Articles tagged with Ophthalmology
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.
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.
Researchers developed an AI algorithm to assess retinal vasculature, predicting cardiovascular disease and death. The model captured half to two-thirds of circulatory disease deaths in those most at risk, outperforming traditional risk frameworks.
Researchers found that cataract surgery patients experienced fewer systemic complications than those undergoing other low-risk procedures, even without anesthesia experts present.
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.
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.
Claes H. Dohlman, considered the founder of modern cornea science, is honored with the prestigious Champalimaud Vision Award for his groundbreaking research on corneal physiology and its applications in treating dry eye disease, corneal burns, and keratoprosthesis.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers found a protein in eye fluid linked to disease progression in patients with wet age-related macular degeneration. Measuring its levels can accurately predict treatment needs, allowing for safe reduction or cessation of therapies.
A new deep learning model can accurately identify disease-related features from images of eyes, even in low-quality images. The lightweight model is deployable on mobile devices and has better segmentation accuracy than other commercial software.
A Korean study of 430 adults found that thicker macular retinal nerve fiber layers were associated with faster cognitive decline. The researchers suggest this finding could inform predictive biomarkers for evaluating cognitive function in older adults.
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.
The new COBRE grant will help WVU recruit researchers and clinician-scientists to develop innovative solutions for preventing and treating incurable vision problems. The project aims to reduce visual disparities in West Virginia by understanding the complex combination of factors that contribute to these problems.
Researchers found a weak correlation between provider and patient satisfaction with anesthesia during ocular surgery, suggesting that providers are poor predictors of patient comfort. The study recommends further research to understand patient satisfaction with anesthesia.
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.
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 study published in Ophthalmology identified the genetic spectrum behind foveal hypoplasia, a rare condition affecting vision development. The research combined data from over 900 cases across the globe and revealed relationships between genetic defects and the degree of arrested foveal development.
A proof-of-concept study demonstrates that machine learning technology can enable humans to see in the dark with full-color night vision. The research uses deep learning to enhance color perception in low-light conditions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A study of 12 million children found a moderate association between strabismus and anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depressive disorder. The findings suggest that children with crossed eyes may be at higher risk for developing these mental health conditions.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers analyzed the impact of COVID-19-related lockdowns on nearsightedness progression in schoolchildren in Hong Kong. The study found that these measures can contribute to the worsening of myopia among children.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers at Universidad Complutense de Madrid have discovered alterations caused by ALS in the retina, which can be used as biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment monitoring. The study found changes in microglial cells and ganglion cell loss, with modifications evolving over the course of the disease.
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.
A team of scientists at the University of Utah has discovered a new type of interneuron in the mammalian retina called the Campana cell. The discovery marks a notable development for the field, as scientists work toward a better understanding of the central nervous system by identifying all classes of neurons and their connections.
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...
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.
A team of scientists successfully created a form of artificial vision for a blind woman using a prosthesis hardwired into her brain. The Moran|Cortivis Prosthesis enabled Gómez to identify lines, shapes, and simple letters evoked by different patterns of stimulation.
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.
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.
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.