Articles tagged with Eye Diseases
A simple technique using the twinkle after-effect can accurately identify blind spots in people with retinal disease, helping patients seek timely treatment for glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. The method is inexpensive, accessible, and can be used daily by patients to detect changes in their vision.
A new 'Twinkle' eye test has been developed to detect vision loss in people with age-related macular disease (AMD), a leading cause of blindness. The test relies on a visual illusion that can identify regions of the eye with vision loss, and its results indicate it could be a powerful diagnostic tool.
Scientists have discovered a simple method for detecting vision loss in patients with retinal disease, utilizing the induced twinkle after-effect. This technique, already proven effective in 75% of cases, allows patients to identify visual defects at home before seeking medical attention.
Researchers used optical coherence tomography (OCT) to scan retinal nerve fibers, finding correlations with brain MRI scans and suggesting an inexpensive alternative for tracking MS. OCT scans can detect early optic nerve damage, potentially identifying MS before brain damage occurs.
Phylonix Pharmaceuticals has been awarded a Phase II SBIR grant from the National Eye Institute to develop zebrafish models for eye diseases. The company aims to model various eye diseases, including diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration, using zebrafish models with high accuracy and speed.
The study found that perindopril therapy reduced aortic diameters relative to placebo in both systole and diastole in patients with MFS taking standard beta-blocker therapy. This suggests that ACE inhibitors may be a useful treatment option for Marfan syndrome patients.
Researchers found that corrective lenses can successfully treat bilateral amblyopia in children when diagnosed and treated early. The study showed significant improvement in visual acuity after one year, with most children reaching 20/25 or better.
A study found that childhood vaccination for the rubella virus may have eliminated an inflammatory eye disease from the U.S.-born population. The vaccine was implemented in 1969, and subsequent reductions in Fuchs heterochromic iridocyclitis (FHI) cases were observed, especially among foreign-born patients.
Researchers from the Picower Institute at MIT have identified the gene Ten_m3 as crucial for creating matched projections from both eyes in the brain. In mice with this gene knocked out, visual deficits persisted even when one eye was covered, but blocking the output of one eye restored vision.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College have discovered a crucial mechanism driving the growth of light-sensing discs in rod cells, shedding new light on retinal health and disease. The study's findings could lead to significant advances in understanding and treating eye diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed a new eye-staining technique using Lissamine green to detect early stages of dry eye syndrome. The test reveals staining patterns that indicate the severity and progression of the condition, allowing for earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment options.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin are developing a new tool to improve LASIK surgery outcomes by measuring eye tissue stiffness using tiny bubbles generated inside eye tissue. The technology could also provide a new treatment for presbyopia, a age-related difficulty focusing on close objects.
A study found that individuals with suppressed immune systems, such as kidney transplant patients and those with HIV, have a higher incidence of squamous cell eye cancer. Residence in subtropical regions and prior history of skin cancer were also associated with increased risk.
Research found that glaucoma patients with fluctuating eye pressure have worse visual fields after three months and 13 years, highlighting the importance of reducing long-term IOP fluctuations. The study suggests that 'IOP modulation' rather than reduction is a more effective treatment approach for stabilizing vision.
A gene variant in the complement C3 gene has been found to more than double the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of visual loss and blindness. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, suggests that inflammation plays a key role in the disease process.
Researchers found that consuming diets with a higher glycemic index increased the risk of developing advanced AMD, with severity linked to dietary glycemic index. The study suggests improving dietary carbohydrate quality through simple alterations may help prevent AMD progression.
Individuals aged 49 and older with cataract or age-related macular degeneration have higher mortality rates compared to those without visual impairments. Regular vision assessment may lead to early detection and treatment to reduce the impact of visual impairment.
A study published in Nature Medicine found that increasing omega-3 intake in mice reduced damaging vessel growth in the eye, a cause of retinopathy and blindness. Omega-3 supplementation is being tested in premature babies at risk for vision loss in a clinical trial.
Researchers found that increasing omega-3 fatty acids and decreasing omega-6 fatty acids in the diet can reduce retinopathy severity by suppressing inflammatory proteins. The study suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may act as protective factors in diseases affecting retinal blood vessels.
A new study has identified proteins in the rod and cones of the eye that could lead to the discovery of the genetic causes of a host of inherited eye diseases. The researchers hope to gain a clearer understanding of what goes wrong at the most basic level in these diseases that cause blindness and other disorders.
