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Mount Sinai researchers first to identify that two separate eye diseases may contribute to common blinding eye condition

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.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalEye·TypeObservational study·DateJan 9, 2023

Casting light on, and through, your eyelids

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University found that closed-eye perception of brightness is remarkably stronger than previously reported, with values up to 10 times higher. The color of the light also affects perception, with red being perceived as brighter and blue as darker.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalColor Research & Application·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2022

Inequities, research gaps in ophthalmology

A review of 75 publications found significant knowledge gaps on health inequities affecting the LGBTQ+ community and minority groups, including American Indian and Alaska Native individuals. The study emphasizes the importance of investigating barriers to clinical studies and medical trainee recruitment in under-resourced areas.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateDec 8, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Recent papers in ACS Polymers Au

Machine learning is being explored as a tool to speed up the identification of biomaterials. Researchers have also developed a guide on how to incorporate ML into research programs. Additionally, studies have investigated ways to model polymers at multiple scales and created a self-healing hydrogel for sustained release of medications.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Polymers Au·DateDec 5, 2022

One of two widely used macular degeneration drugs outperforming other at weaning patients off treatment at one year, preliminary study shows

A pilot study found that nearly half of patients treated with aflibercept could safely stop eye injections without vision loss, while only 17% of those on bevacizumab were able to do so. The findings suggest that matching patients with the right therapy may reduce the need for lifelong treatment.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 30, 2022

Risk of heart disease can be predicted with simple eye test through artificial intelligence algorithm, research involving London's Kingston University finds

A new study using artificial intelligence has found that a simple eye test can accurately predict the risk of heart disease. The researchers developed an algorithm that can analyze retinal images to assess cardiovascular health, providing a non-invasive alternative to traditional risk scores.

SourceKingston University·JournalBritish Journal of Ophthalmology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 24, 2022
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Blinding eye disease strongly associated with serious forms of cardiovascular disease

A new study from Mount Sinai Hospital finds a strong association between age-related macular degeneration and severe forms of heart disease, including heart failure, heart attacks, and stroke. The study highlights the importance of increased screening for eye disorders to diagnose undetected heart disease.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalBMJ Open Ophthalmology·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 17, 2022

Eye care research informs major WHO report

A new study reveals less than half of people over 50 worldwide have received spectacles or contact lenses needed to correct refractive error. The World Health Organisation aims to increase treatment coverage by 40 percentage points by 2030.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 11, 2022
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Gene therapy rapidly improves night vision in adults with congenital blindness

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have developed a gene therapy that rapidly restores night vision in adults with LCA, a common form of congenital blindness. The treatment has been shown to improve rod-based visual functions and correct severe visual deficits in patients.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournaliScience·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 10, 2022

Reusable contact lenses more than triple risk of rare preventable eye infection

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.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalOphthalmology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 22, 2022
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

‘Digital mask’ could protect patients’ privacy in medical records

A team of scientists created a digital mask that can erase identifiable features from facial images while retaining disease-relevant information, allowing for precise diagnosis and reducing the risk of data breaches. The study found that patients are more willing to share their medical data if such a measure is implemented.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 15, 2022

Study raises red flags about corporatization of health care, OHSU investigator says

A recent study found that private equity firms acquiring physician-owned medical practices increase patient volume and billing for visits, raising concerns about the corporatization of healthcare. The study examined 578 physician practices acquired by private equity firms between 2016 and 2020.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 2, 2022
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

New diagnostic option for rare eye disease

Researchers at the University of Bonn have tested color-coded fundus autofluorescence as a supportive novel diagnostic method for posterior uveitis. The results indicate that this ratio can be very characteristic and helpful in differentiating various posterior uveitis subtypes.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 29, 2022

Gene therapy for completely colorblind children partly restores cone function

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.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalBrain·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2022

Comparing home- and clinic-based visual acuity testing

Visual acuity testing at home and in a clinical setting have been compared for their accuracy and feasibility. The study found that both methods produced similar results, but the home-based test was faster and more convenient.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateAug 18, 2022
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

High-tech imaging offers new way to detect signs of early glaucoma

Researchers developed a non-invasive ocular imaging method to detect flavoprotein fluorescence in the eye, indicating mitochondrial oxidative stress. This technique may predict glaucoma progression earlier than current methods, with similar sensitivity to visual field changes.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalOphthalmology Glaucoma·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 2, 2022

Progress toward a stem cell–based therapy for blindness

A new study successfully introduces healthy photoreceptor cells derived from stem cells into the retinas of dogs, marking significant progress toward a cell-based therapy for blindness. The treatment enables cells to survive and form connections with existing retinal cells, paving the way for a regenerative medicine approach.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalStem Cell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2022

High-tech imaging reveals details about rare eye disorder

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.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·TypeObservational study·DateJul 28, 2022

