Articles tagged with Eye Diseases
The National Eye Institute has launched new resources to help people with low vision, including a large-print booklet and videos. The materials provide tips for maximizing remaining eyesight and encourage individuals to seek help from a low vision specialist.
Researchers discovered that high-density bands in photoreceptor outer segments are more susceptible to breakage due to their rigidity. This finding supports the idea that mutations causing rhodopsin aggregation can destabilize the outer segment, leading to cell death and blindness.
Scientists at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and the University of California, San Francisco, discovered a light-response pathway that controls retinal neuron development during pregnancy. This finding has significant implications for understanding fetal eye development and ocular diseases caused by vascular disorders.
Researchers have identified an early predictor for glaucoma, a condition that affects nearly three million people in the US and 60 million worldwide. The study found that certain changes in blood vessels in the retina can be an early warning sign of increased risk for glaucoma.
A study published in Neurology found that people with MS relapses had faster retinal thinning than those without relapses. The study also showed that participants with worsening disability experienced increased retinal thinning.
A new study found that up to 40-50% of older adults with eye disease limit their activities due to a fear of falling. This fear leads to social isolation and disability in seniors, emphasizing the need for interventions to help them feel more confident about their abilities.
Research found that people with glaucoma show delayed eye movement reaction times by about 15 per cent, even in early stages of the disease. This delay may affect daily activities such as reading, driving, or navigating, highlighting the need for new vision pathways and approaches to measuring vision loss.
Scientists at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute have discovered that carnosic acid, a component of rosemary, promotes eye health and protects retinas from degeneration. The findings suggest a possible new approach for treating age-related macular degeneration.
A Mayo Clinic study finds that a primary treatment for wet macular degeneration is effective even in patients with macular traction problems. This breakthrough may help physicians not give up on treating such patients, and understand the need for more doses of medication.
A recent study found that individuals with glaucoma are at a higher risk of being involved in accidents due to their limited peripheral vision. The research recommends mandatory visual field testing for drivers to ensure road safety.
A recent study found that digital tablets can significantly improve reading speed and comfort for people with moderate vision loss. Using a tablet with a back-lit screen resulted in the fastest reading speeds, with participants increasing their reading speed by 15 words-per-minute on average.
Two studies highlight the strong indicators of vision problems in veterans with traumatic brain injury and stress disorder, including chronic vision disorders and dry eye syndrome. The studies found that these conditions can persist for years after the initial injury and may be more prevalent than previously recognized.
Scientists at Imperial College London developed a prototype ultra-sensitive sensor that can detect biomarkers for diseases like prostate cancer and HIV with the naked eye. The technology is ten times more sensitive than current gold standard methods and could be significantly cheaper to administer.
A five-minute eye scan can accurately assess brain damage in people with multiple sclerosis, predicting disease progression. The scan uses optical coherence tomography to measure retinal tissue health, providing valuable information for doctors and patients.
Researchers found that Napiergrass is a viable biofuel crop in the Southeast's southern tier, offering advantages such as continued biomass production until the first frost. Further studies are underway to improve yields, fiber content, and disease resistance.
Researchers used mathematical modeling to better understand the causes of debilitating diseases like glaucoma, which could lead to more efficient treatments. The model helps doctors measure blood flow and oxygen levels in fine detail, improving their ability to treat root causes.
Research published in PLOS ONE suggests that dyslexia results from phonetic system impairment, not phonological system impairment as previously thought. The study found Hebrew-speaking students had difficulty discriminating between similar speech sounds but retained ability to track abstract patterns.
A new noninvasive imaging technique, dynamic diffuse optical tomography imaging (DDOT), uses near-infrared light to map hemoglobin concentration in tissue, revealing effective blood flow to patients' hands and feet. DDOT has the potential to diagnose PAD earlier, allowing for medication and lifestyle changes to alleviate the disease.
The University of Leicester has received a unique piece of retinal imaging equipment through charitable donations. The handheld scanner will enable researchers to study nystagmus in infants and young children, improving medical understanding and treatment for this condition.
A groundbreaking study has identified the mode of death of cone photoreceptor cells in an animal model of retinitis pigmentosa. The receptor interacting protein (RIP) kinase pathway is found to be involved in cone degeneration, and a deficiency of RIP kinase reduces cone loss.
Scientists have developed fluorescent probes that change color depending on the type of amyloid they encounter, offering hope for differentiating between related brain disorders. The technology has been licensed for commercial development of diagnostic tests.
