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 study by the University of South Carolina team found that larger eye size in Daphnia results in an average clutch size increase of one egg beyond the average six eggs. The research team measured the effect of variation in body size, demonstrating that eye size has a greater impact on reproductive success.
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.
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.
Scientists at UC San Diego School of Medicine have elucidated a genetic interaction between SIX6 and p16INK4a that may prove key to the development and progression of glaucoma. Inhibiting p16INK4a expression could offer a new therapeutic approach for the disease, which is currently treated by lowering intraocular pressure.
The September special issue of Optometry and Vision Science presents significant strides in managing patients with dry eye symptoms. Key findings include new treatments such as omega-3 supplements and heat therapy, as well as emerging approaches to diagnosis and management.
Researchers found that the brain coordinates vision loss in glaucoma patients, with a 'Jigsaw Effect' where two puzzle pieces fit together. This suggests that the brain optimizes vision in the face of glaucoma's destruction of sight, opening up new areas of research for neuroprotective therapies.
Scientists capture subtle eyelid motions and create plausible folding and stretching in areas not directly captured during data collection. The method improves photorealistic actors for films by accurately determining the location of wrinkles and predicting their change based on eye region history.
Researchers discovered human eyes can distinguish between thin films of different thickness by observing color differences, achieving precision beyond normal human vision. This ability rivals techniques like ellipsometry, which measure minute thicknesses, and could be used as a quick check by experienced technicians.
Research suggests differences in oil-secreting glands and dermis thickness contribute to wrinkle formation. The study, published in Clinical Anatomy, found shallower wrinkles on the forehead compared to the outer eye area.
A new study in Liberia will investigate the long-term health consequences of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in survivors, determining if they develop immunity that protects them from future infection. The study will also assess whether previously EVD-infected individuals can transmit infection to close contacts and sexual partners.
A new computerized vision-screening test, the Jaeb Visual Acuity Screener (JVAS), has been developed to identify children with subnormal visual acuity. The test uses a set testing algorithm to minimize subjective tester bias and provides simple pass/fail results for four age groups.
Researchers identified a rare genetic mutation in the RBP4 protein that causes severe vitamin A deficiency and eye deformities. The mutation creates a functional 'double-whammy' by blocking both the transport of retinol to the developing embryo and the cell surface receptor for RBP4, leading to birth defects.
Researchers discovered a genetic basis for congenital eye malformations, caused by mutations in the RBP4 protein that transports vitamin A. The mutated proteins fail to transport retinol and block cell surface receptors, leading to severe retinol deficiency and birth defects.
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.
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.
A new study by Mass Eye and Ear surgeons found that professional singers experience no impairment in their voices after thyroid surgery using a neural monitoring system. The research showed 100% return to performance rate and mean time to performance was 2.26 months, with vocal fatigue being the most affected parameter.
A team of UH College of Optometry researchers aims to improve the vision of individuals with Down syndrome using computer-simulated prescribing strategies. The study, funded by the National Eye Institute, hopes to demonstrate improved visual acuity with new prescription methods that consider optical distortions in the eyes.
The National Expert Panel recommends annual vision health screening between age 36 months and before 72 months, with specific tests and training guidelines. The screenings aim to detect refractive errors, amblyopia, and strabismus, ensuring prompt diagnosis and referral to eye care professionals.
The Monash Vision Group has received a significant boost in funding for its Bionic Eye project, which aims to restore vision to millions globally. With $3 million in philanthropic donations, the project is now on track for human trials next year and could change tens of thousands of lives.
Researchers at Ohio State University created a video game training program that improves vision in people with lazy eyes and poor depth perception. The 'push-pull' method, using games like Pac-Man, stimulates both eyes equally to counter the common use of eye patches on dominant eyes.
A new study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that telemedicine screening detected diabetic retinopathy in approximately 21.7% of the participants, highlighting its potential as a critical tool for patients with diabetes who face barriers to accessing regular eye care.
Researchers have identified new properties in microbes causing conjunctivitis, enabling the bacterium to stick to and damage the eye surface. The discovery may lead to the development of a new vaccine to prevent this infection.
A study of 4,379 participants found that having AMD in one eye increases the risk of developing AMD in the other eye, with more severe disease progressing faster. The researchers tracked AMD severity in both eyes over a 20-year period and found a strong correlation between the two eyes.
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.
The University of Pittsburgh will lead a multidisciplinary consortium to explore strategies for whole-eye transplantation, with the goal of restoring vision in patients with traumatic or degenerative eye damage. The project aims to overcome challenges related to immune rejection and optic nerve regeneration.
Researchers at Northwestern University identify a critical chemical signaling pathway for the healthy functioning of Schlemm's canal, a key factor in developing glaucoma. They are now developing an eye drop that activates regrowth of the clogged vessel to lower pressure and restore normal drainage.
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 suggests that spending time outdoors may contribute to the development of exfoliation syndrome in the eyes. The research found a link between UV radiation and the condition, with people living at higher latitudes and spending more time outside having a greater risk of developing XFS.
The study found that gram-positive bacteria, including staph and strep infections, accounted for 95 percent of endophthalmitis cases. The findings suggest better treatment with targeted antibiotics, but also highlight increasing resistance to certain antibiotics.
Researchers have discovered that acute glaucoma is an inflammatory disease caused by high eye pressure, leading to vision loss. The study found that a rapid increase in eye pressure triggers an immune response that damages retinal cells.
A clinical trial shows that integrated low vision and mental health treatment can reduce depression in AMD patients by half. The approach combines behavior activation therapy with low vision occupational therapy, leading to improved functional vision and mood.
