ScienceDaily: Eye Care News

Echolocation: Blind people have the potential to use their 'inner bat' to locate objects, study finds

Mon, 20 May 2013 09:48:48 EDT

New research shows that blind and visually impaired people have the potential to use echolocation, similar to that used by bats and dolphins, to determine the location of an object. The study examined how hearing, and particularly the hearing of echoes, could help blind people with spatial awareness and navigation.

Genetic diversity within tumors predicts outcome in head and neck cancer

Mon, 20 May 2013 09:46:46 EDT

A new measure of the heterogeneity – the variety of genetic mutations – of cells within a tumor appears to predict treatment outcomes of patients with the most common type of head and neck cancer.

Same musicians play a brand new tune: Unusual interplay of signaling pathways shapes critical eye structure

Tue, 14 May 2013 13:54:54 EDT

A small ensemble of musicians can produce an infinite number of melodies, harmonies and rhythms. So too, do a handful of workhorse signaling pathways that interact to construct multiple structures that comprise the vertebrate body. In fact, crosstalk between two of those pathways -- those governed by proteins known as Notch and BMP (for Bone Morphogenetic Protein) receptors -- occurs over and over in processes as diverse as forming a tooth, sculpting a heart valve and building a brain.

Fish oil doesn't seem to help age-related macular degeneration

Mon, 13 May 2013 15:24:24 EDT

A large-scale study of age-related macular degeneration suggests fish oil supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids do not alter the progression of age-related macular degeneration, and that lutein and zeaxanthin may be safer than beta-carotene in reducing risk of disease progression.

Game-changing discovery of gene mutation that causes Sturge-Weber syndrome, port-wine stain birthmarks offers new hope

Wed, 08 May 2013 21:31:31 EDT

Researchers have discovered the cause -- a genetic mutation that occurs before birth -- of Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) and port-wine stain birthmarks. SWS is a rare disorder affecting approximately one in 20,000 births, while port-wine birthmarks are more common, affecting approximately one million individuals in the United States.

Brain, not eye mechanisms keep color vision constant across lifespan

Wed, 08 May 2013 17:21:21 EDT

Cone receptors in the human eye lose their color sensitivity with age, but our subjective experience of color remains largely unchanged over the years. This ability to compensate for age-related changes in color perception rests in higher levels of the visual system, according to new research.

Hit a 90 mph baseball? Scientists pinpoint how we see it coming

Wed, 08 May 2013 12:30:30 EDT

How does San Francisco Giants slugger Pablo Sandoval swat a 95 mph fastball, or tennis icon Venus Williams see the oncoming ball, let alone return her sister Serena's 120 mph serves? For the first time, vision scientists have pinpointed how the brain tracks fast-moving objects.

First corneal transplant with pre-loaded donor tissue

Tue, 07 May 2013 19:58:58 EDT

The first successful cornea transplant with donor endothelial tissue preloaded by an eye bank has been performed.

New class of drug targets skin cancer

Tue, 07 May 2013 09:58:58 EDT

A new class of drug targeting skin cancer's genetic material has been successfully tested in humans for the first time, opening the way to new treatments for a range of conditions from skin cancers to eye diseases.

Study provides clarity on supplements for protection against blinding eye disease

Mon, 06 May 2013 09:56:56 EDT

Adding omega-3 fatty acids did not improve a combination of nutritional supplements commonly recommended for treating age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a major cause of vision loss among older Americans, according to a new study. The plant-derived antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin also had no overall effect on AMD when added to the combination; however, they were safer than the related antioxidant beta-carotene.

Gene mutations associated with nearsightedness identified

Thu, 02 May 2013 13:17:17 EDT

Mutations in a gene that helps regulate copper and oxygen levels in eye tissue are associated with a severe form of nearsightedness, according to a new study.

Gentle touch and the bionic eye: Using haptics to improve outcomes for people given visual prosthetics

Wed, 01 May 2013 14:51:51 EDT

Normal vision is essentially a spatial sense that often relies upon touch and movement during and after development. Training with haptic, touch, technology could improve outcomes for the blind children and older people fitted with visual prosthetic devices.

Outdoor recess time can reduce the risk of nearsightedness in children

Wed, 01 May 2013 10:12:12 EDT

A study conducted in Taiwan, the first to use an education policy intervention, finds that when children are required to spend recess time outdoors their risk of nearsightedness is reduced. A separate study in Danish children is the first to show a direct correlation between seasonal fluctuations in daylight, eye growth and the rate of nearsightedness progression.

New subtype of ataxia identified

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 16:48:48 EDT

Researchers have identified a new subtype of ataxia, a rare disease without treatment that causes atrophy in the cerebellum and affects around 1.5 million people in the world.

Nasal lining used to breach blood/brain barrier

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:52:52 EDT

Using mucosa, or the lining of the nose, researchers have demonstrated what may be the first known method to permanently bypass the blood-brain barrier, thus opening the door to new treatment options for those with neurodegenerative and CNS disease.

Computer game could improve sight of visually impaired children

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 08:13:13 EDT

Visually impaired children could benefit from a revolutionary new computer game being developed by a team of neuroscientists and game designers.

