Articles tagged with Ophthalmology
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
A study of over 400 Vietnamese patients found a significant decrease in falls after cataract surgery on one eye, with risks reduced by 78% the year following treatment. Researchers monitored patients before and after surgery to track the impact of improved vision on daily life.
Researchers developed a thermoresponsive adhesive that warms up and seals wounds, then reverts to its non-adhesive form when cooled. The technology could prevent retinal detachment and vision loss in military-related eye injuries.
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 have developed gene therapies to prevent and treat blinding diseases, including choroideremia and retinitis pigmentosa. These treatments involve replacing missing genes in the cells at the back of the eye, resulting in improved vision for some patients.
A case report documents a 27-week-old premature infant's cardiopulmonary arrest after receiving Cyclomydril eyedrops during retinopathy of prematurity screening. Pediatric ophthalmologists should be equipped to handle such emergencies, as the eyedrops can cause serious side effects due to systemic absorption.
Researchers found that drivers with hemianopia had lower detection rates for pedestrians on the side of their field loss due to inadequate scanning patterns. These individuals often failed to scan the entire intersection or scanned too little, increasing the risk of accidents.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have developed two inexpensive adapters that allow smartphones to capture high-quality images of the front and back of the eye. The adapters make it easy for anyone with minimal training to take a picture of the eye and share it securely with other health practitioners or store it i...
Researchers have designed a system-on-chip that could enable fully implanted cochlear implants, restoring hearing in individuals with profound loss. The internal unit would be wirelessly rechargeable and require lower power sound processing.
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Hospital has awarded Christina Marsica Grassi a $30,000 fellowship to investigate sterile vitritis in patients with artificial corneal implants. The research project aims to improve understanding of immune responses to prosthetic devices and develop better treatments for this condition.
A study published in Ophthalmology found that open globe injuries increase the risk of retinal detachment, particularly among older patients with poorer visual acuity. Researchers developed a new scoring system to predict which patients are at higher risk, which may help prevent or identify and repair retinal detachment more quickly.
Researchers found that adding a corticosteroid to standard treatment significantly improves both short- and long-term visual acuity in patients with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). The study showed that patients treated with the combination therapy had better long-term vision compared to those only treated with...
A new NIH-funded study found that cornea donation from donors aged 34-71 maintains high success rates after 10 years. While older donors may experience slightly lower success rates, the majority remain healthy and functional.
A multi-center study showed that peripheral prism glasses significantly outperformed sham devices in helping patients with hemianopia avoid obstacles during everyday walking. After six months, 41% of patients continued to wear the real glasses, reporting improved navigation in various environments.
A study published in the Journal of AAPOS found no therapeutic effect of stem cell therapy on children with optic nerve hypoplasia. The research highlights the need for scientifically testing these procedures to validate their effectiveness and ensure safety.
African-American individuals are disproportionately affected by glaucoma, with a four to five times higher risk of occurrence and up to 15 times greater likelihood of significant visual impairment compared to European descent.
Researchers at UCL Institute of Ophthalmology identify LRG1 as a protein responsible for abnormal blood vessel growth in diseases like cancer, macular degeneration, and rheumatoid arthritis. Inhibition of LRG1 may be a promising target for future therapy.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have found that Eylea can effectively treat wet AMD patients who were previously unresponsive to Avastin and Lucentis. After three monthly injections, half of the eyes treated with Eylea showed reduced fluid accumulation, while one in five experienced improved vision.
Researchers at University of Nottingham have identified a previously undetected layer in the human cornea, known as Dua's Layer. This breakthrough discovery could lead to safer and simpler surgical procedures for patients undergoing corneal grafts and transplants.
Rates of childhood squint surgery in England have declined significantly over the past 50 years, with a threefold decrease in admission rates. However, there remains a significant geographical variation in the procedure's use, with areas having the highest and lowest rates showing a fivefold difference.
Researchers found that blocking VEGF-A can decrease intraocular pressure but impair the ciliary body's function. This raises concerns about the long-term effects of aggressive anti-VEGF therapies on eye diseases like wet macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema.
A new study found that up to 40-50% of older adults with eye disease limit their activities due to a fear of falling. This fear leads to social isolation and disability in seniors, emphasizing the need for interventions to help them feel more confident about their abilities.
A new study published in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science found that glaucoma patients read slower when reading silently for long periods, with a 16% decrease in reading speed. The research suggests technological solutions like e-readers could help alleviate reading difficulties, paving the way for potential app development.
Dr. Jonathan Lass will receive the 2012 Paton Award for his outstanding contributions to corneal preservation and clinical eye care. The award recognizes his 30-plus-year career as an ophthalmologist and medical educator at Case Western Reserve University.