A recent study by UTSA researchers reveals that the shock wave from explosive blasts can cause significant eye damage, leading to partial or total blindness. The optic nerve is particularly vulnerable to injury, even at low pressures, and may be a contributing factor to visual deficits associated with traumatic brain injuries.
Researchers found that omega-3 fatty acids can regulate choroidal angiogenesis and vascular leakage by modulating micro-environmental immune cell recruitment. This mechanism suggests a unique pathway for disease resolution and potential therapeutic applications in age-related macular degeneration.
A new study published in TVST found that glaucoma is controlled by the brain, not the eye. The research shows that as previously disabled optic nerve axons recover, the remaining areas of permanent visual loss coincide with the areas that can still see in the other eye, forming a jigsaw puzzle-like pattern.
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 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 explore new approaches to managing intraocular fluid buildup in the trabecular meshwork, a key structure controlling eye pressure. The development of next-generation glaucoma therapies aims to improve treatment options for those at risk of glaucoma.
A study published in the journal Ophthalmology found that physically active individuals and occasional drinkers have a reduced risk of developing visual impairment. The research suggests that modifiable lifestyle behaviors may alter the odds of developing sight loss not correctable with glasses or contact lenses.
Complex NHS sight tests are leading to unnecessary referrals and resource waste due to clinically insignificant abnormalities. Opticians refer patients to medical practitioners if abnormalities are found, but many of these referrals result in false positives and anxiety for patients.
A recent study published in Optometry and Vision Science reveals that nearly 40% of older adults experience color vision abnormalities. The most common type is the blue-yellow error, which can significantly impact daily functioning. Researchers attribute these changes to aging-related eye diseases and lens yellowing.
A special issue of IOVS addresses the aging eye, focusing on unmet needs and accelerating clinical care. The issue features new research on genetics, biology, and prevention/treatment of age-related diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
New research by Dr Rob Jenkins and Christie Kerr uses high-resolution passport-style photographs to recover faces of bystanders from reflections in the eyes of photographic subjects. The recovered images can be identified accurately, even at low resolution, highlighting human face recognition's robustness.
Researchers identify azithromycin as a potential therapy for meibomian gland dysfunction, leading to improved treatment options for dry eye disease. The study suggests that topical azithromycin could directly stimulate the function of human meibomian gland epithelial cells.
Researchers at UBC-VCH have developed a potential cure for aniridia, a rare eye disease affecting 5,000 people in North America. They formulated the drug Ataluren into eye drops and found it restored normal vision in mice with the condition.
Researchers are exploring methods to monitor and understand intracranial pressure through the ear, eye, and head. These non-invasive techniques aim to provide accurate and safer ways to determine the correlation between intracranial pressure and vision impairment.
A study found that residents of major US cities with high levels of air pollution are more likely to be diagnosed with dry eye syndrome. Environmental manipulations such as maintaining humidity and using air filters can help manage the condition.
Researchers found that snakes reduce blood flow in their eyes by prolonging periods of contraction, allowing for better vision. This adaptation is thought to be advantageous in threatening situations.
A global consensus has been reached on contact lens discomfort (CLD), with the Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society (TFOS) workshop report outlining key factors contributing to its generation. The findings suggest that CLD affects up to half of all contact lens wearers and highlight the need for innovative research in this field.
A study published in Nature Communications found that brief, reversible hearing loss during childhood can disrupt the processing of sound in the brain, leading to persistent hearing deficits. Researchers identified two critical periods after hearing onset that regulate how sounds from each ear are fused into a coherent representation.
A study found that motion-generated optic flow information compensates for the lack of image details and enables effective event perception. Participants correctly identified events in nearly 90% of attempts when viewing moving images, compared to less than 30% when viewing blurred static images.
A Saint Louis University researcher found that a specific eye muscle in pond turtles adapts to compensate for obstructed vision when their head is retracted into their shell. The study revealed unique characteristics of the turtle's eye movements, which differ from other animals with lateral eyes.
A new mouse model suggests that overexpressing the Isl1 gene can protect hair cells from degeneration and promote survival after loud noise exposure. This finding has implications for treating age-related and noise-induced hearing loss in humans.
Eye care professionals are adopting wavefront optics to correct subtle visual issues and monitor eye health. The technique, inspired by astronomy, offers new tools for assessing and correcting higher-order aberrations in the eye.
A study in mice reveals an essential brain circuit that helps dictate how the eyes connect to the brain, which could lead to new treatments for amblyopia. The research found that manipulating a specific brain circuit can prevent ocular dominance in young mice and induce it in older mice beyond the critical period.
A study identifies three advanced optical measures that predict faster age-related declines in visual acuity, including wavefront error and lens clouding. These metrics may help detect patients at risk before their vision loss occurs.
Researchers found that prostaglandin analogues (PGAs) can cause upper and lower eyelid drooping, hollowing of the inferior periorbital fat pads, and levator muscle dysfunction in glaucoma patients. The study suggests reevaluating PGA use for new patients to prevent vision loss.
A new study by Stowers Institute for Medical Research reveals that Notch2, a Notch family protein, shapes an eye structure known as the ciliary body by ensuring BMP signals remain loud and clear. The findings provide crucial insights into how excessive pressure is a risk factor for glaucoma.
Two studies suggest that outdoor recess time can reduce the risk of nearsightedness in children. A Taiwanese study found that mandatory outdoor play reduced nearsightedness rates, while a Danish study showed a correlation between daylight exposure and slower eye growth.