Black patients found six times more likely to have advanced vision loss after glaucoma diagnosis than white patients

A new study found that Black patients are six times more likely to have advanced vision loss after a glaucoma diagnosis, highlighting the need for early eye screening in this population. The research analyzed nearly 210,000 participants and used artificial intelligence to identify visual field loss patterns.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalTranslational Vision Science & Technology·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 25, 2022
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Assaults with paintball guns cause more serious eye injuries than previously known, new study reports

A new study published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology found that paintball gun assaults can cause vision-threatening emergencies, including ruptured globes and permanent blindness. The research revealed a significantly higher rate of severe eye injuries than previously known, with some patients requiring multiple surgeries.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Ophthalmology·DateJul 13, 2022

Blinding eye disease is strongly associated with heart disease and stroke

A study found that patients with a specific form of age-related macular degeneration are at significant risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke. Researchers discovered a strong association between the disorder's subretinal drusenoid deposits and high-risk vascular diseases.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalRetina·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 12, 2022

Prevalence of vision loss, blindness in US at the county level

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateJul 7, 2022

A novel therapy using unique thermogel prevents retinal scarring

Researchers at A*STAR's Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology developed a bio-functional thermogel that prevents retinal scarring in pre-clinical models. The thermogel modulates cellular behavior to prevent scar membrane formation, offering a novel therapy for proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalNature·DateJul 4, 2022
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Drug treatment for cataracts moves a step closer

A team of scientists led by Professor Barbara Pierscionek has made significant progress in developing an anti-cataract drug. Lab trials showed improvement in refractive index profiles and lens opacity in 61% and 46% of cases, respectively.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 16, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

U.S. insurance claims show strong link between ED medications and vision problems

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).

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 7, 2022

New UCI-led study lays foundation for establishing base editing as a one-time, durable treatment for inherited retinal degeneration

A new UCI-led study indicates base editing has tremendous potential to treat inherited retinal degeneration, particularly in Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) patients. The treatment rescued cone photoreceptors on a long-term basis, suggesting a one-time, durable treatment for LCA patients.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 5, 2022
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Validation of home visual acuity tests for telehealth

Researchers validated at-home visual acuity tests to measure eye health in telehealth settings, improving accessibility and reducing reliance on in-office appointments. The study found that these home tests were comparable to in-office measurements, demonstrating their potential as a reliable tool for remote eye exams.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateMar 31, 2022

The ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine Presents Four Next Generation Fellowship Awards at the 2022 ACMG Annual Clinical Genetics Meeting

The ACMG Foundation presented four Next Generation Fellowship Awards to outstanding individuals in medical genetics and genomics. Ibrahim Elsharkawi and Jessica Priestley received the awards for their dedication to biochemical genetics, with support from Bionano Genomics, Spark Therapeutics, Takeda, Sanofi-Genzyme, and Pfizer.

SourceAmerican College of Medical Genetics and Genomics·DateMar 23, 2022

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

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

Shoulder injury a rare potential side effect of vaccination

A retrospective cohort study found that shoulder injuries occurred in fewer than 1 in 10,000 patients who received intramuscular vaccinations administered in the deltoid muscle. Researchers also identified risk factors for developing shoulder conditions, including advanced age, female sex, and receiving pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 21, 2022
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateMar 10, 2022

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

Protein protects brain cells most impacted by glaucoma

Researchers have discovered that sigma 1 receptor plays a crucial role in protecting retinal ganglion cells from damage in glaucoma. The protein enables astrocytes to secrete supportive factors for neurons, improving their survival and function.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateMar 1, 2022
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Progression of nearsightedness in young adults

A recent study investigated the progression of nearsightedness in nearly 700 young adults, aged 20-28. The findings indicate a significant increase in myopia among this age group, with a substantial impact on their daily lives and vision health.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateJan 6, 2022
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Pathway to better eye health runs through the gut

Phoebe Lin's research establishes a gut-eye association in animal models, finding that certain interventions can enhance Tregs and decrease eye inflammation. Her five-year grant will investigate how intestinal microbes and the immune system can be rebalanced to treat uveitis.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·DateDec 22, 2021

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.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateDec 15, 2021
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Warning signs of sight loss could be identified before vision deteriorates

Researchers have found that people with genetic risk factors for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) have thinner retinas and photoreceptors, even if they haven't yet lost their sight. This early detection could lead to earlier treatment and lifestyle changes to prevent vision loss.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 9, 2021

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.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateNov 24, 2021

Association of COVID-19 public health measures with incidence of pink eye

A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that COVID-19 public health measures, such as social distancing and travel restrictions, were associated with a decrease in pink eye emergency department visits. The findings suggest these measures may have helped reduce the spread of infectious conjunctivitis.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateNov 18, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.