Researchers have found that abnormal eye movements in amblyopia are caused by changes in the brain's subcortical regions. The study, published in Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience, suggests that these changes may be an attempt to enhance contrast sensitivity in visually impaired eyes.
A meta-analysis conducted by researchers from China found a strong association between smoking and the risk of age-related cataracts. Current smokers were found to have a higher risk of incidence compared to non-smokers, while former smokers also showed an increased risk of certain subtypes of cataract.
A new Hopkins study found that monthly injections of ranibizumab improve eye chart test results, build driver confidence, and keep those with wet AMD driving longer. This treatment may help elderly individuals maintain their independence by continuing to drive despite vision loss.
Balint's syndrome is a rare neurological disorder that badly impairs a patient's ability to make sense of what they see. Patients experience difficulties with eye movements, arm pointing, and visual field constriction.
Researchers at the Singapore Eye Research Institute and Genome Institute of Singapore have identified three new genes linked to PACG, a leading cause of blindness worldwide. The study used genome-wide association analysis and validation experiments to uncover genetic risk factors for the disease.
Dr. Joseph Ciolino, a Mass. Eye and Ear ophthalmologist, has received the Research to Prevent Blindness (RPB) Career Development Award to support his translational projects in keratoprosthesis and ocular drug delivery. The award aims to attract young physicians and scientists to eye research.
Research suggests women require higher power reading glasses than men of equivalent age due to preferred reading distances or arm length. The study found no significant gender-related difference in the eye's focusing ability.
The Mass. Eye and Ear Cataract Master uses computer-based simulation to provide a realistic interactive experience for ophthalmology residents and practicing surgeons. The program aims to minimize clinical risk while boosting skills and confidence, ultimately raising the quality of patient care.
A study by Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine found that only 15% of patients with low vision reported being recommended smartphones for their accessibility features. However, 24% of participants used smartphones, which can offer features like font size increase and GPS navigation to enhance quality of life.
Researchers have identified a genetic factor called a trinucleotide repeat as a strong predictor of Fuchs' dystrophy. The study found that unusually long segments of repeated DNA nucleotides in the TCF4 gene cause havoc, impacting the coding of the protein.
A case study highlights the need for ophthalmologists to be vigilant for signs of child abuse in patients with chronic or recurrent keratoconjunctivitis. The patient's symptoms improved but persisted despite treatment, leading to a diagnosis of child abuse.
A new study by Dr. Chaim Bell at St. Michael's Hospital has revealed huge variations in the charges ophthalmologists impose on specialty lenses used in cataract surgery. Most surgeons charge less than the maximum recommended rate, while others charge significantly more, potentially representing predatory pricing.
The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) has announced its 2012 ARVO Award recipients, honoring vision researchers who have made significant contributions to the field of ophthalmology. This year's award winners include Peter Sterling, John V. Forrester, Jeffrey L. Goldberg, and Josh Wallman, who will be recogniz...
Researchers developed a computational technique to correct aberrations in optical tomography, enabling faster, less expensive and higher resolution tissue imaging. The technique was demonstrated using gel-based phantoms and rat lung tissue, resulting in sharp points and clearer tissue structures.
Scientists at University College London have successfully transplanted photoreceptors into adult mice with degenerate retinas, restoring their vision. The study suggests that this approach could lead to effective treatments for thousands of people affected by degenerative eye disorders.
Researchers found that corneal thickening occurs in FECD patients before swelling is observed, necessitating regular monitoring and potential surgical intervention. The study's findings have the potential to improve patient care for Fuchs corneal dystrophy.
A randomized controlled trial found that bevacizumab treatment improved visual acuity and reduced symptoms of diabetic macular edema compared to traditional macular laser therapy. The study suggests a potential long-term benefit of bevacizumab in managing persistent DME.
Patients taking oral fluoroquinolones had a higher risk of developing retinal detachment compared to non-users, with an average number of days from first prescription to event being 4.8 days. The absolute risk increase was small, with 2,500 patients needed to be harmed for every user
The number of ophthalmologists worldwide is insufficient to meet the growing demands of ageing populations and developing countries. The global shortfall of trained eye doctors is a pressing concern, particularly in low-income countries where capacity is increasing faster than the population.
Researchers developed a low-cost digital head posture measuring device using Nintendo Wiimotes to help diagnose ocular torticollis in children. The system demonstrated high accuracy and reliability in measuring head posture, showing promise as a diagnostic tool for ophthalmic patients.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in cultivating stem cells on human corneas, a potential game-changer for patients awaiting corneal transplants. The successful cultivation of stem cells on human corneas could eventually eliminate the shortage of donated corneas, allowing for more people to receive life-changing transplants.