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Microevolutionary evidence: The eyes have it

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.

SourceUniversity of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Evolutionary Biology·DateNov 20, 2015

New glaucoma cause discovered

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 9, 2014

Research proves shock wave from explosives causes significant eye damage

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateJun 30, 2014

Is glaucoma a brain disease?

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.

SourceAssociation for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology·JournalTranslational Vision Science & Technology·DateJun 5, 2014

NHS sight tests lead to waste

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.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMar 18, 2014

Common antibiotic may combat dry eye disease

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.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateDec 23, 2013

It's all in your head

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.

Contact lens discomfort: What is it, why does it occur and how can it be treated?

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.

SourceAssociation for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateOct 21, 2013

Short-term hearing loss can cause long-term problem

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.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 30, 2013

Setting blurred images in motion improves perception

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.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalOptometry and Vision Science·DateSep 27, 2013

Glaucoma drug can cause droopy eyelids

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.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 21, 2013

Same musicians: Brand new tune

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.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 14, 2013