Articles tagged with Ophthalmology
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Researchers developed a wearable collision warning device to help patients with peripheral vision loss avoid collisions. The device gave auditory warnings only when users approached obstacles, reducing collisions by 37% and improving mobility performance.
A new study led by USC Eye Institute finds that ranibizumab may help reduce cases of blindness by 75 percent among Hispanic and non-Hispanic whites with diabetic macular edema. The treatment could potentially save the sight of thousands of working-age individuals suffering from diabetic eye disease.
A recent study of 20,000 Chinese children found that lower-income students had nearly twice the prevalence of nearsightedness as their middle-class counterparts. Using blackboards in classrooms may have played a protective role against myopia in poorer areas, but this was not statistically significant when adjusted for other factors.
A new gene, hexokinase 1 (HK1), has been linked to retinitis pigmentosa, an incurable eye disorder affecting millions worldwide. The discovery brings the total number of genes associated with this disease to over 60 and offers potential targets for drug treatments and gene therapy.
A study by the American Academy of Ophthalmology found that 7 out of 11 popular eye vitamins do not match scientific evidence, with some products containing lower doses of essential ingredients. The study highlights the importance of ophthalmologists educating patients on the proper use of nutritional supplements for AMD treatment.
Researchers have developed a fast and inexpensive way to create custom facial prostheses using 3D printing technology, providing an affordable alternative to traditional prosthetics. The novel process can produce prosthetics in hours at a fraction of the cost of conventional ones, which can range from $10,000 to $15,000.
A large retrospective study found that nearly 60% of patients with both uveitis and multiple sclerosis (MS) are diagnosed with each condition within a five-year span. The study also revealed that MS is more likely to be diagnosed before or after uveitis, not simultaneously.
A new device called a punctum plug has been shown to be effective at reducing pain and inflammation following cataract surgery. The implant delivers the correct amount of postoperative medication, potentially solving issues of poor patient compliance with eye drops.
A new smartphone-based tool has been developed to monitor diabetic eye disease, offering comparable results to traditional equipment. The tool, called D-Eye, uses a small optical adapter that attaches magnetically to an iPhone and enables ophthalmologists to evaluate the severity of the disease.
Researchers successfully used an iPhone application to image the inside of the eye, including in pediatric and immobile patients. The iExaminer system is a portable, inexpensive tool for fundus photography and videography, offering potential for prompt telemedicine consultations with an ophthalmologist.
A study released by the American Academy of Ophthalmology found that an implantable corneal inlay device improved near vision well enough for 80% of patients to read a newspaper without affecting far distance vision. The device is currently undergoing clinical review in the US and has shown promising results with minimal complications.
A new study reports significant ocular injuries from liquid laundry and dishwasher detergent pods. The bursting pods can cause severe corneal abrasions, bloodshot eyes, and other complications.
Ferrara's discovery of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) led to the development of ranibizumab, a monoclonal antibody drug treating wet macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease. This achievement has significantly improved vision for patients affected by these conditions.
Researchers found a link between residential geography, time spent in the sun, and XFS risk. Wearing sunglasses for summer hours reduced odds of XFS by 2%.
A new DNA test can identify the exact genetic cause of congenital cataracts in 75% of cases, allowing for earlier treatment and genetic counseling. The targeted next-generation sequencing test has been shown to be effective in diagnosing rare diseases associated with childhood blindness.
A new study from USC Eye Institute reveals that Native American ancestry is a significant risk factor for vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy among Latinos with Type 2 diabetes. The research found individuals with more than 50% Native American ancestry had an 87% higher chance of developing severe diabetic retinopathy.
The study highlights the need for improved screening and access to treatments for diabetic macular edema, a leading cause of blindness in diabetic patients. African Americans have a higher burden of diabetes-related vision loss due to problems with access to care.
Experts criticize UK dyslexia charities for promoting the use of colored overlays and lenses without discussing the conflicting evidence base. This can lead to individuals spending large amounts of money on unproven products or expecting NHS support. Charities should adopt an evidence-based approach to educate the public on managing re...
Researchers found that dietary iodine intake was inversely related to central foveal swelling in RP patients with CME. This finding suggests that an iodine supplement could help limit or reduce retinal swelling in these patients.
A NIH-funded study found that telemedicine screening for ROP in premature infants can correctly identify cases with 90% accuracy. The approach, which involves sending photos of baby eyes to a distant image reading center, could help ease strain on hospitals and improve care for underserved areas.
A new multicenter study validated a telemedicine approach to screening for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a leading cause of treatable blindness in preterm babies. Trained non-physician evaluators accurately identified high-risk eyes, suggesting this method could help prevent thousands of kids from going blind.
Two Harvard Medical School faculty members, Patricia D'Amore and Joan Miller, have been recognized with the 2015 Proctor Medal and Mildred Weisenfeld Award for Excellence in Ophthalmology, respectively. Their groundbreaking research on vascular growth and development has led to significant advancements in anti-angiogenic therapies, imp...
Researchers found that a 'treat and extend' strategy can reduce the average number of visits and injections from 12 to 8.3 times per year for patients with age-related macular degeneration. This approach could lower the financial burdens on patients, families, and government.
Researchers have developed a new gel-based eye fluid called Healaflow that stabilizes the eye during healing after retinal detachment surgery. This new product does not appear to inflict additional damage on the retina, setting it apart from other alternatives.
Researchers have recreated the 3D architecture of the cornea to facilitate the transplant of healthy corneal stem cells. This innovation restores sight by replacing damaged cell layers with functional ones.
Researchers developed methods to convert stem cells into eye cells that could be used to replace damaged tissue in patients with impaired vision. The studies involved converting cells into nerve cells or introducing stem cells to a growth factor, resulting in tissue resembling the developing eye.