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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.

SourceRIKEN·JournaliScience·DateJan 25, 2022

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

Mount Sinai ophthalmologists develop new technique to assess progression of sickle cell retinopathy

Researchers used OCT angiography to image patients with sickle cell retinopathy and found that sequential imaging can help assess disease progression and treatment effectiveness. The study showed that untreated patients had more flickering blood vessels, indicating a higher risk of permanent blockage.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateMay 10, 2021

OCT-based technique captures subtle details of photoreceptor function

Researchers developed a new instrument to measure tiny light-evoked deformations in individual rods and cones, offering potential for earlier detection of retinal diseases. The system combines high-speed OCT imaging with adaptive optics technology to capture photoreceptor responses, paving the way for improved diagnosis and treatment.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateAug 18, 2020

Study examines survival of very low birthweight babies

A new study published in Acta Paediatrica indicates that survival rates for babies born weighing 500g are alarmingly low. Short-term morbidity is prevalent among surviving infants, with retinopathy of prematurity and chronic lung disease being common issues.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Paediatrica·DateSep 27, 2017

Reproducing a retinal disease on a chip

Scientists developed an organ-on-a-chip model that mimics human retinal cells and vascular endothelial cells. The model replicates neovascularization in wet-type age-related macular degeneration, offering a potential alternative to animal models for disease modeling and drug screening.

SourceTohoku University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 14, 2017

Steroid treatment in very low birth weight infants may contribute to vision problems

A new study published in the Journal of AAPOS found a modest but significantly increased risk of retinopathy in very premature infants who received steroid treatment. The study analyzed data from 1,472 neonates and found that steroid-treated infants had a higher incidence of ROP than untreated infants.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus·DateAug 16, 2016

New research could lead to restoring vision for sufferers of retinal disorders

Researchers have demonstrated that retinal cells carry out key processing tasks, paving the way for improved retinal implants and potentially restoring vision to those with macular degeneration. This breakthrough could significantly improve artificial retinas and enhance the sight of thousands affected by age-related macular degeneration.

Beating blindness with vegetable oil

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.

SourceCanadian Science Publishing·JournalCanadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology·DateAug 15, 2013

Drug therapy shows significant benefit in treating a leading cause of childhood blindness

A new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that intravitreal bevacizumab significantly reduces the recurrence rate of retinopathy of prematurity in premature infants. The drug therapy also appears to preserve vision better than conventional laser treatment, with no need for intubation and a faster recovery.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 16, 2011

New inherited eye disease discovered

Researchers at the University of Iowa have found a new inherited retinal disease affecting the macula, which is an area critical for central vision. The disease causes abnormal blood vessels to form, leading to swelling or scars that can blur parts of the visual field.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalArchives of Ophthalmology·DateDec 11, 2009

Interferon-treated hepatitis C patients likely to experience retinopathy

A new study found that 61% of chronic hepatitis C patients treated with Interferon developed asymptomatic retinopathy, including retinal hemorrhage and cotton-wool spots. The condition was associated with increased blood velocity and endothelial dysfunction, highlighting the importance of monitoring patients during treatment.

SourceAssociation for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateJan 3, 2007