Articles tagged with Ophthalmology
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers in British Journal of Ophthalmology reveal that self-inflicted blinding is a rare complication of severe psychosis, such as schizophrenia. The phenomenon has been mistakenly attributed to sexual guilt and the Oedipus complex, but cultural beliefs are not a plausible explanation for this behavior.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) cases in the UK are projected to increase by a third by 2020, with 679,000 individuals affected. The majority of these cases will be in women, and prevalence rates will rise sharply with age.
The ARVO Foundation for Eye Research has awarded $40,000 fellowships to Balamurali K. Ambati and Stephen H. Tsang to conduct age-related macular degeneration (AMD) research. The fellowships aim to develop therapeutics and personalized medicine approaches for AMD.
A study published in Archives of Ophthalmology found that commercial insurance was the most frequent payer of emergency department outpatient services in Florida, followed by self-pay and Medicaid. The data suggest a shift towards Medicaid as patients move into eligible categories, which may impact eye care delivery models in the state.
A new UCSF study shows a popular antibiotic treatment for trachoma can be administered every six months, reducing treatment costs and potentially treating twice as many patients. Researchers found a significant decrease in trachoma prevalence, even elimination in some villages, regardless of treatment frequency.
A recent study published in Ophthalmology found that astronauts who spent long durations in space experienced swollen optic nerves, distorted eyeball shapes, and retinal changes. The study also revealed that many astronauts experienced worsening of distance or near visual acuity after flight.
A recent British study published in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science may revolutionize the way healthcare professionals assess glaucoma risk. The study used a new method to measure intraocular pressure, correcting for corneal biomechanics, and found accurate measurements of eye pressure with improved accuracy.
A recent study published in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science found a strong association between physical fitness and reduced glaucoma risk. The research discovered that moderate physical activity can lower the risk of low ocular perfusion pressure, a key factor in glaucoma development.
Researchers identified a specific rare mutation, CFH R1210C, associated with advanced AMD and visual loss in patients. This discovery suggests that loss of CFH function drives AMD risk, pointing to new treatments for high-risk individuals.
A UCSF study found significant vision improvement in patients with severe bacterial corneal ulcers who received steroid therapy. Researchers tested 500 participants from the US and India, and results showed no harm but a benefit for those with more serious forms of ulcers.
New research by University of Kentucky investigators found that short-interfering RNAs can induce retinal degeneration via TLR3 and IRF3. This discovery highlights the need for caution when designing or using siRNAs intended for eye treatment.
The Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary has received a $11 million grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease to coordinate a Harvard-wide project on antibiotic resistance. The goal is to develop new antibiotics to treat highly resistant infections caused by staph and other related bacteria.
A new device called myVisionTrack has been developed to monitor degenerative eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. The hand-held device allows patients to track changes in their vision over time with high accuracy, enabling timely treatment and preventing preventable vision loss.
Researchers found that African-Americans with glaucoma have significantly higher oxygen levels in their eyes compared to Caucasians. This suggests that excess oxygen may damage the drainage system and lead to elevated pressure, causing optic nerve damage and vision loss. Further study is needed to confirm this association.
A recent study by Schepens Eye Research Institute found that a bioptic telescope on one lens of glasses used for low vision driving may not prevent the wider view of the road with the second eye. The study, published in May 2011 Archives of Ophthalmology, suggests that individuals wearing such telescopes can detect targets in the area ...
This year's class of distinguished fellows recognizes outstanding leadership and service in vision research. The ARVO Fellows will be officially inducted at the Association's Annual Meeting, May 1, 2023.
The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) honored its 2011 Award recipients, including Robert E. Anderson, Paulus de Jong, James T. Rosenbaum, Andrew J. Fischer, and Gullapalli N. Rao, for their groundbreaking research on photoreceptors, retinal diseases, intraocular inflammation, myopia, and vision-guided ocular ...
Researchers from University of Granada successfully created the first bioartificial organ in Spain by replacing pig corneal cells with human stem cells. The new organ maintains the basic structure of the cornea while replacing its cellular components.
A global consensus report defines meibomian gland dysfunction as a chronic, diffuse abnormality affecting the tear film. The report proposes a universal classification system and diagnostic tests to aid clinicians in diagnosing and managing MGD-related disorders.
Karl Deisseroth, a Stanford University associate professor, is being recognized for his pioneering work in developing and using optogenetic approaches to study neuronal function. His technique has had far-reaching impact on ophthalmology and vision science.
A retrospective cohort study found that patients with retinal vein occlusion (RVO) had an almost two-fold higher incidence of stroke compared to age- and sex-matched controls. The study suggests that RVO may be associated with an increased risk of cerebrovascular accidents but not myocardial infarctions.
A recent study published in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science found that a drop in temperature below 30 degrees Celsius can cause the meibum to become too thick and stiff, leading to dry eye suffering. This effect is exacerbated by wind, which accelerates the drop in temperature of the ocular surface and eyelids.
A survey of UK medical schools found that most do not fully comply with the International Council of Ophthalmologists' recommended curriculum for ophthalmology. Only four schools taught all 13 formal teaching topics, and no school taught all 10 recommended clinical skills.
Dr. Douglas A. Jabs has been recognized by the American Academy of Ophthalmology with the Jackson Memorial Lecture for his decades-long study on cytomegalovirus retinitis and its interaction with HIV. His research aims to improve clinical outcomes in patients with AIDS and CMV retinitis.
