Articles tagged with Ophthalmology
A new study from University of California - San Diego suggests that protein deposits in the retina and brain may be a sign of Alzheimer's disease risk. Retinal imaging may potentially serve as an early biomarker for detecting AD risk, offering a non-invasive alternative to traditional brain scans.
The study describes a range of eye injuries resulting from the Port of Beirut blast, including conjunctival lacerations and foreign body injuries. Researchers highlight the need for emergency care and medical attention for those affected.
Researchers at the University of Oregon used CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to target a specific mutation causing Fuchs' corneal dystrophy, preserving endothelial cell density and function. The study lays the groundwork for future research on using this technique to treat genetic disorders in post-mitotic cells.
Researchers at University of Bonn found that fixing objects slightly away from the center of cone density improves overall vision. The observed image shift is due to the varying resolution across the human retina, with sharper areas in the fovea and less sharp areas in the periphery.
A Hong Kong study suggests a link between the COVID-19 pandemic and an increase in childhood short-sightedness, with children spending less time outdoors and more time on screens. The study found that around 1 in 5 children developed short-sightedness during the pandemic, compared to around 1 in 3 over three years.
Researchers discover presumed SARS-CoV-2 viral particles in the human retina of COVID-19 patients. The finding suggests a possible link between the virus and ocular clinical manifestations, highlighting the need for further investigation into the virus's effects on the eyes.
A new study shows that a wearable computer vision device can reduce collisions for both people who are blind or those who are visually impaired and using a long cane and/or guide dog. The device was found to be 37 percent effective in reducing collision incidents, providing an additional travel safety measure.
A population-based study of nearly 30 years of billing data reveals a significant payment gap between female and male ophthalmologists in Ontario, even after accounting for age and practice differences. The disparity is more pronounced among ophthalmologists compared to other surgical specialty groups.
A recent study by University College London researchers found that people living in areas with high levels of air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter, are at increased risk of developing AMD. The study suggests that improving air quality could be a key public health priority to reduce the risk of eye disease.
Researchers found that medicated drops can close small macular holes within two to eight weeks, allowing some patients to avoid surgery. The treatment was most effective for patients with holes less than 200 micrometers in diameter, and showed promise as an alternative to traditional vitrectomy surgery.
Researchers found significant differences in astigmatism measures obtained by Pentacam, Cassini, and IOL-master systems, affecting cataract surgery outcomes. The study's findings highlight the need for further investigation into refractive predictability studies to determine the best optometric device.
A study by Anglia Ruskin University found that COVID-19 can cause various eye symptoms, with 16% of respondents reporting sore eyes as a symptom. The researchers argue that sore eyes should replace conjunctivitis as a possible COVID-19 symptom due to its differentiation from other types of infections.
A growing global population is exacerbating the need for eye care services, with no significant reduction in treatable vision loss over the last decade. The study highlights cataracts and refractive errors as major causes of moderate to severe vision impairment.
An AI model developed at Duke University successfully identified patients with Alzheimer's disease from retinal images, suggesting its potential as a predictive tool. The study provides proof-of-concept for machine learning analysis of certain types of retinal images to detect the neurological disease in symptomatic individuals.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have identified a novel population of neurons, called saccade-vergence burst neurons (SVBNs), that control disjunctive saccades in 3D space. These findings could lead to new treatments for strabismus, a condition where eyes don't properly align.
Researchers analyzed surgical outcomes in Swedish cataract surgeries from 2007-2016, finding that high-volume surgeons had a lower proportion of severe cases and complications. The study suggests that surgeons can improve patient safety by understanding the impact of case mix on outcomes.
A new study aims to replace daily eye drops with a brief low-energy laser procedure to lower eye pressure in glaucoma patients. The trial seeks to improve patients' quality of life and potentially offer a 'drop-free lifetime.'
A groundbreaking LSU Health study reveals that nonharmful stress can protect against disease in offspring, reprogramming heritability to promote resilience. The research used mild systemic hypoxia to trigger adaptive changes in adult mice, which were then passed on to their offspring.
A study simulated respiratory droplet spread during ophthalmologic slitlamp exams, establishing the risk of infectious disease contagion in this setting. The results highlight the importance of infection control measures in reducing transmission risk.
This observational study reports practice patterns among US ophthalmology practices for common ocular complaints during the initial stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study found that ophthalmology centers responded differently to common ocular complaints, highlighting the need for standardized care protocols.
