Articles tagged with Eye Diseases
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 study found that retinal microvascular changes are associated with disability in daily activities among older adults. The presence of two or more retinal signs was linked to a higher risk of disability, independent of vascular risk factors and carotid atherosclerosis.
A NASA-sponsored study found that prolonged space flights can cause a range of visual system changes in astronauts, including blurry vision and abnormalities in the eye tissues. The study's findings have implications for long-duration manned space voyages, such as a trip to Mars.
Researchers found that cataract surgery improved cognitive ability, mood, and sleep patterns in mild Alzheimer's disease patients. The study suggests that vision correction may boost quality of life for these patients and their families.
Collagen crosslinking treatment using riboflavin (vitamin B) has improved vision in nearly 70% of patients with keratoconus, according to a recent three-year clinical trial. The treatment addresses the underlying causes of the disease and provides a permanent solution.
A new analysis of recent eye health studies shows that more time spent outdoors is related to reduced rates of nearsightedness in children and adolescents. Exposure to natural light and looking at distant objects may be key factors.
A new study found that playing video games, along with standard amblyopia treatment, can achieve significant vision gains in many older children. Nearly 30% of participants showed significant improvements after one year, while about 60% experienced at least some improvement.
Researchers aim to double the time window for corneal transplants from one week to two weeks after donor death to increase donated cornea supply. The five-year study will compare outcomes of 1,330 corneal transplants to determine if second-week transplants are as effective and safe.
New research by University of Kentucky investigators found that short-interfering RNAs can induce retinal degeneration via TLR3 and IRF3. This discovery highlights the need for caution when designing or using siRNAs intended for eye treatment.
A young scientist has won a $10,000 award for her research on regenerating eyes using stem cells from hair follicles. Her study showed an 80% rate of differentiation in mouse eyes following a cell transplant, highlighting the promising therapeutic potential of these cells.
Researchers have discovered a potential new treatment for EKC, a highly infectious eye disease affecting millions annually in the US. A molecular wipe targeting viruses responsible for EKC could relieve symptoms, speed up healing and reduce transmission risk.
Researchers discovered that defective eye cells in a rare disease lead to photoreceptor cell failure, causing sight loss. The study provides a target for treatment and may help understand broader retinal degenerative diseases.
Researchers at the University of Southampton are developing a novel device to directly sequence single DNA strands, aiming to improve genome analysis. The new method could provide faster and cheaper DNA sequencing, eliminating complex biochemical processes.
The NIH Blueprint empowers researchers to develop new treatments for neurological disorders, such as vision loss, neurodegenerative disease, and depression. Seven research teams have received funding to explore promising strategies for creating faster and more effective antidepressants.
A University of Iowa research team discovered a new genetic cause of retinitis pigmentosa by analyzing DNA sequencing and induced pluripotent stem cells. The study identified a mutation in the MAK gene as the likely cause of the disease, which affects about 1 in 4,000 people in the US.
A new device called myVisionTrack has been developed to monitor degenerative eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. The hand-held device allows patients to track changes in their vision over time with high accuracy, enabling timely treatment and preventing preventable vision loss.
A comprehensive review of 173,687 cases found maternal smoking causes a range of serious birth defects. Smoking during pregnancy also increases the risk of premature birth and related health problems.
Michigan State University researchers are reformulating a decades-old drug to combat two debilitating tropical diseases. The goal is to develop a safe and effective treatment for filarial diseases, which affect millions worldwide. With clinical trials expected to begin in about two years, the team hopes to bring hope to those affected ...
Researchers identify dozens of rare genetic variants in ion channel genes associated with epilepsy, as well as nearly identical variations in healthy individuals. The study suggests that a combination of altered channels can mask individual defects, leading to a complex interplay between gene variants and the development of epilepsy.
Researchers successfully imaged rod photoreceptors in the living human eye for the first time, revealing cellular structure with unprecedented detail. This breakthrough enables earlier diagnosis and treatment of degenerative eye disorders, potentially leading to more effective sight-saving interventions.
Researchers discovered that natural killer cells contribute to dry eye disease development by inducing inflammatory responses in ocular surface and lymph nodes. This breakthrough offers hope for new treatments targeting the cellular cause of the disease, improving quality of life for millions affected.
Researchers found that game-worn football faceshields are more susceptible to breaking than new ones, especially when subjected to lower forces of impact. The study recommends routine inspection and replacement of used faceshields to prevent potential eye injuries.
Researchers created a new mouse model that can be used to study degenerative diseases, such as type I diabetes and Parkinson's disease. The Mos-iCsp3 mouse allows for targeted destruction of specific cell types, providing a valuable tool for developing therapies.
Researchers at Schepens Eye Research Institute successfully regenerate large areas of damaged retinas and improve visual function using IPS cells derived from skin. The study holds promise for future treatments and cures for diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa.
Recent research highlights exciting developments in ocular gene therapy, including potential treatments for age-related macular degeneration and retinal disease. Gene therapy strategies have shown promise in reducing cell death and slowing retinal degeneration.