A study by researchers at UIC found a strong association between the use of contact lens solution AMO Complete MoisturePlus and Acanthamoeba keratitis, a rare severe eye infection. The study suggests that the solution's ability to kill Acanthamoeba is compromised, increasing the risk of infection.
Researchers have discovered a new gene, LCA5, that causes inherited blindness in babies. The finding holds promise for future gene therapy treatments, which may restore vision by injecting genes into the eye.
The Friedlander lab will work with six other laboratory groups to conduct pre-clinical work on adult stem cells, aiming to develop a new approach to treating retinal diseases. The therapy targets abnormal blood vessel formation, which is a leading cause of vision loss in Americans.
A national Joslin-led study found that maintaining tight blood glucose control in people with type 1 diabetes does not lead to long-term loss of cognitive ability. The study, part of the EDIC study, followed participants for 12 years and showed no adverse effects on cognition.
A study found that specific genetic variants in genes CFH and LOC387715 are associated with an increased risk of progressing to advanced age-related macular degeneration. Smoking and high body mass index further increase the risk, but healthy lifestyle habits can reduce it.
Researchers have discovered that neural progenitor cells derived from human fetal stem cells can protect the vision of animals with degenerative eye disease. The new findings suggest novel ways to preserve vision in humans with no effective treatments.
Researchers found high levels of zinc in deposits in the eye associated with age-related macular degeneration. The discovery may facilitate the development of effective treatments for this leading cause of blindness among the elderly.
A study by Schepens Eye Research Institute found that an educational video increased patients' knowledge about macular degeneration and adaptive devices, but had no effect on their emotional response or behavior. The video did not motivate patients to make changes to improve their quality of life.
Researchers used gene therapy to shut down a key gene responsible for inherited blindness, reducing mutated rhodopsin by 60%, in an effort to develop a treatment for retinitis pigmentosa. The technique may restore vision in affected individuals if successful.
An estimated 60 million American adults are at high risk of vision loss due to various factors such as age, diabetes, and income level. Only half of the high-risk population visited an eye doctor in the past year, emphasizing the need for better access to preventive eye care services.
Scientists at UCLA's Jules Stein Eye Institute have discovered defects in the infection-fighting T-cells of Graves' disease (GD) patients' immune systems. The study found an abnormal surplus of receptors targeted by an antibody that mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, causing inflammation and damage to eye tissue.
Researchers at Dalhousie University found that glaucoma patients are over three times more likely to experience falls and six times more likely to be involved in motor vehicle accidents. Impaired useful field of view is the strongest risk factor for these accidents.
Researchers found that FASD children had longer reaction times and made more direction errors in eye-movement tasks. The study provides a powerful tool for assessing executive-function deficits in individuals with FASD.
Investigators at LA BioMed found evidence linking insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-1R) to the development of Graves' disease, a common cause of hyperthyroidism. The discovery suggests a potential therapeutic strategy for autoimmune diseases.
A study published in Archives of Ophthalmology confirms the effectiveness of genetic testing in diagnosing complex retinal diseases. The research found that genetic testing confirmed a clinician's diagnosis in half of the tested cases, providing crucial information for healthcare professionals.
Research on ophthalmic genetics has identified genes associated with retinitis pigmentosa, corneal dystrophies, and other eye diseases, offering insights into heredity and molecular genetics. Collaboration between scientists is expected to answer questions about gene functions and benefit patients
Researchers have identified a group of proteins that may play critical roles in causing blood vessel leakage in the eyes of people with diabetic retinopathy. CA-1, an enzyme normally found in red blood cells, was found to increase blood vessel leakage and swelling in both the eyes and brain.
A Joslin Diabetes Center-led team identified a group of proteins that may play critical roles in causing blood vessel leakage in the eyes of people with diabetic retinopathy. One of these molecules causes retinal blood vessel leakage, contributing to swelling and vision loss.
Researchers have identified a new class of lipids in tears and oleamide, a previously unknown lipid, shedding light on the complex design of tears. The discovery may help scientists better understand eye-related disorders like dry eye disease, which affects millions Americans.
Researchers discover a known mutation in the TGIF gene that causes Holoprosencephaly, a devastating brain disorder with lifelong effects. The study provides hope for detecting, preventing, and treating this rare condition through better understanding of fetal brain development.
