Age-related macular degeneration is a significant cause of vision loss, and new research has discovered one of the key molecular steps that regulate its progression. An inflammatory protein called IL-18 increases as the disease develops, suggesting new treatment options to slow or halt vision loss. Scientists at Trinity College Dublin have discovered that a part… [Continue Reading]
Molecular Basis Discovered for the Progression of Age-Related Macular Degeneration
April 24, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Stem Cells Could Create Corneas for Transplant
March 5, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Cornea transplants are sometimes required to save patients’ vision, but the waiting list for receiving donated tissue is long. Scientist have now reported the creation of a cornea in the laboratory by culturing stem cells and a damaged cornea as a template. A new cornea may be the only way to prevent a patient going… [Continue Reading]
Gene Therapy for Blindness Effective in Animal Models
January 25, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Retinis pigmentosa is a genetic disease that causes the gradual loss of vision, leading to blindness. Researchers have developed a gene therapy approach to cure the disease in animal models, by delivering a functioning copy of a missing gene to the eye. A new gene therapy method developed by University of Florida researchers has the… [Continue Reading]
Grapes Help Keep Retinas and Eyes Healthy
January 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment
A study examining the effects of grapes on eye health has found that including the fruit in the diet can have significant effects on vision. The work found that mice with a grape-enriched diet had reduced damage to the retina and a lower rate of blindness. Can eating grapes slow or help prevent the onset… [Continue Reading]
Risk Factors Identified for Exfoliation Syndrome, a Major Cause of Glaucoma and Blindness
January 2, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Exfoliation syndrome is a condition where debris builds up on the lens of the eye, and is a major cause of open-angle glaucoma. New research into who is most likely to be affected by the disease has revealed that women and those with a family history of glaucoma have an increased risk. When it comes… [Continue Reading]
New Lasers May Be Safer and More Effective for Cataract Surgery
October 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment
A new type of laser may be safer and more effective for cataract surgery than traditional approaches, some ophthalmologists are arguing. The new technique involves pre-treating the cataract with a femtosecond laser, which changes the texture of the cataract, making it easier to remove. Two new studies add to the growing body of evidence that… [Continue Reading]
Effective Therapies Developed for Lazy Eye in Older Children
October 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Ophthalmologists previously thought that if lazy eye was not identified and corrected at an early age, treatments would be ineffective. A new study, however, demonstrates this is not the case. The recently presented work demonstrates that therapies that require older children to use their weaker eye can significantly improve their vision. A new study conducted… [Continue Reading]
Underlying Causes of Vision Disorder Discovered
September 1, 2011 By Leave a Comment
An important advance in the study of Goldman-Favre Syndome has revealed the basis for the visual disorder. The rare disease causes night blindness and other visual symptoms, and is passed down through families. The research has discovered which cell types malfunction, and the process that goes wrong. A new research report published in The FASEB… [Continue Reading]
High Vitamin D Levels Linked to Lower Risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration
April 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Age-related macular generation affects nearly 1 in 10 Americans as they age, and is a leading cause of blindness. New work shows that higher levels of vitamin D are correlated with a lower risk of macular degeneration, suggesting the vitamin may have a protective effect on vision. Women under the age of 75 with high… [Continue Reading]
Step Towards Stem Cell Transplants for Macular Degeneration
March 24, 2011 By Leave a Comment
A new research study reports that scientists have been able to coax stem cells to become retinal cells. The paper marks a large step forward in the future treatment of macular degeneration, a common condition where the cells of the retina die off. The notion of transplanting adult stem cells to treat or even cure… [Continue Reading]