Researchers investigated SARS-CoV-2 presence on environmental surfaces in an ophthalmology examination room. The study found detectable COVID-19 viral material on various surfaces, highlighting the need for infection control measures.
A survey study analyzed the mental state and ocular surface state of ophthalmologists and ophthalmic nurses during the COVID-19 outbreak in China. The results revealed high stress levels among healthcare professionals, which negatively impacted their ocular surface health.
Researchers at the University of Montreal have developed a synthetic, biocompatible liquid hydrogel that promotes tissue regeneration and treats corneal perforations without transplantation. This innovative solution has the potential to help patients retain their vision and avoid blindness.
Researchers have identified conjunctivitis as a potential primary symptom of COVID-19, leading to changes in patient diagnosis and treatment protocols. Ophthalmologists are now taking extra precautions when treating patients with conjunctivitis and keratoconjunctivitis, including wearing personal protective equipment.
Changes in ophthalmology practices and procedures have been reported following the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the need for adjustments to ensure patient safety and well-being. The study examines the impact of the pandemic on eye care services and provides insights into future directions for ophthalmology.
A new study found that very low doses of Avastin are effective in preventing blindness in preterm infants. The treatment was tested on 59 preterm infants with type 1 ROP and showed success in improving vision with minimal side effects.
A recent study highlights various COVID-19 control measures being implemented at an ophthalmology center in Singapore to mitigate the pandemic's impact on patients and staff. The clinic has adopted several initiatives, including enhanced infection control protocols, telemedicine services, and patient triage procedures.
A recent study published in Ophthalmology found no virus detected in the tears of infected patients with COVID-19, suggesting a low risk of transmission through this route. The study's authors hope their findings will guide further research into preventing virus transmission through more significant routes.
A new Penn Medicine study found that missing a single ophthalmology appointment over a two-year period was associated with decreased visual acuity for patients with macular degeneration. Patients who attended more frequent visits had better visual outcomes, highlighting the importance of visit adherence for this patient population.
Dr. Jennifer J. Lentz and her team will research a treatment for vision loss in Usher using antisense oligonucleotides, targeting the human 216A mutation in the USH1C gene. The goal is to develop an effective treatment for vision loss in Usher Syndrome.
Jayne S. Weiss, MD, has been awarded the 2020 Castroviejo Award for her outstanding work on corneal dystrophies, particularly Schnyder corneal dystrophy. Her research focuses on genetic mapping and pathophysiology of corneal diseases, making significant contributions to the field.
A new AI screening system has been shown to accurately detect diabetic retinopathy in 95.5% of cases, making real-time screening possible for primary care practices and diabetes centers. The EyeArt system can provide a reading in 60 seconds and does not require the input of an expert ophthalmologist.
A new study suggests combining eye drops and contact lenses can effectively slow nearsightedness in children, with benefits seen in both high and low myopia cases. The combination treatment was found to be 28-38% more effective than using either method alone.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology honored ophthalmologists who improved eye care worldwide through their scientific contributions, international work, and advocacy efforts. The honorees included Marilyn T. Miller, Graham E. Quinn, David F. Chang, Richard L. Abbott, Ralph C. Lanciano Jr., and Marcus Ang.
A new study found that cataract surgery significantly improves drivers' safety on the road. After undergoing surgery, patients experienced a 48% decrease in near misses and crashes. This improvement was due to enhanced contrast sensitivity and night vision.
A new study links common bladder medication Elmiron to a vision-threatening eye condition, finding that about one-quarter of patients with significant exposure show signs of retinal damage. The research highlights the potential for long-term use of the drug to masquerade as other known conditions.
Researchers have made significant progress in developing gene therapy to treat wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Six patients have maintained vision after receiving a single intravitreal injection of gene therapy, offering hope for a potential
A study evaluated representation of female authorships in ophthalmologic journals from 2008 to 2018. The analysis found sex-disparities exist in the field of ophthalmology research.
Dr. Jerry A. Shields, MD is honored with the 2019 Lucien Howe Medal for his distinguished service to the fields of ocular oncology and ophthalmology. He has made significant contributions to life-saving treatments and cures in eye cancer.
Despite NICE guidelines stating cataract surgery is cost-effective, NHS commissioners are restricting access to the procedure. Over 2,900 prior approval requests for cataract surgery were rejected in 2022, more than double the number two years ago.
