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A new target for treatment of one type of macular degeneration

Researchers found that inhibiting telomerase, an enzyme related to cell growth and division, can suppress abnormal vascular growth in the retina. This discovery provides a potential alternative treatment option for wet AMD, which is currently treated with anti-VEGF injections.

SourceOhio State University·JournalBiochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Basis of Disease·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 2, 2024

Potential new treatment option for diabetic retinopathy

Researchers have developed a new treatment for diabetic retinopathy that addresses the root cause of the disease, preventing progression and potential blindness. The anti-ceramide immunotherapy has been shown to be effective in animal and cell culture models, offering a safer alternative to current treatments.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 17, 2024

Repurposed drug may help stabilize vision in rare disease

Researchers find that a repurposed drug, crizanlizumab, stabilizes vision in patients with retinal vasculopathy with cerebral leukoencephalopathy and systemic manifestations (RVCL-S) after two years of treatment. The study suggests that this may give patients additional years to read, drive, and enjoy activities.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 17, 2024

Taking electroretinography to the next level with a soft multi-electrode system

A new soft multi-electrode system for electroretinography has been developed to overcome the limitations of traditional devices. The system uses a commercially available soft disposable contact lens with gold mesh electrodes, allowing for simultaneous measurement of electrical potentials from different regions of the retina. This innov...

SourceWaseda University·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2024

CRIPSR gene editing leads to improvements in vision for people with inherited blindness, clinical trial shows

A phase 1/2 trial of CRISPR gene editing has demonstrated safety and efficacy, with measurable improvements in 11 out of 14 participants with a form of inherited blindness. The treatment, EDIT-101, was found to be clinically meaningful for four participants and showed significant improvements in cone-mediated vision.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 6, 2024

Why do we blink so much?

Researchers from the University of Rochester found that blinking allows brains to process visual information more effectively, providing a new understanding of how humans see. By modulating visual input, blinks reformulate visual signals, enabling better perception of big patterns and overall visual scenes.

ALG6 acts as a modifier gene in the inherited genetic eye disease retinitis pigmentosa 59

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham discovered that the ALG6 variant is associated with altered phenotypes in patients with RP59, including delayed peripheral rod degeneration and diminished macular cone photoreceptor health. This study highlights the complex effects of modifier genes in human genetic disease.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 20, 2024

Artificial intelligence matches or outperforms human specialists in retina and glaucoma management, Mount Sinai study finds

A new study published in JAMA Ophthalmology suggests that artificial intelligence can match or exceed the expertise of seasoned ophthalmic specialists in diagnosing and treating patients with glaucoma and retina disorders. The AI system, GPT-4, demonstrated superior performance in response to glaucoma questions and case-management advice.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalOphthalmology·TypeContent analysis·DateFeb 22, 2024

Mount Sinai ophthalmologists develop novel protocol to rapidly diagnose and treat eye stroke

Researchers at Mount Sinai Health System developed a novel protocol for rapid diagnosis of eye stroke, improving outcomes and preserving vision. The protocol uses high-resolution retinal imaging in emergency rooms, along with remote consultation, to confirm diagnosis and expedite care.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalOphthalmology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 13, 2024

The influence of the cellular environment on vision

Studies on knockout mice have shown that removal of specific matrix proteins leads to visual deficits, including impaired motion processing and synaptic imbalance. This research contributes to a better understanding of visual processing mechanisms, potentially offering new therapeutic approaches.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2024

Using fMRI, new vision study finds promising model for restoring cone function

Researchers used fMRI to assess brain responses to lights stimulating only cone cells in dogs with different types of retinal diseases. The study found that gene augmentation therapy restored response in cortex to black and white stimulation, making this disease a promising one for photoreceptor cell replacement treatment.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalTranslational Vision Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2024

Retinal imaging and genetics data used to predict future disease risk

A study combines retinal imaging, genetics, and big data to estimate the likelihood of developing eye and systemic diseases. The researchers identified significant associations between retinal layer thickness and increased risk of various diseases, including ocular, neuropsychiatric, cardiac, metabolic, and pulmonary diseases.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 24, 2024

AI screens for autism in the blink of an eye

Researchers used AI to analyze electroretinogram signals from children's eyes, identifying unique features associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The test, completed within 10 minutes, shows promise for diagnosing ASD more accurately and efficiently than current methods.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalResearch in Autism Spectrum Disorders·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 17, 2023

AI screens for autism in the blink of an eye

Researchers have developed an AI-powered system to diagnose autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children using a single flash of light to the eye. The system uses electroretinography (ERG) to identify specific features that classify ASD, providing a faster and more accurate method for diagnosis than existing tests.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalResearch in Autism Spectrum Disorders·TypeCase study·DateDec 12, 2023

Johns Hopkins Medicine scientists uncover molecular link between wet and dry macular degeneration

Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a molecular pathway involving oxidative stress and the protein HIF-1 that contributes to both wet and dry age-related macular degeneration. Researchers found that while HIF-1 promotes blood vessel growth in retinal cells, it also protects against cell death in advanced dry AMD.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 2023

Mass Eye and Ear researchers develop potential glaucoma treatment strategy to guide stem cells to the retina

A multidisciplinary team at Mass Eye and Ear has identified a promising new strategy for glaucoma cell replacement therapy by guiding stem cells to the retina. The researchers created RGCs out of stem cells and used chemokines to guide them to their correct positions within the retina.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2023

Development of a retina-like biochip

Researchers have developed a retina-like biochip that mimics the eye's visual pathways, using conductive polymers and light-sensitive molecules. The chip's non-toxic organic components and flexibility make it suitable for integration into biological systems, paving the way for new treatments for neurological diseases.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2023

From hagfish to membrane: Modeling age-related macular degeneration

A team of researchers at Utah State University has successfully created an in vitro model of Bruch's membrane, a layer in the retina that deteriorates with age. The model uses hagfish slime proteins to replicate the natural aging process and disease progression, providing a valuable tool for studying age-related macular degeneration.

SourceUtah State University·JournalACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2023

LSU Health New Orleans researchers discover a key failure in amd that may lead to progression and vision loss

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) decreases essential fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), limiting protective molecule formation and repair potential. The discovery may open new therapeutic avenues for AMD, particularly in females, who are more susceptible to retinal degeneration due to estrogen effects.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalExperimental Eye Research·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 11, 2023

Retina cell breakthrough could help treat blindness

Researchers from Anglia Ruskin University have successfully grown retinal pigment epithelial cells on a nanofibre scaffold treated with fluocinolone acetonide, showing increased resilience and growth. This breakthrough technology has great potential for developing ocular tissue transplantation to treat age-related macular degeneration.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalMaterials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2023

Could drops replace eye injections for retina disease?

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have discovered that an experimental eye drop treatment can reduce swelling and improve blood flow in the retina of mice with retinal vein occlusion, a common eye disease affecting up to 2% of people over age 40. The study found that the eye drops prevented neurons from deteriora...

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2023

Colorful foods improve athletes’ vision

Researchers at the University of Georgia found that a diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables can improve athletes' visual range by acting as a filter to prevent blue light exposure. This improvement can lead to better eye health and functional vision, essential for top athletes in almost any sport.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalExercise and Sport Sciences Reviews·DateJun 8, 2023

AI breakthrough in detecting leading cause of childhood blindness

A deep learning AI model has been developed to screen for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in infants at risk of blindness. The tool was trained on images of newborns and found to be as effective as senior paediatric ophthalmologists in discriminating normal retinal images from those with ROP that could lead to blindness.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 27, 2023