Articles tagged with Ophthalmology
The Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel (IOB) is a pioneering organization developing new therapies for eye diseases. With a strong interdisciplinary approach, IOB combines basic and clinical science to address global challenges like macular degeneration, glaucoma, and myopia.
A study of 140,000 people identified 133 genetic variants that could help predict the risk of developing glaucoma. These genetic markers can be measured as early as birth and may allow for earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers have developed a CRISPR-based treatment that can restore retinal function in mice afflicted with retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative eye disease. The 'ablate-and-replace' strategy allows for the precise removal and replacement of the faulty gene, enabling faster and less expensive treatment options for dominant disorders.
A study finds that ophthalmology residents face substantial burnout and depression burdens, affecting patient care. Hospitals can improve support by offering wellness programs and ensuring free time for residents.
A new AI-powered algorithm has been developed to diagnose retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a leading cause of childhood blindness, with an accuracy rate of 91% compared to 82% for human experts. The algorithm uses deep learning to analyze images of infant eyes and can help prevent blindness in more babies worldwide.
Sylentis presents preclinical and clinical results for three ophthalmological compounds targeting dry eye syndrome, macular degeneration and eye allergies. The company is a leader in RNAi technology and has developed new treatments for ophthalmological and inflammatory illnesses.
Astronaut David Wolf shares his experience of worsening eye sight after space missions, citing a possible connection between microgravity and visual impairment. Researchers are using advanced imaging techniques to find solutions for the effects of space travel on vision, critical for future long-duration missions.
A new study published in JAMA Ophthalmology suggests that telemedicine can accurately diagnose a rare cause of blindness in premature babies. The study found no significant difference between in-person and remote exams for diagnosing retinopathy of prematurity, which affects up to 16,000 US babies each year.
A study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology reveals that around half of vision impairment in Western Europe is preventable. The UK has a relatively low prevalence of blindness, but higher rates of moderate to severe vision impairment compared to some non-EU countries.
A new study published in the American Academy of Ophthalmology journal demonstrates an AI program that detects diabetic eye disease with improved accuracy by incorporating expert feedback from retina specialists. The research provides a groundwork for developing automated systems for screening patients at risk for diabetic retinopathy.
A new IRIS Registry-powered study explores racial and gender outcomes with minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, aiming to increase quality care for diverse patient groups. The research seeks to assess the real-world demographic differences in MIGS use, safety, and effectiveness.
A groundbreaking study has identified a new periodic autoinflammatory syndrome affecting the eyes, known as keratoendotheliitis fugax hereditaria. The disease is caused by a mutation in the NLRP3 gene and affects corneal endothelium, leading to temporary ocular inflammation.
Dr. Jerry A. Shields, a pioneering ophthalmologist, received the inaugural Brady-Shields Endowed Chair in Ocular Oncology at Wills Eye Hospital. The chair honors Dr. Luther W. Brady Jr., Dr. Carol L. Shields, and their contributions to ocular oncology research.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed an improved gene delivery tactic for treating glaucoma, a leading blinding disease. The new method doubles the transfer of genes entering target cells and spreads them more uniformly across the trabecular meshwork tissue.
The special section on OCT published by SPIE Journal of Biomedical Optics highlights its continued relevance in medicine and biology. New opportunities emerge in areas like gastroenterology, dermatology, and oncology.
A study published in Ophthalmology found that art training improved medical students' observation and diagnostic skills. The study involved 36 first-year medical students who received six 90-minute art observation sessions at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, resulting in significantly improved observational skills and empathy.
A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that ophthalmologists' perceptions of financial and clinical productivity declined as they adopted electronic health records, while overall practice costs increased. Only one-third of surveyed ophthalmologists said they would return to paper records if possible.
A survey of 348 US ophthalmologists found that EHR adoption has more than doubled since 2011 to 72 percent. Despite this growth, most ophthalmologists reported a decrease in productivity as a result of EHR use. This study emphasizes the need for improving the efficiency and usability of EHR systems to mitigate negative perceptions.
A study found that younger ophthalmologists were more likely to be associated with patient complaints compared to their older colleagues. The Vanderbilt University Medical Center's Patient Advocacy Reporting System was used to analyze patient complaints between 2002 and 2015.
A new study of patients who underwent laser treatment to vaporize floaters found a very low complication rate and significant improvement in vision. Most patients reported no complications and experienced improved vision after the procedure.
