Articles tagged with Vision Disorders
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed new diagnostic tools using artificial intelligence (AI) to help identify myopic maculopathy, a serious eye condition. The AI-powered systems can analyze retinal images and predict the correct classification of the disease, enabling more accurate treatment recommendations.
A case report describes a woman who experienced bilateral blurry vision after using hair dye with aromatic amines. The incident highlights the potential risk of retinopathy associated with certain hair dyes.
Researchers have introduced DSFN to improve the speed and accuracy of diagnoses of retinal disorders. This AI-powered medical imaging technique combines retina images with vascular distribution information to accurately locate the fovea in complex clinical scenarios, enabling doctors to detect early signs of ocular diseases.
A study published in Neuron reveals that neurons are wired to connect seemingly unrelated concepts, enhancing the brain's ability to predict what we see based on past experiences. Visual experience influences the organisation of feedback projections, which store information about the world.
Researchers at UCL and Moorfields Eye Hospital have identified biomarkers that predict which patients with glaucoma are at higher risk of continued vision loss despite conventional treatment. Mitochondrial function in white blood cells is lower in people with glaucoma, leading to faster vision loss.
A new AI model has been developed to improve clinical trial recruitment for eye disease, specifically Geographic Atrophy. The system identified almost twice as many candidates and with higher precision compared to conventional approaches, showing promise for overcoming a major obstacle in GA clinical trials.
Researchers have found a pioneering approach to combat age-related vision loss with a new therapy that boosts IRAK-M levels in retinal cells. The discovery offers a comprehensive treatment option for the millions of people affected by AMD.
Researchers at the University of East Anglia have developed a novel resin for 3D printing intraocular devices, offering unprecedented levels of customization and design precision. This innovation has potential to enhance eye care globally with tailored lenses, faster production, and cost reduction.
A team of researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University developed a novel kind of optical coherence tomography (OCT) to investigate the detailed structure of the sclera in living patients. They found that the sclera is divided into inner and outer layers with different structural arrangements, which can provide important insight...
Researchers identified a spectrum of effects on sodium channel function due to SCN2A variants, with hyperactive channels linked to early seizure onset and underactive channels associated with autism. The study provides insights into the relationship between genetic changes, disease severity, and age of seizure onset.
A study led by the University of Cambridge found that AI models like GPT-4 outperformed doctors in diagnosing and treating eye problems. The researchers suggest using AI for triaging patients and providing advice in well-controlled contexts, where access to specialist healthcare professionals is limited.
A groundbreaking study reveals that targeting cholesterol metabolism can mitigate Zika virus-induced ocular pathology, offering promising therapeutic strategies. Researchers identified ABCG1 and SREBP-2 as key players in the pathway, and treatments with LXR agonists or SREBP-2 inhibitors showed promise in animal models.
A new AI technology has been developed to detect severe cases of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) with 100% accuracy. The system analyzes retinal images and can identify blood vessel anomalies, enabling early treatment and potentially saving sight for thousands of premature infants globally.
The latest American Psychiatric Association journals feature new treatments across the lifespan for anxiety, depression, and substance use disorder. The March issue of The American Journal of Psychiatry highlights several studies with these findings.
Researchers at the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience have developed an open-source visual prosthesis simulator to explore the potential of brain-computer interfaces. The simulator allows users to test simulated phosphene vision, which can help bridge the gap between hardware limitations and desired functionalities.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement offers the latest knowledge on neurodevelopmental outcomes in people of all ages with congenital heart disease. The statement highlights that neurodevelopmental difficulties are common complications faced by individuals with congenital heart disease, affecting their ability to funct...
The study reveals that the superior colliculus is vital in the transition from seeing individual flashes to smooth motion, and may be a key component in creating the continuity illusion. Different methods of measuring the Flicker Fusion Frequency threshold suggest other parts of the brain also play a role in this process.
A recent study found that home environment features, particularly lighting, influence home activity metrics in older adults with visual impairment. The results suggest that home modifications may improve at-home physical activity, highlighting the importance of considering environmental factors in promoting health and mobility.
The latest APA journals issue highlights new developments in understanding and treating opioid and cannabis use disorders. The focus also includes trends in telepsychiatry and emerging topics in reproductive psychiatry.
Researchers used fMRI to assess brain responses to lights stimulating only cone cells in dogs with different types of retinal diseases. The study found that gene augmentation therapy restored response in cortex to black and white stimulation, making this disease a promising one for photoreceptor cell replacement treatment.
