Articles tagged with Eye Diseases
BC scientists are part of an international team creating a vast resource bank for gene function research. The project aims to build tools to discover mutant genes' roles in human diseases, potentially leading to medical therapy advances.
Researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine developed a gene therapy approach that significantly reduces uncontrolled blood vessel growth and cell death typical of AMD, slowing its progression. The treatment uses CD59 to block the formation of 'membrane attack complex' in cell membranes.
Jason S. Meyer, assistant professor of biology at IUPUI, is honored by the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) for his groundbreaking study on modeling early retinal development using human embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells.
A phase 2 clinical trial demonstrates the benefit of a neurotrophic factor to treat geographic atrophy, a severe form of age-related macular degeneration. The therapy, which delivers ciliary neurotrophic factor using encapsulated cell therapy, slowed vision loss and stabilized vision in patients with high-dose treatment.
A global consensus report defines meibomian gland dysfunction as a chronic, diffuse abnormality affecting the tear film. The report proposes a universal classification system and diagnostic tests to aid clinicians in diagnosing and managing MGD-related disorders.
A study of Joslin Medalists reveals that some individuals with diabetes for decades exhibit remarkably few complications, pointing to the presence of protective molecular mechanisms. The researchers identified a link between advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and both disease progression and protection.
Researchers found a rare eye movement pattern more common in healthy Chinese individuals than in British participants, challenging the assumption that this pattern is only indicative of underlying neurological issues. This discovery could indicate subtle cultural or genetic influences on brain function, warranting further investigation.
A retrospective cohort study found that patients with retinal vein occlusion (RVO) had an almost two-fold higher incidence of stroke compared to age- and sex-matched controls. The study suggests that RVO may be associated with an increased risk of cerebrovascular accidents but not myocardial infarctions.
A recent study published in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science found that a drop in temperature below 30 degrees Celsius can cause the meibum to become too thick and stiff, leading to dry eye suffering. This effect is exacerbated by wind, which accelerates the drop in temperature of the ocular surface and eyelids.
Researchers tracked corneal transplant success in young patients and found substantial improvement in vision for most children with keratoconus. The study revealed that infants had lower success rates due to related illnesses, while older children fared better.
Millimeter-scale computing systems are being developed for medical applications, such as an implantable eye pressure monitor that tracks glaucoma progress. A compact radio with integrated antenna enables wireless sensor networks, allowing for tracking of pollution and structural integrity.
Professor Alan Stitt has received a Royal Society Wolfson Research Merit Award to support his ground-breaking research on vascular stem cells and eye disease treatment at Queen's University. The award aims to retain top researchers in the UK and reflects the excellence of the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science.
Scientists have found that free radicals contribute to the damage in patients with Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy (FECD), a hereditary disease impacting nearly four percent of the population over age 60. The discovery holds promise for early and preventative treatments, such as a diet rich in leafy green vegetables and multivitamins.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine will study and develop new treatments for diseases of the retina, a leading cause of blindness. The $10.1 million grant aims to accelerate the development of effective therapies, particularly for age-related macular degeneration.
A new UCLA study warns that mandatory genetic screening of newborns for rare diseases is creating unexpected upheaval for families whose infants test positive but show no immediate signs of the diseases. The study found that parents are often left in limbo, waiting months for conclusive evidence and facing trauma as a result.
A new study by Iowa State University researchers demonstrates that replacing the enzyme for MPS I shortly after birth can prevent irreversible damage and clinical signs of brain, heart, and bone disease. The breakthrough opens the door to improved methods of enzyme delivery in human patients with similar genetic disorders.
Researchers at the NIH have identified a compound that prevents overproduction of thyroid hormone, potentially improving treatment for Graves' disease. The receptor antagonist has not yet been tested in animals or people and still needs to undergo safety testing before potential human trials.
Two studies published in the journal Ophthalmology suggest that omega-3 rich fish and seafood consumption may help prevent advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in seniors. Additionally, a new test called pattern electroretinogram (PERGLA) shows promise for early detection of glaucoma by measuring retinal ganglion cell function.
A new scoring system for diagnosing Wilson's disease in pediatric patients has been developed, demonstrating 93% positive and 92% negative predictive values. The test's effectiveness was tested on children with mild liver disease and asymptomatic individuals, showing no significant improvement from the penicillamine challenge test.
