There is more to Sars-CoV-2 than meets the eye
Researchers detect Sars-CoV-2 mRNA in human retina organoids, indicating infection of retinal cells. The virus also replicates in these cell types, with implications for 'Long Covid' pathologies.
Eye Diseases
Articles tagged with Eye Diseases
Correcting night blindness in dogs
Researchers have developed a gene therapy that restores night vision in dogs with congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB), a condition affecting the ON bipolar cells. The treatment enables dogs to navigate mazes in dim light and has a lasting therapeutic effect, paving the way for potential human treatments.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2022
OCT studies without noise. A new method for better detection of eye diseases
Researchers developed a new OCT method called Spatio-Temporal Optical Coherence Tomography (STOC-T) to improve the accuracy of eye disease diagnoses. This method uses multimode optical fibers to reduce noise, enabling clearer images of the choroid and other vital parts of the eye.
Screening for diabetic retinopathy proven to be cost-effective in China
A study found that telemedicine and community screening for diabetic retinopathy are highly cost-effective in rural and urban China. The results suggest that adopting telemedicine screening programs at the national primary care level is economically reasonable.
SourceHealth Data Science·JournalHealth Data Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 21, 2022
Antabuse may help revive vision in people with progressive blinding disorders
Researchers at UC Berkeley discover that Antabuse helps improve sight in mice with retinal degeneration by reducing hyperactive retinal cells. The treatment may one day lead to better therapies for humans with inherited diseases like retinitis pigmentosa.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 18, 2022
Cell fusion ‘awakens’ regenerative potential of human retina
Researchers discovered that fusing Müller glia with adult stem cells can differentiate into ganglion cells, a type of neuron essential for vision. This finding brings hope for recovering the retina's regenerative capacity in humans.
AAVMC recognizes UTCVM’s Rouse with Excellence in Research Award
AAVMC awards Dr. Barry T. Rouse with the Excellence in Research Award for his outstanding contributions to viral immunology and immunopathology research. With over $20 million in NIH funding, he has published more than 425 papers and mentored almost 80 post-doctoral fellows.
Peer review affirms MiSight® 1 day sustains slowing of eye growth over six years for myopia control
A new peer-reviewed study confirms MiSight 1 day contact lenses slow eye growth and halt myopia progression in 90% of children, with no loss of effectiveness over time. The longest-running soft contact lens study among children demonstrates sustained efficacy for nearly all children, regardless of age or initial refractive error.
SourceMcDougall Communications·JournalOptometry and Vision Science·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 10, 2022
Association between depression, severity of dry eye disease
A recent study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that depression is associated with more severe dry eye disease symptoms and overall signs. The analysis of data from a randomized clinical trial revealed this significant connection among 535 participants.
Mutant mice shed no tears
A study led by Kyoto University researchers found that modulating hormone levels can improve meibomian gland disorder, a common cause of dry eyes. Topical administration of nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) boosted NAD levels and rebooted 3-HSD activity in mutant mice, alleviating dryness.
Smart LED contact lenses for treating diabetic retinopathy
Researchers developed smart contact lenses that emit far-red light to treat diabetic retinopathy. The study showed the lenses prevented retinopathy in diabetic animal models, demonstrating their safety and effectiveness.
Vision scientists discover new angle on path of light through photoreceptors
Researchers found that mitochondria act as microlenses to focus light on outer segments where it's converted into nerve signals, shedding new light on the retina's optical properties. This discovery has potential clinical implications for detecting retinal diseases.
Improving eye health essential to achieving Sustainable Development Goals
A new study published in The Lancet Planetary Health found that improved eye health services are associated with moving closer to achieving seven SDGs. Multiple direct connections were discovered between eye health services and increased productivity, household expenditure, income, education, and equality.
SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateFeb 24, 2022
Scientists pinpoint genetic target with promise for treating many forms of blindness
Researchers from Trinity College Dublin have pinpointed a key driver gene, SARM1, that contributes to impaired vision and blindness. Deleting this gene shows promise in preserving vision, suggesting targeted therapies may offer long-lasting preservation of sight for various ocular conditions.
SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2022
Eye provides clues to insidious vascular disease
Researchers developed a method to diagnose atherosclerosis using self-learning software and eye photos. The algorithm accurately identified vascular changes in patients with peripheral arterial disease, even in early stages without symptoms.