A Kessler Foundation study found that spatial neglect affects a substantial percentage of people with traumatic brain injury, with an incidence rate of 38% post-TBI. The study also revealed that right brain damage is more likely to result in spatial neglect, highlighting the need for timely treatment and screening guidelines.
A NSF-funded project, MABLE, is developing a digital app using crowdsensing, AI, and robotics to empower individuals with responsive maps and turn-by-turn instructions. The app aims to improve accessibility and navigation for persons with visual or mobility impairments, such as those with low vision and wheelchair users.
Researchers developed a machine-learning model to predict the risk of visual impairment in people with severe shortsightedness. The study used a dataset of 967 Japanese patients and found that the logistic regression-based model performed well at predicting visual impairment at 5 years.
Researchers found that whole-word errors are influenced by egocentric position, while unilateral paralexias are not. A failure of selective attention also contributes to whole-word intrusion errors. The findings suggest different rehabilitative approaches are needed for each type of error.
Research published in The American Journal of Psychiatry finds that cannabis use disorder is disproportionately increasing among veterans with psychiatric disorders, particularly those with more severe mental health conditions. The study suggests that factors like increased legalization and potency may contribute to this trend.
The latest APA journal issues provide new insights into psychotic disorders, including altered neurodevelopment and early symptoms associated with schizophrenia risk. The issues also highlight racial disparities in diagnosis and predictors of first psychotic episodes. Psychiatric Services features research on barriers to addiction trea...
Researchers developed smart glasses with an acoustic touch feature similar to human echolocation. The technology enables blind or low-visioned individuals to recognize and reach objects.
Researchers developed 'acoustic touch' smart glasses that translate visual information into distinct sound icons, enhancing the ability of blind or low-vision individuals to navigate their surroundings. The technology significantly improved object recognition and reaching abilities, empowering independence and quality of life.
A new study finds that US state and territory COVID-19 websites do not meet accessibility standards, making it difficult for visually impaired individuals to access critical health information. The researchers identified a range of accessibility problems, including incompatibility with screen readers and limited contrast.
Scientists developed computational eye models to help patients and surgeons select ideal intraocular lenses and predict visual outcomes. The technology uses anatomical information of the patient's eye to provide guidance on expected optical quality post-operatively.
Researchers developed an AI foundation model for eye care that can identify sight-threatening eye diseases and predict general health. The model, RETFound, was trained on millions of eye scans from the NHS and outperforms existing state-of-the-art AI systems across complex clinical tasks.
A team of UC Irvine scientists discovered a llama-derived antibody called a nanobody that can halt Rhodopsin's misfolding and activation, potentially treating Retinitis Pigmentosa. This breakthrough offers new hope for targeting gene therapies for the condition.
A new project by JooYoung Seo at the University of Illinois School of Information Sciences aims to make data curation more accessible for everyone, regardless of abilities. The three-year grant will connect multimodal data representation with day-to-day reproducible workflows, enriching understanding and offering multiple perspectives.
Researchers found that rodents exposed to light for the first time in adulthood showed significant plasticity in their brains, challenging previous beliefs about adult brain rigidity. After a month, their brains looked similar to those of healthy controls, with organized visual responses and smaller receptive fields.
In 2021, 9.6 million Americans had diabetic retinopathy and 1.84 million had vision-threatening forms. The number of people living with diabetes-related eye disease has grown since the last prevalence estimate in 2004.
New data show that individuals with visual disabilities slowly recovered employment after the COVID-19 lockdown, but at varying rates depending on their level of disability. The recovery was impacted by safety concerns and access to vaccines, according to experts.
A deep learning AI model has been developed to screen for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in infants at risk of blindness. The tool was trained on images of newborns and found to be as effective as senior paediatric ophthalmologists in discriminating normal retinal images from those with ROP that could lead to blindness.
A large study of over 3 million patients receiving the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine found extremely rare cases of retinal vascular occlusion. The researchers concluded that there is no evidence suggesting an association between the vaccine and newly diagnosed RVO, rates similar to those of other vaccinations.
Researchers generated a POLDIP2 knockout ARPE-19 cell line and found reduced mitochondrial superoxide levels, consistent with upregulated SOD2. The study demonstrates a potential role of POLDIP2 in regulating oxidative stress in AMD.
Researchers developed a new form of omega-3 fatty acid DHA that can cross into the retina, increasing retinal DHA content and preserving function. This approach overcomes previous barriers and shows promise for preventing Alzheimer's-related declines in visual function.
