Articles tagged with Ophthalmology
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.
A new study has found that the Zika virus is linked to a range of eye problems in Brazilian babies born with microcephaly. The researchers observed retinal lesions, hemorrhaging, and abnormal blood vessel development in three infants, which could result in severe visual impairment if left untreated.
A study of 29 NCAA football players found that repetitive subconcussive head impacts caused significant changes in near point of convergence (NPC) ocular-motor function, particularly among high-impact players. After a 3-week rest period, NPC was normalized, suggesting potential for recovery from subclinical brain damage.
Dr. Jayne Weiss, an LSU Health New Orleans ophthalmologist, recommends using UV protection not just outdoors but also inside cars to prevent cataracts and skin cancer. She cites studies showing a 93% reduction in cell death when UV exposure is filtered through UV-absorbing auto glass.
Researchers have developed a medicated silicone ring that slowly releases medication over 6 months, potentially lowering the risk of vision loss among seniors with glaucoma. The device reduced eye pressure by about 20% in patients compared to traditional daily drops.
A Penn-coordinated study confirms that half of patients with age-related macular degeneration retain 20/40 vision or better after five years of treatment with Avastin or Lucentis. The study also found signs of modestly worsening disease, but overall, the therapy has shown significant benefits in slowing vision loss.
A study by Stanford-Dartmouth researchers explores how novel optical configurations can enhance user experience and performance in virtual reality. They found that adaptive focus cues using a prototype system improved user preferences and accuracy.
A clinical trial found that patients treated with tacrolimus experienced equal relief of ocular symptoms as those treated with methylprednisolone, with fewer negative serious side effects. The study suggests that tacrolimus is an effective therapeutic option for ocular GVHD without the known hypertensive effects of steroids.
Researchers identified TNFa as a key inflammatory factor causing optic neuropathy in keratoprosthesis recipients. Blocking TNFa with antibodies successfully halted nerve damage in a mouse model, providing new insights into the underlying process and potential therapeutic pathway.
A diet high in vitamin C may help delay or prevent cataract progression. Researchers found that consuming vitamin C-rich foods reduced the risk of cataract development and severity by up to 33%. Genetic factors played a smaller role in cataract progression, with environmental factors such as diet accounting for 65% of the difference.
Research associates outdoor air pollution with dry eye disease, finding decreased humidity and increased ozone levels increase DED risk. PM10 was not associated with DED, possibly due to reflex tearing or low environmental levels.
Ultrawide field (UWF) scanning technology improved the ability to identify diabetic retinopathy in patients and judge the need for follow-up examinations or treatment. The study found that UWF imaging reduced ungradable images by 81% compared to traditional digital retinal photographs.
Researchers at Mass Eye and Ear have shown a link between mitochondrial dysfunction in corneal endothelial cells and the development of Fuchs' Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy. The study found that lifelong accumulation of oxidative DNA damage leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death in FECD tissue.
Paul Lee examines the USPSTF's latest report on vision screening for asymptomatic older adults. The study highlights strengths and challenges in the current recommendation process, emphasizing the need for more rigorous clinical trials to inform treatment decisions.
A Brazilian study found a link between Zika virus and eye abnormalities in infants with microcephaly. The study evaluated 29 infants with microcephaly and found ophthalmoscopic abnormalities in 34.5% of them, including focal pigment mottling of the retina and chorioretinal atrophy.
Researchers found that high-dose atorvastatin regresses lipid deposits and improves visual acuity without progression to advanced disease in dry AMD patients. This potential therapy offers a new avenue for treating the leading cause of blindness worldwide.
Researchers from Harvard Medical School have gained new understanding of how endomucin, a key molecule with anti-adhesive properties, prevents inflammatory cells from adhering to blood vessels. By promoting the expression of endomucin, they believe it may be possible to develop treatments for inflammation.
A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that higher dietary nitrate and green leafy vegetable intake is associated with a lower risk of primary open-angle glaucoma. Participants who consumed more nitrate-rich foods had a 20-30% reduced risk of developing the condition.
A large new study found previously unknown risk factors associated with keratoconus, a condition that causes progressive nearsightedness at a young age. The study revealed higher odds of developing keratoconus among men, African Americans, Latinos, and those with asthma and sleep apnea.
Researchers at USC Eye Institute and Viterbi School of Engineering developed a new method to create focused spots of light, improving vision quality for individuals with retinitis pigmentosa. Longer pulse durations allow patients to see sharper images, boosting their sense of independence and confidence.