Maintaining transparency: study to focus on causes of cataracts
A new study will focus on the biological mechanisms causing cataracts, potentially leading to new treatments. The research team, led by Nicholas Delamere, PhD, will investigate the role of protein ion channels TRPV1 and TRPV4 in age-related lens cell changes.
New data on drug metabolism and distribution in the eye
A comprehensive study investigates the metabolism of four drugs in rabbit eyes, revealing different enzyme profiles from liver metabolism. The findings provide valuable information for advancing ophthalmic drug development.
UCI researchers discover cause, develop pharmacological treatment for reducing retinitis pigmentosa vision loss
Researchers at UCI discovered that AdipoR1 protein deficiency leads to ceramide accumulation in the retina, causing progressive photoreceptor cell death. A pharmacological treatment combining desipramine and L-cycloserine reduced ceramide levels, protecting photoreceptors and improving vision.
NIH study classifies vision loss and retinal changes in Stargardt disease
A new AI-based method has been developed to evaluate patients with Stargardt disease, a leading cause of childhood blindness. The study found that the severity of vision loss can be classified into different phenotypes based on genetic variants, and provided sensitive structural outcome measures for therapeutic trials.
Improved retinal transplant technique ready for clinical trials
Researchers at RIKEN have developed a new retinal transplant technique by engineering human-derived retina sheets to lose bipolar cells, allowing better connections to host retinas and improved responses to light. The technique has shown substantial functional improvement in animal studies and is now poised for human clinical trials.
Study finds up to 30% of patients with wet macular degeneration can safely stop eye injections
Researchers found that a third of patients with wet age-related macular degeneration can safely stop eye injection therapy without further vision loss. Patients who stopped treatment showed better visual acuity, gain of vision, and less fluid in their retina compared to those requiring continued injections.
Dried goji berries may provide protection against age-related vision loss
A study published in Nutrients found that consuming a small serving of dried goji berries five times a week for 90 days increased lutein and zeaxanthin levels in healthy participants' eyes. This increase provides antioxidant protection and filters out harmful blue light, potentially delaying age-related vision loss.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNutrients·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 13, 2022
Seeing the chemistry of vision
Researchers led by Prof. Maciej Wojtkowski create two-photon excited fluorescence scanning laser ophthalmoscope (TPEF-SLO) to observe molecules supporting visual pigments in retinal cells in real-time. The device allows for non-invasive assessment of metabolic processes and biochemical markers, leading to new insights into eye diseases.
SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 12, 2022
WVU receives NIH funding to dissect the mechanism of retinal degeneration
Researchers at WVU are studying the Musashi proteins to understand their role in retinal degeneration and develop a universal therapy. By investigating protein translation and gene suppression, they hope to identify potential pathways to boost protein production and slow vision loss.
New color-coded test quickly reveals if medical nanoparticles deliver their payload
Researchers developed a color-coded test that quickly signals whether medical nanoparticles deliver their cargo into target cells. The tool, tested in mouse cells and living mice, assesses nanoparticle formulations on their ability to escape cellular defenses and reach the cell's interior.
Perceptions of respect by patients with eye conditions
Patients with eye conditions from racial minority groups report feeling less respected by healthcare professionals compared to their non-Hispanic white counterparts. The study highlights the importance of addressing cultural disparities in healthcare settings.
Major gift focuses efforts on a rare, but devastating, genetic eye disease
The Nixon Visions Foundation has given a significant gift to support studies of the PRPH2 gene linked to macular dystrophy and boost stem cell research aimed at developing early diagnosis and a cure for this devastating genetic eye disease. Researchers hope to make a tremendous impact on people with this inherited eye disease.
NIH researchers identify potential AMD drugs with stem-cell based research tool
Researchers developed a dish-based model that replicates the characteristics of dry age-related macular degeneration, allowing them to screen over 1,200 drugs for their ability to slow or halt disease progression. Two drugs, Aminocaproic acid and L745, showed promise in inhibiting key phenotypes associated with AMD.
SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021
‘Good virus’ may help scientists slow progression of incurable eye disorders
Researchers are exploring how an engineered adeno-associated virus (AAV) can compensate for missing protein or swap out genetic mutations that cause vision problems. AAV has been found to be beneficial and is being used as a tool to deliver genes that work as they should.
NIH study traces molecular link from gene to late-onset retinal degeneration
A NIH study has identified a molecular link between a gene mutation and late-onset retinal degeneration, a rare eye disease. The researchers found that the diabetes drug metformin and gene therapy may be effective treatments for the condition, which can cause abnormal blood vessel growth and deposits of apolipoprotein E.
SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2021
LSU Health contributes to research suggesting late-onset retinal degeneration mechanism and potential Rx
A study led by LSU Health found how late-onset retinal degeneration develops and identified a surprising potential therapeutic, metformin. The research suggests that an enzyme called AMPK activates the protein CTRP5 to regulate fatty acid metabolism and energy stability.
SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2021
Reimagining immunity in the eye
Researchers found immune cells in lens trying to fix damage and responding to long-lasting inflammation. Immune cells integrate into lens capsule, increasing invasion with disease progression, contradicting decades of scientific understanding.
First single-cell atlas of human, porcine eyes maps genes involved in eye disorders
Researchers created a disease map of genes involved in eye disorders, shedding light on how individual cells respond to external factors like injury. The study paves the way for regenerative medicine and cell replacement therapies for eye diseases.
SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 6, 2021
Study: Cataract surgery linked with lessened dementia risk
Researchers found that subjects who underwent cataract surgery had a nearly 30% lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who did not. The results persisted for at least a decade after surgery and were associated with lower risk of Alzheimer disease dementia specifically.
SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 6, 2021
HyVIS: Hybrid synapses to treat retinal dystrophies
The HyVIS project is a four-year European initiative that will develop bionic synapses for retinal prostheses, exploiting residual neuronal functionality to restore sensitivity to light. The approach involves plasmonic nanocannals and intelligent polymers to release neurotransmitters in response to light stimuli.
Eye imaging technology breaks through skin by crossing beams
Duke researchers developed a method to increase the depth of view of optical coherence tomography (OCT), allowing for clear images from beyond a millimeter beneath the skin's surface. The new technique, known as dual-axis OCT, tilts the light source and detector to collect more scattered light from deep tissues.
Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers map the cell types of the iris in mice
Researchers genetically mapped the cell types of the mouse iris, revealing four new cell types and mapping genetic changes that occur when the iris dilates. This research may help connect genetic similarities between mice and humans, offering clues for developing new diagnostic tests and treatments for eye diseases.
Morning exposure to deep red light improves declining eyesight
Researchers found that three minutes of morning exposure to 670nm deep red light improved color contrast vision by 17% and the effects lasted for at least a week. The study built on previous findings that daily longwave deep red light exposure boosts energy-producing mitochondria cells in the retina.
CD146 as a promising therapeutic target for retinal and choroidal neovascularization diseases
Researchers found that CD146 expression is linked to retinal neovascularization in laser-induced CNV models. Anti-CD146 therapy showed promise in reducing neovascularization and improving vision outcomes.
WVU gets FDA approval for clinical trial of drug to treat eye cancer ‘from the inside out’
Researchers at West Virginia University have received FDA approval for a new drug to treat uveal melanoma, a rare form of eye cancer. The drug, MTI-201, targets specific biomarkers in diseased cells, allowing for more precise treatment with minimal damage to healthy cells.
Small amounts of carbon monoxide may help protect vision in diabetes
Researchers have discovered that a low-dose oral compound, HBI-002, can safely reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the retina, common causes of diabetic retinopathy. The study suggests that small amounts of carbon monoxide may help protect vision in diabetes patients.
Pivotal international seven-year MiSight® 1 day contact lens study indicates no myopia control rebound in children
A seven-year study by CooperVision indicates that MiSight 1 day contact lenses slow myopia progression without a rebound effect, even after treatment cessation. The lenses demonstrate sustained slowing of myopia progression across different ages and with varying levels of myopia.
New analysis: More US adults identify as disabled; ethnic and socioeconomic disparities persist
A new analysis finds that 67 million US adults identify as disabled, with significant disparities among different socioeconomic and demographic groups. The study highlights the need for accurate data on disability to inform effective policies and solutions.
Blue is the clue to evaluating diabetic retinopathy
Researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University have developed a non-invasive imaging technique using blue light to identify areas affected by diabetic retinopathy. The study found that blue images obtained through multicolor widefield scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO) can reveal hyporeflective areas indicative of damage associa...
SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalAsia-Pacific Journal of Ophthalmology·DateOct 28, 2021
Impaired vision increases risk of depression in midlife women
A new study based on data from SWAN found a significant longitudinal association between mild and moderate to severe vision impairment and subsequent depressive symptoms in midlife women. Early identification and correction of vision problems are crucial for preserving mental and physical health.