A new neurostimulator device inserted into the nose has shown significant relief for people suffering from dry eyes, increasing tear production and producing a complete tear. Researchers tested 97 patients with moderate to severe dry eye and reported no side effects.
A new smartphone app has shown comparable results to in-office vision testing for patients with age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. The Checkup app encourages patients to take an active role in their care, sending reminders and storing test results securely.
Regular physical activity can significantly reduce the risk of developing glaucoma, with study participants showing a 73% lower risk compared to less active individuals. Exercise has been found to impact eye pressure, a major risk factor for the disease, although more research is needed to confirm the exact relationship.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology and Research to Prevent Blindness announce a new grant opportunity to support researchers using the IRIS Registry database for population-based studies in ophthalmology and blindness prevention. The grants will help advance patient care by leveraging big data analytics.
A new gene therapy has shown significant improvements in vision for patients with Leber congenital amaurosis, a rare inherited retinal disease. The treatment, currently under FDA review, allows patients to navigate mazes and experience improved light sensitivity and peripheral vision.
The 121st annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology features keynotes from CMS Administrator Seema Verma and a world-renowned expert on inherited eye disease. The meeting also explores innovations in big data, stem cell therapy, and gene therapies to improve patient care.
Children considered at risk for retinoblastoma should receive genetic counseling and testing as soon as possible to detect the disease early. The new guidelines aim to improve care for these children by focusing on those at highest risk while reducing unnecessary examinations.
Two new studies published in the Journal of AAPOS found that all 70 infants with suspected and confirmed CZS had visual impairment, regardless of ocular abnormalities. Cortical visual impairment may be the most common cause of blindness among children with CZS.
A new study has identified potential lipid biomarkers in human blood plasma associated with age-related macular degeneration, which may lead to earlier diagnoses and better treatment options. The study's findings also suggest that metabolomics profiling may provide novel insights into the relationship between lipids and AMD.
Researchers found that art observation training significantly improved observational recognition skills among first-year medical students. The study also showed improvements in empathy and emotional recognition, as well as an increase in open-mindedness. Art training alone can help teach medical students to become better clinical obser...
A new study published in PNAS identifies two key compounds that can reduce the severity of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by regulating inflammatory immune cells. The findings have significant therapeutic implications for AMD and other conditions involving angiogenesis and inflammation.
A study of over 30,000 older US adults found that visual impairment is associated with worse cognitive function. Visual dysfunction was also linked to broader limitations in function from cognitive and directly visual tasks.
A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that laser treatment, YAG vitreolysis, significantly improved symptoms of eye floaters in 54% of patients, with 53% reporting complete improvement. The procedure also showed improvements in quality of life, including general vision and independence.
Researchers found that repetitive training using stereoscopic stimuli can improve reaction speed and processing time in athletes. After six training sessions, the athletes' processing time decreased significantly, and this ability remained stable for six months after the training ended.
A nutraceutical called Longevinex has been shown to reduce the time it takes for older eyes to adapt to the dark, predicting future onset of macular degeneration. The study found that 12 out of 14 eyes tested improved or were stable after using Longevinex.
A new study led by Massachusetts Eye and Ear researchers found that the brains of blind individuals make new connections to compensate for visual information, enhancing abilities like hearing, smell, touch, memory, and language. The findings could lead to more effective rehabilitation efforts for blind individuals.
A study found a 30-fold increase in eye injuries linked to laundry detergent pods among preschool-aged children in the US between 2012 and 2015. The number of chemical burns associated with these devices rose from 12 instances in 2012 to 480 in 2015.
Researchers found inconsistencies between patient self-report on an Eye Symptom Questionnaire (ESQ) and documentation in the EMR, with 34% having different reporting of blurry vision. This study highlights the importance of accurate symptom documentation for high-quality patient care.
A study from Michigan Medicine reveals significant disparities between patients' self-reported eye symptoms and their electronic medical records. The study analyzed 162 Kellogg patients and found that only 38 had exact agreement between their survey responses and medical records, with symptom reporting driving the inconsistencies.
Advances in telemedicine and anti-VEGF treatments offer new hope for patients with retinopathy of prematurity. New technologies are transforming the care of ROP patients, enabling more widespread treatment options.