A recent study in the Journal of AAPOS found that feeding premature infants one hour before their retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) examination unexpectedly reduced stress levels. The researchers also discovered that this practice did not increase vomiting or gastric aspirates, contrary to current practice.
Research published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology found that children aged 6 and older are significantly less likely to invite peers with a visible squint to their birthday party. This discrimination may have lasting psychological impacts on individuals concerned.
Researchers at UMass Medical School have found valproic acid to halt vision loss in patients with retinitis pigmentosa, a severe neurodegenerative disease that causes blindness. The study suggests that low-dose valproic acid could be an effective treatment for photoreceptor loss associated with RP.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive imaging tool to study the retina of live birds of prey, producing detailed images for the first time in history. The new spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) system shows unprecedented three-dimensional information about the retina's layers and structure.
Dr. Hui Shao has received a grant from the Research to Prevent Blindness organization to study Sjogren's syndrome, a chronic autoimmune disease affecting millions of Americans. Her team has discovered a protein called Klk22, which may play a role in the development of the disease.
A computerized system can accurately detect early eye problems related to diabetes and reduce the need for expensive human screenings. The system uses digital camera images of the retina to automatically identify signs of fluid and internal bleeding associated with diabetes damage.
The Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary has received a five-year K12 grant from the National Institutes of Health to support junior clinician-scientists in translational and clinical research. The program provides financial support, mentorship, and protected research time.
A new study published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology found that 90% of children with intermittent exotropia will become nearsighted by age 20. Researchers followed 135 patients over a 20-year period and discovered a significantly higher rate of myopia development in this population compared to previously reported rates.
The guidelines provide a framework for evaluating the economic burden of visual impairment, ensuring consistent methods and high-quality estimates. This simplification will facilitate comparisons between studies and inform policy decisions.
Research on ocular cancer has expanded to involve well-designed, multi-center collaborative studies that help continue the advancement of knowledge in the field. These studies allow for large patient recruitment, foster field-wide agreement on terminology, and provide cost savings by avoiding duplication of efforts.
The use of intravitreal injections has grown significantly in Canada, but only a small proportion of ophthalmologists perform the procedure. The majority of injections are performed by a small group of providers, highlighting concerns about access to treatment.
A new predictor of cornea transplant success has been identified by the Cornea Donor Study Investigator Group. The study found that a patient's endothelial cell count six months post-transplant is a better indicator of subsequent failure of the graft rather than the donor's cell count.
A new study found that bifocal glasses can slow the progression of nearsightedness in children. The treatment was more effective than single-vision lenses and had a significant role in preventing the development of very high pathologic myopia.
A UCLA study published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology found that older women who quit smoking had a significantly lower risk of developing advanced age-related macular degeneration. The research, led by Dr. Anne Coleman, followed 1,958 women over five years and showed that even after age 80, quitting smoking can reduce AMD risk.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have found a new inherited retinal disease affecting the macula, which is an area critical for central vision. The disease causes abnormal blood vessels to form, leading to swelling or scars that can blur parts of the visual field.
Major reductions in infectious and nutritional causes of childhood blindness have led to increased focus on congenital and developmental cataracts. Further research is needed to address these issues with targeted interventions.
A study emphasizes the need for dedicated management capacity to address blindness in sub-Saharan Africa. The region has 20% of global blindness despite having only 11% of the world's population, highlighting the importance of effective management systems.
Researchers at Yale University have identified a novel protective mechanism in photoreceptors that could help preserve vision in people with eye diseases. The study found that the activation of CREB1/ATF1 is part of this pathway, which was triggered by stress and can be activated by certain drugs.
An analysis of surgical adverse events at Veterans Health Administration Medical Centers found that communication problems are the leading cause of errors, often occurring early in procedures. The study highlights the need for earlier communication based on crew resource management to prevent surgical adverse events.
A study found that individuals with hemianopia, a condition where one half of the visual field is blinded, struggle to detect pedestrians on their blind side while driving. This suggests that drivers with hemianopia should be tested individually to determine their fitness to drive.
Dr. H. Dwight Cavanagh, a renowned UT Southwestern ophthalmologist, has been awarded the Cornea Society's highest honor, the Castroviejo Medal. His groundbreaking research on corneal biology and transplantation has improved treatments for eye diseases.
The ARVO Foundation for Eye Research and Pfizer Ophthalmics are honoring Dr. Carl B. Camras with a series of awards recognizing excellence in early-career researchers working on novel vision research. The awards aim to support the development of innovative treatments and prevention strategies for eye disorders.
Researchers found that brains can be trained to consciously see invisible stimuli, which may help people with blindsight gain awareness. The study suggests a potential new line of research and treatments for acquired cortical blindness.
A new study uses bioluminescence imaging to detect eye tumors in vivo, enabling early treatment options that don't require surgery. The technology offers higher sensitivity and accuracy than traditional biopsy analysis, promising improved outcomes for patients.
Researchers found that French and Senegalese participants could detect kinship with the same rate of success, regardless of their own racial background or exposure to other cultures. This contradicts previous theories suggesting that exposure plays a crucial role in facial recognition, particularly across different racial groups.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a handheld device that uses SD OCT to create 3-D images of the retina, allowing for early detection of retinopathy of prematurity. The technology can snap pictures up to 40 times faster than previous versions and is being used to analyze data on over 20 infants.