The National Eye Institute has expanded its genetic and clinical research database by adding more than 72,000 lens and fundus photographs from the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS). These images are now accessible to scientists through NCBI's online database of Genotypes and Phenotypes, dbGaP.
The Ontario Genomics Institute is investing in ArcticDx's Macula Risk test, which detects genetic variations predicting AMD progression. The test may help target effective care to those who need it most and relieve uncertainty for others.
Researchers have developed new presbyopia treatments, including corneal lens implants and inlays, which show promise in improving near vision without the need for glasses. These options offer advantages over traditional LASIK procedures, such as reversed effects and improved distance vision.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology found that anorexia nervosa can cause significant damage to the retina and optic nerve, leading to impaired vision. The condition was associated with thinner maculae and reduced dopamine activity, which may be related to the initial stages of progressive blindness.
Researchers tested beta carotene's effects on retinitis pigmentosa, a cluster of hereditary disorders causing incurable blindness. One-third of patients showed improved visual function after taking the nutrient for 90 days, while two-thirds had no response.
Fenretinide shows promise in reducing risk of wet AMD and geographic atrophy growth in dry AMD patients. Long-term diabetics who survived over 50 years with type 1 diabetes appear to be protected against PDR, with protective mechanisms activated early in the disease.
Researchers found a link between low blood pressure at night and an increased risk of glaucoma in patients with migraine. Mobile devices like iPhones can also be used to evaluate ophthalmic images with high consistency, revolutionizing digital eye care.
A recent study found that newer treatments for age-related macular degeneration, including intravitreous bevacizumab and ranibizumab, do not significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular complications or death. The study analyzed data from 146,942 Medicare beneficiaries treated for AMD in 2005 or 2006.
The number of retinal procedures nearly doubled between 1997 and 2007, driven by new treatments for neovascular AMD. Vitrectomy, a surgical removal of the eye's gel, increased significantly, while injections of drugs into the eye also rose substantially.
A study published in the American Academy of Ophthalmology's journal found that photoscreening was effective in detecting amblyopia in Iowa children, with a success rate of over 95%. The method, which uses technology to record the pattern of light reflected through each pupil, showed promise as a cost-effective way to identify the cond...
Researchers identified ways to preserve motor neuron cells in ALS and enhance CD8+ T cell therapy for leukemia. Expanding immune suppressors via TNFRSF25 could prevent allergic lung inflammation in asthma. These findings may pave the way for new therapeutic approaches for these diseases.
Researchers found that patients taking oral antiviral medications had fewer recurrences of corneal disease and other eye-related manifestations. The study suggests that antiviral prophylaxis should be considered for patients with frequent recurrences, highlighting its potential to prevent vision loss.
A study found that infected cows' retinas emit a characteristic glow when exposed to light, potentially leading to an inexpensive diagnostic test. This breakthrough could help prevent the spread of mad cow disease in the food supply.
A new imaging system using six different wavelengths of LED illumination is paving the way for doctors to easily screen patients for common eye diseases. The system allows doctors to distinguish between different light-absorbing characteristics of biological molecules in the eye, enabling earlier detection and diagnosis.
Researchers successfully replaced a human gene to preserve photoreceptor function in mice with severe retinal degeneration. The study demonstrates improved function and survival of photoreceptors, validating a potential gene therapy design for patients affected by Leber congenital amaurosis.
Neurobiologists funded by the Office of Naval Research have discovered a potential cure for degenerative vision diseases, restoring vision in mice with congenital macular degeneration. The research has significant future implications for treating eye diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa, which affects over 2 million worldwide cases.
A new study found that higher body weight is significantly linked to reduced risk of normal tension glaucoma (NTG) in postmenopausal women, but not in men. Severe myopia may be predicted by a specific map that identifies patients at risk of vision loss.
The ACCORD Eye Study found that intensive blood sugar control and combination lipid therapy with a fibrate and statin slowed diabetic retinopathy progression by about one-third. This study provides evidence for the benefits of these therapies in slowing eye disease progression.
Researchers found that people with depression have difficulty detecting black-and-white contrast differences in their retina. The study used a pattern electroretinogram to measure retinal responses in patients with depression and healthy individuals, revealing dramatically lower contrast gain in depressed patients.
The ACCORD Eye Study found that intensive blood sugar control and combination lipid therapy slowed diabetic retinopathy progression by about one-third. Combination therapy reduced disease progression compared to statin therapy alone.
