Articles tagged with Eye Diseases
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.
A recent review of 400 patients with Wolfram syndrome reveals that 15% do not meet current diagnostic criteria, highlighting the need for revision. The study proposes expanding the diagnostic criteria to identify two of four clinical features, which would diagnose up to 98% of patients.
The study demonstrates that EBI-005 binds to its target, IL-1R1, 85-fold more tightly than IL-Ra, providing a 100-fold increase in potency in vivo. Additionally, EBI-005 has been shown to be more thermally stable than IL-1Ra, indicating potential for a room temperature-stable product.
Researchers at the University of York have established a link between Parkinson's and visual problems in an animal model. A study found that a common genetic mutation triggering Parkinson's affects eye nerve cell function, leading to gradual loss of vision.
Researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center have identified a protein, fatty acid transport protein 4 (FATP4), that protects retinal photoreceptor cells from degeneration. The study suggests FATP4 may be a therapeutic target for inherited retinal degenerative diseases and age-related macular degeneration.
A landmark clinical trial published in Ophthalmology found that genetic variants do not predict treatment response to Lucentis and Avastin for wet AMD. The study's findings clarify the value of genetic testing for this serious eye disease, contradicting previous hopes for personalized medicine.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.