Napoleone Ferrara, MD, has been awarded the 2026 Yergin Family International Prize for Biomedical Research for his discovery of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a molecule that plays a key role in abnormal blood vessel growth in cancer and blinding eye diseases. His research led to the development of treatments that have bene...
A new clinical practice guideline aims to standardize the identification and management of infants at increased risk for cerebral visual impairment (CVI). The guideline recommends comprehensive ophthalmologic evaluation and referral to developmental services within the first six months of life to access interventions as early as possible.
A study of 955 adults with diagnosed eye conditions found that nearly 19% reported receiving or encountering treatments they believed to be 'bogus'. The survey highlights the importance of clear and evidence-based communication between clinicians and patients in navigating the complex environment of health information and commercial tr...
Researchers have found that an oral medication called Danegaptide can protect against vision-threatening damage in Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR), a leading cause of blindness in working-age adults. The study highlights a new therapeutic approach that could replace or complement frequent, invasive eye injections for mill...
The summit explores the intersection of AI, eye care, and public health, with a focus on artificial intelligence, oculomics, population health, and myopia management. The event brings together leaders from healthcare, technology, and optometry to discuss innovative approaches to improve eye health and expand access to care.
SUNY Optometry has established the nation's first SUNY Eye Biobank, a shared research resource to advance the study of age-related neurological and visual disorders. The biobank will support research into the relationship between the eye, brain, and age-related disease.
A team at the Hôpital ophtalmique Jules-Gonin recorded the retina's spontaneous electrical activity in patients with retinitis pigmentosa, revealing abnormal rhythms. The findings suggest that the retina is not as silent as previously thought and that measuring its activity could help guide sight-restoring therapies. The study's result...
The latest figures from the European Registry of Quality Outcomes for Cataract and Refractive Surgery show significant improvements in safety and efficacy, with complications such as posterior capsule rupture occurring at a low rate. The registry has recorded nearly five million cataract surgeries, with the most common procedure being ...
A large study found that people exposed to higher levels of air pollution face a higher risk of developing glaucoma and cataract. The study suggests that fine particulate matter is a key contributor to these risks, and that reducing air pollution can help prevent these eye diseases.
A study investigated the effects of space exposure on intraocular lenses and surgical equipment, finding that most lenses showed no notable damage after a six-month orbital journey. The research aims to develop better packaging, shielding, and material selection strategies for space missions, as the cost of sending equipment to space i...
A simple perception test using standard eye testing equipment can accurately predict the success of laser surgery for age-related vision loss. The test identified 1.66% of patients who were not suitable for the treatment, while 96.9% successfully adapted to their laser blended vision.
A study among young women with regular eyelash extensions found most had Demodex folliculorum skin mites, causing eye irritation and blocked meibomian glands. Simple hygiene steps and proper treatment can mitigate these issues, the researchers advise.
Researchers at Kyushu University found a new molecular pathway that explains why intraocular pressure increases at night. Norepinephrine increases RHOB in the eye's drainage system, weakening its
Uwe Wolfrum's research on Usher syndrome aims to prevent vision loss in patients with the disorder. His team uses human retinal organoids and pig models to investigate the molecular mechanisms of the disease, paving the way for gene-based therapies.
A study reveals systemic lipid metabolic rewiring in Bietti's crystalline dystrophy, with patients showing distinct plasma lipid signatures and compensatory metabolic network changes. The research also identifies potential blood-based biomarkers for disease monitoring and treatment safety.
Researchers developed a collagen scaffold to deliver stem cells to treat ARK, a progressive eye condition causing profound visual loss. After three months, treated eyes showed significant improvement in vision, with an average ETDRS score increase of 24 letters.
A three-year study found that posterior scleral reinforcement slowed macular fundus tessellation and preserved subfoveal choroidal thickness in children with progressive high myopia. The researchers suggest that PSR may help delay early myopic maculopathy-related changes, possibly through mechanisms beyond axial elongation.
A study found a significant decrease in postoperative endophthalmitis rates after implementing a multifaceted surgical safety culture intervention, from 0.038% to 0.013%. The rate dropped by 64.4% among patients undergoing inpatient ophthalmic surgery.
Researchers tested cortisone eye drops to slow ROP progression in 100 premature babies. The intervention reduced treatment-requiring ROP by 47% compared to placebo.
Researchers developed a prototype imaging system that can simultaneously track the cornea's mechanical response at nine locations, allowing for more accurate assessment of corneal biomechanics. This technology has the potential to improve early detection and monitoring of disorders like keratoconus.