The SingHealth Duke-NUS Scientific Congress recognized outstanding research in basic, translational, clinical, and health services and systems fields. The event honored researchers who presented breakthrough studies on post-surgical scarring, pre-eclampsia, virtual reality rehabilitation for stroke patients, and more.
Researchers analyzed data to determine if a higher diagnostic cutoff of A1C level should be used to diagnose diabetes in blacks than in whites. The study found that black people may be more vulnerable to high A1C status, and could benefit from earlier monitoring for early diabetic complications.
Researchers at Whitehead Institute have published a comprehensive catalog of genes active in planarian eyes, shedding light on eye development and regeneration. The study identifies key genes involved in eye biology, including ovo, which plays a critical role in eye formation and regeneration.
A recent study by the American Academy of Ophthalmology shows that cataract surgery significantly reduces the risk of hip fractures in older patients with vision loss. The study found a 16% decrease in hip fracture incidence among patients who underwent cataract surgery, particularly those aged 80-84 and those with severe cataracts.
Researchers from Massachusetts Eye and Ear have isolated the elusive human gene NMNAT1, which causes Leber congenital amaurosis, a rare but devastating form of early-onset blindness. The discovery is a significant step towards developing sight-saving gene therapy.
Researchers demonstrate a minimally-invasive method to deliver drugs and particles to the eye's suprachoroidal space, targeting diseases like macular degeneration. The technique has the potential to reduce side effects and improve treatment outcomes for chronic eye diseases.
Dr. Joseph Ciolino, a Mass. Eye and Ear ophthalmologist, has received the Research to Prevent Blindness (RPB) Career Development Award to support his translational projects in keratoprosthesis and ocular drug delivery. The award aims to attract young physicians and scientists to eye research.
The Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary has been awarded a $110,000 grant from Research to Prevent Blindness to conduct research on the causes, treatment and prevention of blinding diseases. The grant will be directed by Dr. Joan Miller, who leads the Mass. Eye and Ear/Mass General Department of Ophthalmology.
Lachke's research focuses on identifying genes associated with eye diseases, aiming to understand lens development and function. He has discovered three new cataract-associated genes using his online gene discovery tool iSyTE.
A study by Joslin Diabetes Center found that a significant number of people with long-term type 1 diabetes developed little to no diabetic eye disease over time. The researchers hope to identify the factors behind this protection, which could lead to new treatments or prevention strategies.
Researchers developed an ocular pulse amplitude test to detect carotid artery stenosis, a known stroke risk factor. The test could be performed by ophthalmologists during routine exams and may help prevent strokes.
A Wayne State University researcher is investigating the role of Nrf2-KEAP1 in diabetic retinopathy. The study aims to understand how diabetes causes oxidative stress and damage to mitochondria, ultimately accelerating cell death and developing retinopathy.
A type of herpesvirus infection of the eye has been found to be associated with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness in the elderly. The virus triggers the production of vascular endothelial growth factor, leading to retinal tissue destruction and vision loss.
A new study by Loyola University Medical Center found that fetal membrane transplantation significantly reduces the risk of blindness in patients with Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)/toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). The treatment, which involves placing amniotic membrane on the eye, can aid healing and minimize scarring.
The largest genetic study of glaucoma identified two genetic variations associated with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), a leading cause of blindness. The findings may lead to more effective therapies for POAG, including normal pressure glaucoma (NPG), where no curative treatments exist.
Researchers have identified a novel genetic mechanism underlying idiopathic CD4 lymphopenia, an immunodeficiency characterized by low levels of CD4 T cells. The mutation affects Unc119's ability to activate T cells and reduce Lck signaling, leading to impaired T cell proliferation.
A recent study found that caffeine can significantly increase tear production in people with dry eye syndrome. The research suggests that individuals who are sensitive to caffeine may benefit from using it as a treatment option, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Scientists at Trinity College Dublin have found that controlling IL-18 levels could prevent the development of wet AMD, a form of blindness. Drs. Sarah Doyle and Matthew Campbell discovered that drusen accumulating in the macula lead to IL-18 production, which acts as an anti-angiogenic factor.
Researchers at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute discovered the protein cochlin plays a crucial role in regulating intraocular pressure through mechanosensing and mechanotransduction. Elevated IOP is a primary risk factor for glaucoma, and this breakthrough offers potential avenues for innovative manipulation of aqueous outflow.
