone dysplasia and X-linked progressive retinal atrophy. The study suggests that targeting this pathway with TNF-inhibitors could slow disease progression or complement gene therapies.
Scientists have developed a new technique to visualize the silencing of one X chromosome in females, revealing wide-ranging variation in patterns across tissues and individuals. The study's findings offer insights into genetic diversity and disease causes, particularly for X-linked variations like hemophilia and color blindness.
Researchers identify azithromycin as a potential therapy for meibomian gland dysfunction, leading to improved treatment options for dry eye disease. The study suggests that topical azithromycin could directly stimulate the function of human meibomian gland epithelial cells.
Researchers have developed a nonsense suppression drug that can restore function in mice with aniridia, a progressive disease affecting the eyes and brain. The treatment, ataluren, was administered topically to postnatal aniridia mice and successfully reversed eye deformations and restored vision.
Researchers identified a fungal surface protein that promotes host cell invasion in mucormycosis, while others found that melanocytes from light-skinned humans secrete a molecule promoting angiogenesis. These findings could lead to new treatments and biomarkers for diseases associated with increased vascularization.
A new hand-held optical device can scan a patient's entire retina in seconds, detecting early signs of diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and macular degeneration. This innovation enables primary care physicians to screen a wider population outside traditional specialist offices.
Researchers at UBC-VCH have developed a potential cure for aniridia, a rare eye disease affecting 5,000 people in North America. They formulated the drug Ataluren into eye drops and found it restored normal vision in mice with the condition.
A new study reveals that nearly half of Americans with diabetes are unaware of the link between the disease and visual impairment, while only six in ten have had their eyes fully examined. The research highlights the need for improved patient education and access to eye care specialists to prevent vision loss.
Two studies examine the effects of spaceflight on mouse eyes, revealing oxidative stress as a key mechanism behind eye damage. Researchers found genes involved in response to oxidative stress and potential indicators of optic nerve damage, highlighting the need for countermeasures to protect astronauts' vision.
Cardiovascular complications and hypoglycemia are common nonfatal complications in older adults with diabetes. The study found that patients with diabetes for a longer duration had higher rates of all outcomes, including mortality.
Researchers analyzed minute movements to diagnose autism and determine its severity in children and young adults. The study found that fluctuations in hand movements can indicate the degree of autism spectrum disorder, allowing for subtyping and improved diagnosis. This breakthrough may lead to more tailored treatments.
Research found that women who used oral contraceptives for three or more years are 2.05 times more likely to have glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness. The study suggests long-term use of birth control may be a risk factor for glaucoma, particularly in combination with other factors such as ethnicity and family history.
The IRIS Registry is a centralized collection and reporting software tool that enables ophthalmologists to statistically analyze their own care, compare it to peers, and pinpoint opportunities for improvement. The database will be populated with data from over 18 million patients by 2016.
A new retinal implant system called the Argus II has shown positive results in helping people with retinitis pigmentosa recognize common objects. The device uses a miniature camera and electrodes to stimulate cells in the retina, creating patterns of light perception.
A Mayo Clinic study published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research found that patients with type 2 diabetes have lower bone material strength, highlighting the need for conventional measurements to be reevaluated. The research suggests potential detrimental effects of poor glucose control on bone quality.
A Swedish study found that birth before 32 weeks is associated with increased risks of retinal detachment in childhood, adolescence and young adult life. The research indicates the need for ophthalmologic follow-up in children and adults born extremely and very prematurely.
McGill University has made its online game Phylo available globally to connect thousands of scientists with hundreds of thousands of gamer-citizens scientists. Players have already contributed over 4,000 puzzle solutions based on genomic data.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have developed a promising technique for treating human eye disease by targeting microRNAs, which can stop abnormal blood vessel growth. The approach shows promise in preventing blindness in diseases like neovascular macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.
Researchers at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute have discovered a key marker in blood and urine that can identify people who carry genetic mutations causing retinitis pigmentosa, a blinding disease. The test is non-invasive and easy to perform, especially for young children.
Researchers used whole genome sequencing to identify unique mutations and a previously undescribed disease gene NEK2 associated with retinitis pigmentosa. The study highlights the importance of rare structural DNA variations in Mendelian diseases.
Researchers from the American Academy of Ophthalmology found a 40% lower long-term mortality risk among patients who had their vision corrected through cataract surgery. The study, which followed over 350 participants, suggests that correcting cataract-related visual impairment results in improved outcomes beyond just eye health.
Researchers developed an animal model simulating eye complications associated with Graves' disease, paving the way for better treatments. The condition causes the thyroid gland to become overactive and produce too much thyroid hormone, leading to eye problems like swelling of tissue behind the eyes causing them to bulge outward.