A nationwide analysis of over 18 million patients found a 30% higher risk of developing retinal vascular disease in the month following the spring clock change, while a 20% lower risk was observed in the fall. The study suggests that gaining an hour of sleep may be protective against disease risk.
Scientists have identified a previously unknown waste drainage system at the back of the eye, called the posterior ocular lymphatic outflow, or POLO pathway. This discovery provides a new framework for understanding leading causes of blindness and opens opportunities for harnessing this system to treat disease.
A researcher at the University of Minnesota Medical School has been awarded a $3.7 million NIH grant to develop robust AI models for primary open-angle glaucoma prognosis. The project aims to improve patient outcomes by identifying patients at high risk of vision loss earlier and more accurately.
A new class of photoswitchable small molecule drugs has been developed to restore key visual functions in animal models of blindness. These compounds mimic the function of photoreceptor cells and show remarkable effectiveness at restoring sight using a simple and potentially patient-friendly approach.
Researchers found a slight association between GLP-1 medications and ischemic optic neuropathy, a condition causing reduced blood flow to the optic nerve. The risk remains low, but clinicians should be aware of this potential association, particularly in patients with Type 2 diabetes.
Dr. Lisa Ostrin and Dr. Sayan Ghosh join SUNY Optometry to expand expertise in myopia, ocular development, and age-related macular degeneration. Their research aims to improve patient care, public health, and vision science.
A multicenter study found that patients with irregular corneas achieved significant visual acuity improvements after wearing a four-zone scleral lens for three months. The lenses showed encouraging fitting efficiency and patient comfort, with minimal adverse events reported.
A new study published in Ophthalmology Science has confirmed that The CVI Range Assessment is a valid and reliable instrument for evaluating functional vision in children with Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI). This finding provides evidence that the widely used assessment meets rigorous clinical and psychometric standards, offering a s...
A study from Linköping University finds that mild COVID-19 can lead to long-term eye problems, including abnormal pupil function and strabismus, affecting daily life. Researchers developed a diagnostic model to detect these issues, which may lead to effective treatment.
SUNY Optometry is expanding its research in oculomics with a $434,522 grant from the SUNY Empire Innovation Program. The funding will support the recruitment of a new faculty researcher, advancing the field's connection between vision science and systemic health.
The STOC-T technology resolves optical noise in eye imaging by fundamentally changing the way imaging data is collected, resulting in sharper images and improved diagnostic accuracy. This new approach addresses the problem earlier, before image construction, rather than relying on post-processing algorithms.
A recent study published in Eye Discovery evaluated the early visual quality after KLEx surgery using the VISUMAX 800 platform. The study found excellent safety and efficacy outcomes, with most subjective visual symptoms improving over time. However, glare symptoms persisted longer than expected, highlighting the need for preoperative ...
Using a massage gun on or around the eyes can cause major tearing and bruising to the retina, warns a recent case report. The device's rising popularity highlights the need for clearer manufacturer guidelines and standardised use instructions to prevent such injuries.
A University of Minnesota Medical School research team has been awarded a 4-year, $2.2 million grant to better understand the underlying causes of retinal diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and develop new treatments. The focus is on fibulin-3, an extracellular matrix protein that causes blinding eye diseases.
A nationwide population-based study found that individuals with neovascular age-related macular degeneration had a modest but statistically significant increase in overall cancer risk. However, the increased risk was only observed for specific malignancies, including thyroid, kidney, and prostate cancers.
A pediatric ophthalmologist is leading a $1 million NIH grant to study the genetics of cataracts in children. The goal is to develop a comprehensive AI-assisted database of genes associated with potential diseases.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine found that an AI-assisted diagnostic tool increased referrals for African American patients with diabetes, resulting in more people receiving necessary eye exams. The study suggests that integrating such tools could help address healthcare disparities in underserved populations.
A new set of consensus standards for classification, annotation, and quality control is being implemented for artificial intelligence applications in dry eye imaging. These standards aim to enhance consistency and multicenter collaboration in AI-assisted diagnosis.
Odylia Therapeutics is advancing a gene therapy treatment for Usher Syndrome Type 1C (USH1C)-associated vision loss, a rare autosomal recessive disorder. The grant will support the development of an investigational USH1C gene therapy designed to restore or preserve vision.
A major new study has found that severe asthma patients are often battling other health conditions, with nearly all suffering from at least one major issue. The study identified three distinct profiles linked to how well asthma is controlled and the treatments needed, offering potential breakthroughs for improving care.