Researchers found resveratrol inhibits pathogenic new blood vessel growth, a central role in various cancers and eye disease. The compound may offer a novel therapeutic strategy to treat these diseases.
Researchers found that resveratrol inhibits formation of damaging blood vessels in the eye, a potential preventive therapy for blinding diseases. The compound's novel pathway could become a new target for therapies for eye disease and other problems related to abnormal angiogenesis.
Scientists discovered characteristic amyloid plaques in human retinas and developed a noninvasive optical imaging technique to detect retinal plaques in live laboratory mice. The study suggests the possibility of early noninvasive diagnosis and monitoring of Alzheimer's disease through retinal imaging.
Women who follow a balanced diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals have a lower risk of developing nuclear cataracts. A study of 1,808 women found that healthy diets, which reflect adherence to US dietary guidelines, are more strongly related to the occurrence of nuclear cataracts than other modifiable risk factors.
A new study reveals increasing rates of age-related macular degeneration among Asians, comparable to Caucasians. An innovative laser surgery called 'bypass' has shown promise in improving vision outcomes for central retinal vein occlusion patients.
The Los Angeles Latino Eye Study found that US Latinos develop visual impairment, blindness, diabetic eye disease, and cataracts at higher rates than non-Hispanic whites. Researchers also identified specific risk factors for these conditions, including diabetes and age.
Researchers developed a novel noninvasive tool using fluorescent microspheres to detect early inflammation in the eyes. This breakthrough allows for early detection of diseases such as eye disease, potentially reversing damage before it occurs. The tool may also improve therapy evaluation and extend to other areas of the body.
Scientists have successfully applied optical coherence tomography (OCT) to analyze the layers of easel paintings, revealing evidence of forged signatures and alterations. This non-invasive technique overcomes previous limitations, offering a new way for art conservators to detect changes in artworks.
A new vision screening model, EyeSmart EyeCheck, will test for damage from eye diseases to detect undiagnosed visual impairment. The initiative aims to raise awareness and provide access to care for minority populations with limited access to health services.
Research confirms green tea catechins penetrate eye tissues, potentially protecting against glaucoma and other eye diseases. The study, published in Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, found that these antioxidants absorbed by the eyes reduced oxidative stress for up to 20 hours.
Researchers confirm that early treatment for selected infants with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) improves their vision through 6 years of age. Doctors can identify high-risk infants by examining certain eye characteristics, such as blood vessel appearance and location.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology affirms the effectiveness of current retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) diagnosis and treatment practices. Early treatment has been shown to improve visual acuity outcomes for these vulnerable infants, supporting ongoing ROP research.
Certain children with Type 1 retinopathy of prematurity benefit from early treatment, showing improved vision at age 6. In contrast, those with Type 2 disease do not see a significant benefit from early treatment at this age.
Researchers have discovered three new genes associated with age-related macular degeneration, including two involved in the cholesterol pathway. The study increases understanding of DNA variations that predict individual risks of AMD and provides clues for developing effective therapies.
Researchers found that people with floppy eyelid syndrome (FES) are at a higher risk of having obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which can lead to oxygen deprivation and other health complications. The study also highlights the importance of recognizing FES as a potential indicator for OSA and treating patients accordingly.
Researchers tested mecamylamine, a topical drug, in a human clinical trial to treat diabetic macular edema. The study showed significant improvement in vision and biological effects in the retina in approximately 40% of participants.
Researchers discovered that crowding does not make peripheral vision random, but rather creates a 'blending' effect that makes the world appear more regular. This process can help improve the recognition of objects in crowded environments for people with central vision loss due to eye diseases.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have found that the first sign of injury in glaucoma occurs in the brain, where neuronal communication with the optic nerve is compromised. This discovery offers new insights into the disease and potential treatment targets.
Researchers found that postmenopausal women using HRT had a higher risk of cataract removal compared to those who never used the therapy. Additionally, smoking was linked to an increased risk of uveitis, a serious eye disease causing inflammation in the middle layer of the eye.
Scientists have confirmed that green tea catechins penetrate into tissues of the eye, raising the possibility of protection against glaucoma. Analysis of eye tissues showed significant absorption of individual catechins, with effects lasting up to 20 hours.
Scientists use optical coherence tomography to analyze artworks, uncovering forged signatures and altered inscriptions. This technique enables detection of subtle changes in easel paintings without damaging the artwork.