Researchers developed a portable sensor, OcuCheck, that uses graphene and ascorbate oxidase to detect vitamin C levels in ocular fluids. The device can rapidly determine the extent of eye injuries in various settings, including rural areas with limited access to ophthalmologists.
A new study published in the Journal of AAPOS found that children with amblyopia read more slowly than those with normal vision or strabismus. Amblyopic children exhibited about 35% more forward eye movements during reading, contributing to their slower reading speed.
Researchers found that low-dose atropine eye drops significantly slowed myopia progression in children, with a 50% reduction compared to untreated children. The medication is safe for use in children age 6-12 for up to five years and may be an effective treatment in the fight against global nearsightedness.
A new study presents a regenerative agent, Cacicol, that speeds up the healing of corneal tissue after surgery, reducing recovery time by up to 70% and minimizing complications. The treatment also alleviates eye pain, burning, and light sensitivity.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology's IRIS Registry has revealed new information on rare complications following common eye procedures. Analysis shows no significant difference in endophthalmitis rates among three anti-VEGF treatments, but slightly higher rates in eyes with combined cataract surgery and anterior vitrectomy.
Research identifies falls as the leading cause of eye injuries, accounting for over 8,425 hospitalizations, with serious ocular trauma injuries being expensive and preventable. The median cost of treating eye injuries increased by 62%, from $12,430 to $20,116, between 2002 and 2011.
Researchers have developed programmable electronic glasses that help improve vision in children with lazy eye as effectively as traditional treatment using eye patches. The 'digital patch' is a new effective treatment for lazy eye in half a century, offering an alternative to traditional methods.
Researchers discovered that anti-PlGF antibody treatments, such as aflibercept, may slow the progression of dry age-related macular degeneration. The study found that PlGF actually worsened retinal damage in mice, but an anti-PlGF treatment provided protection against light-induced degeneration.
A home monitoring device for AMD showed promise in patients who completed a qualification test, allowing them to track progression at home. Younger participants were more likely to qualify and successfully use the device.
Researchers used popular animated films to improve visual acuity in young children with amblyopia through dichoptic therapy. Visual acuity improved by 1-4 lines over six sessions of movie viewing, outperforming patching treatments.
Researchers found that blind areas in central vision can delay drivers' ability to detect pedestrians, even when using peripheral vision. The study suggests that any binocular central field loss might impact a driver's reaction time.
Researchers found that advanced diabetic eye disease remains low among children living with diabetes, regardless of disease duration. They recommend delaying annual screenings until age 15 or 5 years after diagnosis for most children with type 1 diabetes.
A new Penn study analyzing insurance claims data suggests that repackaged Avastin injections do not carry a higher risk of endophthalmitis than commercially available Lucentis. This finding contradicts the FDA's planned restriction on Avastin's ophthalmic use and may inadvertently increase infection risk for patients.
Researchers reconstructed an ancient virus to deliver gene therapies, targeting liver, muscle, and retina. The discovery could lead to safer and more potent treatments for various diseases.
Researchers at Mass Eye and Ear discovered that the alternative complement pathway exacerbates photoreceptor cell death after injury, but blocking it can protect photoreceptors. Inhibition of this pathway offers a new therapeutic target to prevent initial photoreceptor loss.
A three-year clinical trial results show that the Argus II device improves visual function and quality of life for people with retinitis pigmentosa by up to 89%. The study found no device failures after three years and no negative impact on patients.
A randomized trial found that combining personalized risk assessments and diabetes education at ophthalmologic visits did not improve HbA1c levels in patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes. The study suggests that long-term optimization of glycemic control requires more extensive interventional paradigms.
A new study reveals a direct correlation between seasonal allergens and dry eye cases, with both conditions peaking in April. Dry eye can significantly impact quality of life, affecting millions in the US annually.
Researchers found that severing corneal nerves during the first transplantation procedure releases high levels of Substance P, disabling T regulatory cells needed for acceptance of subsequent corneal transplants. This results in rejection of more than 90% of second corneal transplants in mice.
A new virtual reality testing environment provides a more realistic assessment of balance control in glaucoma patients. The study found that patients with glaucoma made balance adjustments 30-40% more pronounced than healthy subjects, highlighting the need for preventative measures.
Researchers found routine preoperative testing for cataract surgery is still done in 53% of patients, despite being unnecessary. Testing varies widely among ophthalmologists and seems to be driven more by provider behavior than patient characteristics.
A study published in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science reveals that cells multiplying on the eye's lens surface push neighboring cells towards the equator, mirroring a carnival game's coin movement. This insight may help scientists understand how the eye maintains its shape and develop cataracts.