The article discusses how AI is unlocking hidden potential in multimodal ophthalmic datasets, enabling high-precision screening and early detection of eye diseases. It highlights the integration of various imaging modalities and non-imaging data types to provide a comprehensive diagnostic framework.
The study utilizes high-sensitivity LC-MS to quantify TCA cycle intermediates in mouse ocular tissues, revealing dual differences in metabolic characteristics based on spatial distribution and biological sex. Key findings include tissue-specific metabolic phenotypes and sexual dimorphism of metabolic profiles.
A major international study has identified a genetic contributor to juvenile glaucoma, which can affect people before the age of 40. The study found that individuals with a specific genetic duplication have an increased risk of developing the condition, and may benefit from routine testing.
A new study published in Eye and Vision finds that one drop of low-dose atropine can produce daylong effects in managing myopia. The researchers found that the drop showed clear changes in pupil size and focusing ability, but no short-term structural effects on the eye.
A Tohoku University research group developed an AI model that estimates retinal age from a fundus photograph, reflecting biological aging and potential disease risk. The model is non-invasive and can be used as a screening aid, identifying patients who may need further health assessments.
Researchers developed MitoCatch, a system that targets disease-affected cells with healthy mitochondria. The innovation enables efficient cell type-specific mitochondrial delivery, improving survival of damaged neurons in vitro and retinal ganglion cells in vivo.
A study by the University of Turku reveals that assistance dogs actively contribute to their human's care through continuous interpretation and trust. They anticipate health status, provide mobility assistance, and offer emotional support in ways that humans cannot.
Researchers at Binghamton University have created a talking robot guide dog system that determines ideal routes and guides visually impaired users safely to their destinations. The system offers real-time verbal feedback and provides situational awareness, significantly enhancing the user experience.
Researchers linked neural activity to blind individuals' ability to determine object location using echolocation. Accuracy improved with repeated mouth clicks, suggesting a summation of information in the brain.
A new portable AI-powered scanning slit-light device makes low-cost eye disease screening more accessible, providing quantitative measurements and qualitative assessments of anterior-segment abnormalities. The lightweight AI model allows for on-device analysis, reducing operator dependence and improving portability.
A retrospective cohort study in primary care found that patients with floaters or flashes have a higher risk of retinal detachment. The study, published in the Annals of Family Medicine, analyzed data from 1,181 episodes and found that new or recently changed acute floaters were associated with a higher relative risk.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine develop an experimental 'living eye drop' using naturally occurring eye bacteria to accelerate corneal wound healing. The engineered bacteria, Corynebacterium mastitidis, continuously secrete interleukin-10, a protein that regulates inflammation.
A University of Houston optometry researcher warns of the dangers of red-light laser myopia therapy for children, citing vision damage reports and the need for rigorous safety validation. The professor's quality improvement study found that two popular devices exceeded national standards for safety classifications.
A study published in Cornea reveals that aniridia not only alters corneal structure but also affects sensory nerve function, leading to a progressive decline in corneal sensitivity. In adulthood, patients experience difficulty distinguishing stimulus intensity and reduced tear production, compromising eye defense mechanisms.
A new study proposes that myopia is driven by how we use our eyes indoors, with prolonged close-up focus in low-light environments limiting retinal illumination. This mechanism could lead to a paradigm shift in understanding and controlling myopia progression and control.
Research reveals a strong association between telomere length and age-related cataract risk, with longer telomeres linked to lower cataract incidence and milder lens opacity. The study's findings position telomere length as a biological indicator of systemic aging processes and visual health.
Researchers found that patients with substance use disorder received life-saving treatments only when addiction consult services were involved. Fentanyl use was associated with dramatically worse visual outcomes, highlighting the importance of addressing underlying conditions alongside acute medical problems.
A blind patient partially recovered natural vision through electrical stimulation of the visual cortex, independent of the implant. The recovery was sustained over time and remained even after the device was removed, suggesting individual factors may have contributed to this outcome.
Researchers found metformin reduces progression of AMD by 37% in people over 55 years, a breakthrough in search for new treatments. The study used pictures from 2,000 eye screenings and adjusted for factors like age, sex, and duration of diabetes.
Researchers used MRI analysis to measure glymphatic system activity, finding changes related to IIH stage and pressure levels. The findings suggest a noninvasive test could diagnose IIH more reliably, improving treatment options for patients with symptoms including headaches and vision loss.