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.
A new study published in The Lancet Digital Health found a link between screen time and myopia in children and young adults. High levels of smart device exposure increased the risk of short-sightedness by up to 80%, according to researchers at Anglia Ruskin University.
Researchers have discovered toxic DNA buildup in the eyes of patients with geographic atrophy, a devastating form of age-related macular degeneration. Common HIV drugs or safer alternatives, such as Kamuvudines, may block inflammation and protect against retinal cell death, offering new hope for treatment.
Researchers from the University of Bonn have found that reading ability is a crucial indicator of functional loss in people with geographic atrophy, a late form of age-related macular degeneration. Reading speed and performance are essential for measuring everyday functional impairment.
A clinical trial conducted by TTUHSC researchers found that corneal epithelial stem cell-derived eye drops significantly improved symptoms of severe dry eye disease, with patients experiencing a 23% improvement in SPEED questionnaire scores and a 17.1% improvement in OSDI scores. No adverse reactions were reported during the 12-week tr...
A new handheld screening device has been shown to accurately detect amblyopia (lazy eye) in children, with a sensitivity rate of 100% and specificity rate of 85%. Early detection is key to treating the condition, which can affect school performance and lifelong visual acuity.
Researchers discovered a two-cell color detection system in lampreys, which they propose could be the evolutionary ancestor of single-cell systems in fish and reptiles. The study found that this ancient system produces similar responses to UV and visible light as modern single-cell systems.
Researchers at University of Illinois Chicago found a potential direct connection between neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), glaucoma, and herpesvirus. The study suggests OPTN protein restricts HSV-1 virus spread in cells.
A recent study of 1.5 million Israeli teens found that approximately 1% have lazy eye, with a decline in incidence over the past two decades. Socioeconomic factors and ultra-orthodox upbringing are linked to increased risk, while immigrants from certain countries have a higher prevalence
Researchers at Nanyang Technological University and Tan Tock Seng Hospital have developed an AI-powered system to diagnose glaucoma from stereo fundus images, achieving an accuracy of 97% in diagnosing the condition. The automated method could potentially be used in less developed areas where patients lack access to ophthalmologists.
The Daylight Award 2022 is now open for nominations, honoring groundbreaking research on the effects of daylight on human health and well-being. The award also recognizes innovative architectural projects showcasing unique uses of daylight, aiming to improve living conditions and environmental impact.
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.
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 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.
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.