Researchers identified critical inhibitory neurons responsible for vision development in children. A new treatment approach uses an experimental drug compound to reopen the critical-period window and correct central vision disorders.
A recent study published in PLoS One reveals that impaired autophagy is linked to age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of visual impairment. The researchers found that the lysosomal clean-up mechanism, or autophagy, plays a crucial role in clearing harmful protein accumulations behind the retina, which lead to vision loss.
A study published in Human Molecular Genetics found that the complement system plays a critical role in early macular degeneration. The researchers used mice genetically engineered to have an inherited form of the disease and found that turning off the complement system prevented the disease from progressing.
New research shows that vegetable oil fatty acids can increase plasma membrane fluidity in retina cells, reducing the risk of retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and olive oil may also contribute to preventing retina diseases.
Researchers found that people with sleep apnea are at a significantly higher risk of developing open-angle glaucoma compared to those without the condition. The study recommends clinicians alert patients about this association to encourage treatment.
A multicenter clinical trial found daily omega fatty acid supplementation to be effective in improving ocular irritation symptoms and halting inflammation progression in moderate to severe dry eye patients. HydroEye clearly had a positive impact on these patients, providing safe and cost-effective relief.
A team of researchers at Mass Eye and Ear has created the most comprehensive description of gene expression in the human retina. The study identified over 30,000 novel exons and more than 100 potential new genes that were not previously known to be expressed in the retina.
A Michigan State University study reveals that 90% of patients with eye diseases are willing to donate their eyes, but only a fraction follow through. The study suggests that educating the public about eye donation and streamlining the donation process could increase donations.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center are developing a new stem cell therapy approach to treat limbal epithelial stem cell deficiency, a common cause of corneal blindness. The goal is to create a corneal cell source for transplantation using induced pluripotent stem cells from patients' own eyes.
Research at the University of Alberta found that rats with low birth weights are more susceptible to age-related vision loss. The team's findings suggest a potential link between low birth weights and complex diseases like age-related eye disorders.
A novel songbird disease has rapidly evolved to become more harmful to its host in just two decades, according to a new study. The research found that the disease became more virulent in both regions studied, with birds exposed to later disease strains developing more swollen eyes that took longer to heal.
A comprehensive online database of human phosphatases and their substrates has been created to aid researchers in understanding cellular reactions. The database, DEPOD, groups phosphatases into families based on three-dimensional structure, enabling the identification of known substrates and suggestion of new ones.
A team of researchers has successfully developed a method to breach the blood-brain barrier using the nasal lining, allowing for higher molecular weight drug delivery to the central nervous system. This breakthrough opens up new treatment options for neurodegenerative and CNS diseases affecting millions of people worldwide.
A study analyzing 203 children with retinoblastoma found that delays in diagnosis led to more invasive and life-threatening disease courses in non-white, Hispanic, or uninsured patients. The researchers aim to explore the causes of these delays and eliminate them.
A research team led by Dr. Robert Hess used Tetris to train both eyes to work together, alleviating suppression of the weaker eye and increasing brain plasticity. The treatment showed dramatic improvements in vision and 3-D depth perception in adults with amblyopia.
Researchers have discovered that the surface of the eye produces 'lubricin,' a substance similar to joint lubricant, reducing friction between cornea and conjunctiva. This finding holds promise for treating conditions like dry eye disease, postmenopausal vaginal atrophy, and xerostomia.
Researchers found that topical anakinra significantly reduced dry eye symptoms, eliminating corneal staining and improving signs of ocular surface disease. The treatment was well-tolerated and effective in reducing dry eye symptoms six times more than the current standard treatment.
Age-related macular degeneration is a leading cause of visual impairment in people over 65, affecting over 9.1 million Americans. Regular screening by an ophthalmologist is critical for early detection and treatment.
Researchers at Lund University have developed a new method to investigate the importance of biomechanical factors in the central nervous system. The study found that when the biomechanical balance is disturbed, as happens in eye diseases such as retinal detachment and glaucoma, the normal function of the retina is lost, resulting in se...
A new study from the University of Utah Health has disproved the long-held theory that a lack of fatty acids causes blindness in children with Stargardt type 3 retinal degeneration. The researchers found that mice with reduced fatty acids in their photoreceptor cells maintained normal vision.
A prospective study found that children with low-risk retinoblastoma do not need postoperative chemotherapy to prevent disease recurrence or metastasis. The results suggest that certain patients with intermediate-risk disease can receive less aggressive adjuvant treatment or even forego it altogether.