Common osteoporosis medications may increase the risk of scleritis and uveitis, two inflammatory eye diseases that can severely impact vision. First-time users of oral bisphosphonates are at a higher risk compared to non-users.
The iDEAL study is a Phase II clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of iCo-007 in treating diabetic macular edema. The trial aims to improve visual acuity in patients with DME, a leading cause of blindness in working Americans.
Topical aganirsen shows efficacy equivalent to Lucentis in models of AMD and ischemic retinopathy, inhibiting neovascularization by blocking IRS-1. The study demonstrates a novel compound with excellent safety profile for treating retinal neovascular disease.
Researchers developed a low-cost digital head posture measuring device using Nintendo Wiimotes to help diagnose ocular torticollis in children. The system demonstrated high accuracy and reliability in measuring head posture, showing promise as a diagnostic tool for ophthalmic patients.
A new pig model has been developed to study and potentially treat the debilitating eye disease retinitis pigmentosa. The miniature swine model expresses classic features of the disease and can be used to screen novel therapies for this devastating condition.
Home measurement of IOP can provide baseline information about expected variability of eye pressures in healthy children, according to a new study. The study found that normal eyes of healthy children have a fluctuation in eye pressure of about five mm Hg throughout the day.
Glaucoma is now viewed as a neurologic disorder causing nerve cell degeneration and death, similar to Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's. Researchers are exploring treatment advances, including RGC-targeted medications and electrical stimulation, that may ultimately restore vision.
The Elisabeth Severance Prentiss Foundation has donated $5 million to the University Hospitals Eye Institute to support various programs, including the Center for Retina and Macular Disease. The gift will help launch a new phase of expansion and enhancement of facilities and equipment across the UH system.
The ARVO Foundation for Eye Research awards $40,000 fellowships to Andrea Petznick and Juan Ding for their dry eye research projects. The recipients will focus on improving the treatment of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) and its impact on patients.
Researchers have identified a specific cell-stress signaling pathway that links optic nerve injury to irreversible vision loss. The unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway was found to be activated in response to axonal damage, leading to pro-cell-death effects.
Corneal specialist Dr. James Chodosh has received a $150,000 grant from Research to Prevent Blindness to study viral infections of the eye and identify characteristics that cause inflammation in the cornea. The goal of his research is to develop predictive models for Adenovirus-infected corneas and improve treatment options.
A University of Houston vision scientist is developing new imaging techniques using the AOSLO device to better understand early changes in glaucoma. The research aims to enhance clinicians' understanding of glaucoma development and progression, leading to earlier recognition of structural damage and improved diagnostics.
Researchers at Mass. Eye and Ear will develop an algorithm to evaluate anatomical changes in the eye associated with certain glaucoma treatments. The fellowship will support the work of Mamta Shah under the mentorship of Drs. Louis Pasquale and Suzanne Freitag.
SUNY Downstate has been awarded a four-year challenge grant of $220,000 from Research to Prevent Blindness to develop advanced research into blinding diseases. The institution's ophthalmology team is now one of 52 institutions receiving recognition for its eye research.
Researchers use zebrafish to quickly assess potential compounds, reducing the number of candidates from 2,500 to 20-30 for further testing. This technology has the potential to revolutionize drug discovery by providing more thorough information about how compounds affect living organisms.
Clearside Biomedical aims to treat age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma with a new microinjection technology that targets the back of the eye. The technology developed by Georgia Tech and Emory University uses hollow microneedles to deliver therapeutics precisely to specific locations in the eye.
Researchers found that women are more vulnerable to exfoliation syndrome (ES) than men, and that living in the middle or southern tier of the US reduces the risk. The study also confirms established associations with age and family history, as well as new data on associations with gender, eye color, and ancestry.
A Northwestern University study identified a gene that prevents blood vessels from forming in the cornea, which is essential for vision. The researchers hope to use this discovery as a basis for gene therapy to treat multiple eye disorders that cause blindness.
Cytosine plays a pivotal role in the human genome, acting as an on/off switch for genes and facilitating the recognition of foreign invaders by the immune system. Its diverse functions make it a crucial element of genetic diversity.
A research group at Brown University has sequenced the entire transcriptome of the mouse neural retina, finding that disease genes are disproportionately highly expressed and have unique sequences. This study provides new insights into the genetic nature of neural diseases.