A Dartmouth study found that COVID-19 can cause 'prosopagnosia,' or face blindness, and impairments in navigational abilities. Researchers worked with a patient who experienced difficulty recognizing faces and navigating, leading to dissociation between face recognition and cognitive map representation.
A research team led by Dr. Eddie Ma Chi-him identified a therapeutic small molecule M1 that increases mitochondrial dynamics and sustains long-distance axon regeneration, restoring visual functions in mice. Regenerated axons elicited neural activities and survived for four weeks after optic nerve injury.
Mount Sinai researchers discovered that age-related macular degeneration (AMD) may be caused by two distinct types of deposits in the retina: drusen and subretinal drusenoid deposits (SDDs). Early intervention with vitamin supplements can slow down drusen formation, while SDDs pose a greater threat to advanced AMD.
Scientists have created eye tissue using patient stem cells and 3D bioprinting, providing a model for studying the genesis of age-related macular degeneration. The printed tissue exhibited patterns of early AMD, including drusen deposits and progression to late dry stage AMD.
Researchers discovered a genetic mutation in the THBS1 gene linked to severe childhood glaucoma, which may improve disease screening and treatment. The finding could lead to earlier diagnosis and more targeted therapies for children at risk.
A recent study has found that people who wear reusable contact lenses are nearly four times as likely to develop a rare sight-threatening eye infection. The study identified multiple factors that increase the risk of Acanthamoeba keratitis, including reusing lenses or wearing them overnight or in the shower.
Adolescent children from marginalized backgrounds exhibit poorer subjective visual function and worse objective visual acuity testing outcomes. These racial and socioeconomic disparities are concerning indicators of potential long-term vision problems.
Researchers have developed a gene therapy that rescues cilia defects in retinal cells affected by Leber congenital amaurosis, a disease causing blindness in early childhood. The therapy restores opsin protein concentration in photoreceptor outer segments, suggesting functional NPHP5 may stabilize the primary cilium gate.
A new study has partly restored the function of retina's cone receptors in two completely colorblind children using gene therapy. The treatment has been shown to activate previously dormant communication pathways between the retina and brain, drawing on the plastic nature of the developing adolescent brain.
A bioengineered cornea made from collagen protein can restore vision in people with diseased corneas, offering an alternative to donated human corneas. The implant has been shown to be safe and effective in a pilot study, with patients regaining perfect vision after two years.
Adults with vision or hearing disabilities have lower COVID-19 vaccination rates compared to those without disabilities. The study suggests that initiatives promoting equitable and accessible vaccination may be necessary to address these disparities.
A recent study highlights uncomfortable social situations people with blindness face, as well as strategies they use to navigate them. Researchers found techniques for avoiding awkward encounters, recovering from them, and even constructive ways allies can support individuals with visual impairment.
Researchers used multimodal adaptive optics imaging to study photoreceptor and retinal pigment epithelium relationships in eyes with vitelliform macular dystrophy. The study provides valuable insights for developing new therapies to treat this rare eye disorder.
The study found a positive correlation between poverty levels and the prevalence of vision loss or blindness at the county level. Poverty was associated with a higher risk of visual impairment, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address this issue.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 16 studies involving 76,373 participants found a significant association between visual impairment and cognitive decline in older adults. The study highlights the need for further research on the effectiveness of treating sight problems to prevent cognitive impairment and dementia.
The USPSTF concludes that there is not enough evidence to support regular screening for impaired visual acuity in older adults. This recommendation applies to asymptomatic adults over 65 who do not have known vision problems. The number of affected adults is estimated at 2.9 million in 2015.
A recent study published in JAMA Ophthalmology analyzed the incidence of vision loss caused by retinal vein or artery blockage in 430,000 patients after a COVID-19 infection diagnosis. The research suggests that COVID-19 may be associated with an increased risk of this condition.
Research by Sightsavers and others estimates that blind people are nearly four times as likely to experience anxiety and depression as those with no vision impairment. The study highlights the need for governments and organizations to be aware of this issue and design health services to address it.
A large US study confirms a strong link between ED medications and vision problems, including an 85% increased risk of developing serious eye conditions. Regular use of Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, or Stendra may lead to side effects such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinal vein occlusion (RVO).
A cohort study found an increased risk of serous retinal detachment, retinal vascular occlusion, and ischemic optic neuropathy among men taking phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. The study suggests a potential link between erectile dysfunction medication use and vision impairment.