Researchers propose a novel treatment strategy for retinopathy by repairing abnormal blood vessels instead of destroying them. The study shows that transplanted bone marrow-derived cells can convert leaky blood vessels into normal ones, suggesting a potential therapy for human diseases like ROP.
Researchers at Yerkes National Primate Research Center use MRI to capture images of the retina's elusive layers, revealing layer-specific changes in retinitis pigmentosa. This breakthrough technology has potential for early diagnosis and treatment of serious eye diseases.
Researchers at UC Berkeley and LBNL have developed light-sensitive switches that can trigger chemical reactions, muscle contractions, and nerve cell stimulation. The goal is to equip retina cells with these switches to restore light sensitivity in people with macular degeneration.
A large study found that regular physical activity can reduce the likelihood of developing age-related macular degeneration by up to 70%. Participants with active lifestyles were less likely to develop the condition, with regular walkers experiencing a 30% lower risk.
A nationwide study aims to slow vision loss from AMD by testing a combination of vitamins, minerals, and fish oil. The study will examine whether the added nutrients can further reduce AMD progression, potentially saving over 300,000 people from vision loss.
A six-year study found high progression rates of diabetic retinopathy in African Americans with type 1 diabetes, linked to poor glycemic control and high blood pressure. The study highlights the need for improved medical care and regular eye exams to detect vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy.
Case Western Reserve University researchers found a dart-like molecule, Carboxyethylpyrroles (CEPs), that adheres to proteins in the eye, triggering uncontrolled blood vessel growth. This contributes to the development of age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness over 65.
A study found that women younger than 75 years with high dietary intakes of lutein and zeaxanthin may have a reduced risk of developing age-related macular degeneration. The antioxidants may protect against AMD by absorbing blue light, preventing free radicals from damaging eye cells, and strengthening eye cell membranes.
Wolfgang Drexler, a Professor at Cardiff University, is recognized for his development of Optical Coherence Tomography technique, leading to diagnosis of retinal diseases and cellular level resolution.
A new study finds that diabetes disease-management programs lead to higher rates of recommended examinations, such as eye and foot exams, and cholesterol checks. However, these strategies had no impact on controlling key factors associated with diabetes complications, like blood pressure, cholesterol, or blood sugar levels.
A study of over 3600 adults found that narrower arterioles and wider venules were associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease. The results suggest that retinal photography may be a useful non-invasive method for assessing this risk, particularly in women.
The drug, Dz13, targets c-Jun, a master regulator gene involved in diseases such as cancer and inflammation. In pre-clinical models, it has shown effectiveness in treating skin cancers and eye diseases like AMD.
Researchers at the University of Manchester are investigating molecular mechanisms behind retinoschisis to find a cure. They will build on existing research to develop new treatments and diagnostic tests for this genetic disorder.
The US-India collaboration aims to address blindness and low vision, impacting every nation worldwide. The partnership identifies key areas for collaborative research and training, including the Human Ocular Phenome/Genome Evaluation project.
The Allergan Foundation has donated $2 million to support eye research, clinical care, and education at the University of California, Irvine. The donation will help develop a new facility dedicated to retinal diseases, including diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
Researchers found that long-term use of statins increased retinal blood flow and reduced intraocular pressure in healthy men. The findings suggest a potential therapy for diabetic retinopathy, a condition linked to reduced blood flow in the eye.
The NIH is facing a decline in success rates for grant applications, but experts argue that the agency is a victim, not a culprit. The critics' misplaced anger threatens to undermine the credibility of the NIH with its patrons and public constituencies.
Researchers have discovered that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in retinal pigment epithelial cells plays a crucial role in protecting photoreceptor cells from damage. The findings suggest that DHA may help slow or halt the progression of diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa and Usher's syndrome.
Researchers have created genetically modified 'prosthetic' retinal cells that restore visual responses in mice with photoreceptor degeneration. The approach targets the cellular level and avoids complications associated with traditional methods, offering a potential breakthrough in treating complete blindness caused by inherited diseases.
A study found that a single mass antibiotic treatment does not prevent the return of eye infections in communities with high disease prevalence. Infection rates rose again after 2 years, highlighting the need for repeated treatments or other measures to eliminate infection.