A study by Kellogg Eye Center reveals that herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) cases tripled in 12 years, mostly affecting older adults. Shingles vaccination provides strong protection from HZO complications, but its use is not widespread.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine developed a smartphone-based tool that uses artificial intelligence to analyze retinal images and detect diabetic retinopathy. The device, called RetinaScope, achieved high sensitivity and specificity rates in a study, outperforming human graders in detecting the condition.
Researchers at Mass Eye and Ear have identified microglia as gatekeepers that orchestrate inflammatory responses in the retina during autoimmune uveitis. By depleting microglia, disease was completely blocked, suggesting a novel therapeutic target for this devastating eye disease.
A recent NIH study found no evidence that eating a calcium-rich diet or taking supplements increases the risk of age-related macular degeneration. The study suggests that high calcium intake may be protective, but more research is needed to confirm this finding.
A new study published in Ophthalmology shows that AI can assist physicians in accurately diagnosing diabetic retinopathy, a potentially blinding eye disease. The researchers developed two types of assistance to help physicians read the algorithm's predictions, which improved diagnostic accuracy and confidence.
Researchers have discovered that a new imaging device can detect signs of Alzheimer's disease in just seconds. The study used optical coherence tomography angiography to analyze the retinas of patients and found altered small blood vessels indicative of the disease.
Researchers at UTHealth received grants to study the role of photoreceptors in sight and day/night vision. They aim to develop new therapeutic strategies for degenerative retinal diseases.
A clinical trial found that a minimally invasive treatment for retinal detachment resulted in better visual acuity and reduced visual distortion compared to traditional surgery. The procedure, called pneumatic retinopexy (PnR), also showed significant cost benefits for healthcare systems.
Stephen Christiansen, MD, received a Senior Achievement Award for his significant contributions to ophthalmology and pediatrics. Babak Eliassi-Rad, MD, was awarded an Achievement Award for his research and clinical work on glaucoma and cataract.
A new editorial and free resource clarify corneal dystrophy diagnoses based on corrected medical literature, with the International Committee for Classification of Corneal Dystrophies providing an updated standard classification. The IC3D nomenclature has become internationally accepted.
A recent study by the American Academy of Ophthalmology found that WebMD Symptom Checker was incorrect 74 percent of the time when diagnosing eye problems. The online tool often assesses symptom severity incorrectly, leading to inappropriate recommendations such as self-care at home instead of emergency treatment.
Researchers reviewed published studies and found at least seven patients who experienced devastating harm from unapproved cell therapy. Clinics that offer such treatments often omit poor outcomes in their reports, leading to a significant under-reporting of complications.
Two studies using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) reveal altered retinal blood vessels in patients with Alzheimer's disease, even before symptoms appear. Researchers hope this new method will enable early detection and treatment of the condition.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology has received a $2 million gift from the Knights Templar Eye Foundation to establish a permanent research fund focused on pediatric ophthalmology. The fund will leverage the IRIS Registry to uncover optimal approaches to prevention and treatment for common and rare eye diseases affecting children.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology has announced the construction of a public museum dedicated to vision and eye health in San Francisco. The $12 million project will feature immersive exhibits, virtual reality headsets, and interactive screens showcasing the history of ophthalmology and its latest innovations.
Researchers have developed an implantable delivery system that enables patients to go 15 months in between treatments, significantly improving the conventional regimen of nearly monthly eye injections. The study found that patients treated with the highest drug concentration were able to maintain their vision for a longer period.
A new study suggests that excessive screen time is contributing to an increase in nearsightedness among children, with symptoms including dry eye and blurred vision. Parents can take steps to mitigate this by encouraging outdoor activities, using good posture, and taking regular breaks from screens.
Researchers have made significant progress in developing eye drops to treat age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness. The eye drops use cell-penetrating peptides to deliver therapeutic drugs to the retina, offering a convenient and potentially cost-effective alternative to injections.
A Loyola Medicine study found lax, rubbery eyelids in 53% of sleep apnea patients, associated with the most severe cases. Sleep apnea affects an estimated 34% of men and 17% of women, but up to 80% remain undiagnosed.
A comprehensive analysis of research and clinical reports reveals that psychological stress contributes to vision loss and disease progression. A holistic treatment approach combining stress management, patient education, and vision recovery techniques may be effective in interrupting this cycle.