AI-powered glaucoma screening test delivers rapid results
A new rapid screening test for glaucoma uses infra-red sensors to monitor eye movement, providing accurate results within seconds. The test could help advance early detection of the disease, a leading cause of irreversible blindness, and make it more accessible for national screening programs.
Bright prospects for OCT at 30
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has significant growth potential across various medical applications, including cardiology and dermatology. Miniaturized OCT systems are expected to revolutionize healthcare with compact, mobile, and cost-effective devices.
SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 21, 2021
Genomic study revealing among diverse populations with inherited retinal disease
A genomic study revealed causative gene variants for inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) in diverse populations, with significant findings for Mexican, Pakistani, and European American participants. The study identified new gene variants and mutations contributing to IRDs, shedding light on disease variation and presentation.
A new treatment for glaucoma?
Researchers developed a new protein treatment that prevents glaucoma from forming in mice and reduces pressure in the eyes. The study provides new targets for therapies and aims to develop an injectable treatment for patients.
Researchers identify protein that prevents serious brain damage, reduces risk of fatal HSV-1 infection
University of Illinois Chicago researchers discovered a function of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2 in an antiviral defense mechanism, limiting HSV-1 virus infection through rapid activation of antiviral immunity. The protein complex protects the host by preventing encephalitis and possible death due to HSV-1 infection.
SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 14, 2021
Laser treatment could significantly improve glaucoma care in Africa, potentially at no extra cost
A Tanzanian study found that laser treatment (SLT) successfully reduced eye pressure to normal levels in 61% of patients after one year, compared to 31% with daily eye drops. SLT may be an affordable alternative for glaucoma care in Africa.
New hope for the treatment of Fukuyama congenital muscular dystrophy
Researchers have created a human disease model of FCMD using stem cells from a patient, which successfully mimicked the disorder's brain defects. The study found that a small compound called Mannan-007 can restore αDG glycosylation and reduce FCMD-related defects.
Toxic DNA buildup in eyes may drive blinding macular degeneration
Researchers have discovered toxic DNA buildup in the eyes of patients with geographic atrophy, a devastating form of age-related macular degeneration. Common HIV drugs or safer alternatives, such as Kamuvudines, may block inflammation and protect against retinal cell death, offering new hope for treatment.
New study suggests that aquaporin could be key to repairing corneal defects
A new study provides evidence supporting the involvement of aquaporins in corneal cell proliferation and nerve regeneration, suggesting AQP5 induction as a potential therapy to accelerate corneal defect resurfacing. The study found that AQP5 deficiency can slow down corneal epithelial repair, but its specific mechanism remained unclear.
TTUHSC technology leads successful clinical trial to treat dry eye disease
A clinical trial conducted by TTUHSC researchers found that corneal epithelial stem cell-derived eye drops significantly improved symptoms of severe dry eye disease, with patients experiencing a 23% improvement in SPEED questionnaire scores and a 17.1% improvement in OSDI scores. No adverse reactions were reported during the 12-week tr...
SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Ophthalmology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 28, 2021
NIH-funded study shows screening device accurately detects amblyopia (lazy eye)
A new handheld screening device has been shown to accurately detect amblyopia (lazy eye) in children, with a sensitivity rate of 100% and specificity rate of 85%. Early detection is key to treating the condition, which can affect school performance and lifelong visual acuity.
SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalJournal of American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus·TypeObservational study·DateSep 27, 2021
Eye conditions linked to heightened risk of dementia
A study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology found that age-related macular degeneration, cataract, and diabetes-related eye disease are independently associated with an increased risk of dementia. In contrast, glaucoma was not linked to Alzheimer's disease but was associated with a higher risk of vascular dementia.
UIC researchers find evidence of possible link between herpes simplex and neurodegenerative diseases
Researchers at University of Illinois Chicago found a potential direct connection between neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), glaucoma, and herpesvirus. The study suggests OPTN protein restricts HSV-1 virus spread in cells.
SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2021
Singapore scientists develop AI-powered system to diagnose glaucoma using eye images
Researchers at Nanyang Technological University and Tan Tock Seng Hospital have developed an AI-powered system to diagnose glaucoma from stereo fundus images, achieving an accuracy of 97% in diagnosing the condition. The automated method could potentially be used in less developed areas where patients lack access to ophthalmologists.
Novel approach reverses amblyopia in animals
A new study demonstrates that temporarily anesthetizing the retina of the non-amblyopic eye can lastingly improve vision in the amblyopic eye even after the critical period. The approach has shown promising results in two different mammal species, offering a potential pathway for a new and more effective treatment for amblyopia.