A survey of 393 hospital neonatal intensive care units found only 56% believe there are enough ophthalmologists to screen and treat retinopathy of prematurity. Screening can be done with telemedicine, but only 21% of respondents used retinal imaging devices, with half being unsure about its safety.
A small study found an abnormality involving the retina that may account for altered vision in regular cannabis users. The study used pattern electroretinography to measure retinal ganglion cell function and found a significant delay in transmission of action potentials.
A recent study by Queen's University researcher Dr. Robert Campbell found that young ophthalmologists are struggling to secure practice opportunities after total provincial surgical rates plateaued in Ontario. The study suggests a pressing need for effective career counselling and policy changes to address the issue.
A study published in JAMA evaluated an algorithm using deep machine learning to detect referable diabetic retinopathy, achieving high sensitivities and specificities. The algorithm was validated on two separate data sets, showing promise for increasing efficiency and coverage of screening programs.
Researchers used OCT imaging to examine retinal layers in infants with congenital Zika syndrome. The study found severe neurosensory retinal thinning and visual impairment in newborns, highlighting the need for further studies on visual function correlation.
Research investigates links between dental occlusion, temporomandibular joints, and vision. Malocclusions, myopia, astigmatism, and cross-bite prevalence found in patients with malocclusions, suggesting a clinical connection.
A case report reveals that high-dose lutein supplements can cause the formation of crystal deposits in the eyes, highlighting the importance of balanced intake. The study suggests that patients should follow a diet rich in eye-healthy foods and only take AREDS2 supplements as recommended by their ophthalmologist.
Researchers developed an innovative procedure to transplant the Bowman layer, stabilizing 90% of eyes and improving corrected vision to 20/200. The technique may enable patients to wear extended contact lenses and is safer than traditional full corneal transplantation.
Researchers are testing two new treatments for presbyopia, a condition that causes blurry near vision. Femtosecond laser reshaping of corneal tissue and electrostimulation have shown potential benefits over traditional procedures.
Researchers found that 57% of patients achieved 20/40 vision without glasses or contact lenses after five years, while some side effects included endothelial cell loss. The study suggests Phakic ICLs may be a viable option for those unsuitable for LASIK.
A wearable artificial vision device has vastly improved the daily productivity of visually impaired patients, with an average score of 9.8 out of 10 after one week of use. The device, which clips to glasses and features a miniature camera, recognizes text and faces, and reads them aloud via a bone-conduction earpiece.
Researchers found that people who closely follow the Mediterranean diet, especially consuming fruit and caffeine, have a lower risk of age-related macular degeneration. A significant reduction in risk was observed among those with higher diet adherence scores, with only 39% developing AMD compared to 50% of non-adherents.
BMJ has launched a new fully open access international journal, BMJ Open Ophthalmology, to cater for clinicians and scientists working in ophthalmology and vision science. The journal aims to publish high-quality content on basic, translational, and clinical science with a rigorous peer review process.
Researchers at RMIT University found that green laser pointers were most dangerous, with one model 127 times over the Australian safety limit. The team calls for stricter testing and quality control measures to protect public health.
New findings suggest that abnormal proliferation of blood vessels and rare lymphatic vessel formation contribute to the swelling and inflammation in thyroid eye disease. The study offers potential therapeutic options for treating the condition through targeted therapies and functional lymphatic vessel creation.
A study by the University of Michigan's Kellogg Eye Center found that low-income children are less likely to be diagnosed with strabismus, a condition that can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated. The study highlights the importance of ensuring access to eye care professionals and necessary services for all children.
A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that sedentary behavior is associated with an increased risk of diabetic retinopathy. Participants with diabetes who spent more time sitting had a 16% higher chance of developing mild or worse DR compared to those who were more active.
Research reveals a significant association between visual health and social determinants of general health, including education, socio-economic status, and ethnicity. The study found that even mild vision impairment can have a substantial impact on daily life, increasing the risk of unemployment and mental health issues.
The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology published a special issue commemorating the 25th anniversary of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) technology. OCT has revolutionized eye disease diagnosis and treatment, enabling early detection of devastating conditions like age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma.
A new study estimates that nearly 9.6 million adults in the United States are highly myopic, or severely nearsighted, with over 41,000 suffering from a complication called myopic choroidal neovascularization that could cause long-term vision loss. Women appear to be at greater risk for this condition, making up half of those affected.