Some visible signs of Lyme disease are easily missed or mistaken

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 13:25:25 EDT

With Lyme disease season now beginning, doctors are urged to consider Lyme disease as the underlying cause when presented with skin lesions that resemble conditions such as contact dermatitis, lupus, common skin infections, or insect or spider bites, especially where Lyme disease is endemic. New analysis establishes patients with those symptoms, rather than the classic Lyme "bulls-eye" lesion, to have been infected with the Lyme bacterium.

Lazy eye disorder treated with video game Tetris

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:29:29 EDT

Scientists have used the popular puzzle video game Tetris in an innovative approach to treat adult amblyopia, commonly known as "lazy eye." By distributing information between the two eyes in a complementary fashion, the video game trains both eyes to work together, which is counter to previous treatments for the disorder (e.g., patching).

Topical use of arthritis drug provides relief for dry eye disease, study suggests

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 16:23:23 EDT

An estimated nine million people in the United State alone suffer from significant dry eye disorder. Researchers have shown that topical anakinra (Kineret; Amgen Inc.), a recombinant version of human IL-1Ra approved for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, significantly reduced dry eye symptoms.

New research holds promise for treatments for a range of women's health issues

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 16:23:23 EDT

Natural lubricants play an important role in health, including helping prevent osteoarthritis in joints. Much is still unknown about their role and function in other areas of the body. Researchers for the first time have discovered that the surface of the eye produces "lubricin," the same substance that protects the joints, and have explained its role in this sensory organ.

Half of Americans would consider donating a kidney to a stranger

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 09:45:45 EDT

A new survey shows that support for organ donation is increasing. Eighty-four percent of respondents said they would be very or somewhat likely to consider donating a kidney or a portion of their liver to a close friend or family member, and 49 percent said they would be very or somewhat likely to consider donating a kidney to a stranger.

Patients with surgical complications provide greater hospital profit-margins

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 16:18:18 EDT

Privately insured surgical patients with a complication provided hospitals with a 330 percent higher profit margin than those without a complication, report researchers. Medicare patients with a complication produced a 190 percent higher margin. For hospitals, reducing surgical complications may mean reduced financial performance.

Medical researchers implant telescope for macular degeneration

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 15:14:14 EDT

Physicians have successfully implanted a telescope in a patient's eye to treat macular degeneration.

Predicting the next eye pathogen: Analysis of a novel adenovirus

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 20:19:19 EDT

Researchers used a combined genomic, bioinformatics and biological analysis to identify a unique deletion in a key protein of the viral capsid and further suggested the potential of the virus to cause severe ocular infection. The results point toward a possible approach for predicting pathogenicity for newly identified and recently emergent human pathogens.

One-two punch could be key in treating blindness

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EDT

Researchers have discovered that using two kinds of therapy in tandem may be a knockout combo against inherited disorders that cause blindness. While their study focused on man's best friend, the treatment could help restore vision in people, too.

Moving cells with light holds medical promise

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 15:29:29 EDT

Scientists have shown they can coax cells to move toward a beam of light. The feat is a first step toward manipulating cells to control insulin secretion or heart rate using light.

Gene switch steers blood supply to the retina

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 13:35:35 EDT

Normal functioning of the eye depends on a proper supply of blood to the retina. Light entering the eye passes through the cornea, the lens, and the vitreous body before reaching the retina, where it stimulates the nerves. If the retina contains too few or too many blood vessels – i.e., if it is under- or oversupplied with blood – a number of severe, often blinding eye diseases can develop.

New vision of how we explore our world

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 09:45:45 EDT

Brain researchers have discovered that we explore the world with our eyes in a different way than previously thought. Their results advance our understanding of how healthy observers and neurological patients interact and glean critical information from the world around them.

Ophthalmologists urge early diagnosis and treatment of age-related macular degeneration

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 11:26:26 EDT

A new study shows that AMD still causes severe vision loss in approximately 15 percent of Americans 85 and older. This study tracked vision loss in relation to eye disease and treatment response in nearly 5,000 patients over a 20-year period.

New view of origins of eye diseases

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 10:41:41 EDT

Using new technology and new approaches, researchers in Sweden hope to be able to explain why people suffer vision loss in eye diseases such as retinal detachment and glaucoma.

Cholesterol buildup links atherosclerosis and macular degeneration

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:46:46 EDT

A new study raises the intriguing possibility that drugs prescribed to lower cholesterol may be effective against macular degeneration, a blinding eye disease.

'OK' contact lenses: New technique shows promise in restoring near vision without glasses

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 07:52:52 EDT

By middle age, most people have age-related declines in near vision requiring bifocals or reading glasses. An emerging technique called hyperopic orthokeratology may provide a new alternative for restoring near vision without the need for glasses, according to a new study.

Protecting ears from hearing loss: Primary role of olivocochlear efferent system discovered

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 13:35:35 EDT

New research may have discovered a key piece in the puzzle of how hearing works by identifying the role of the olivocochlear efferent system in protecting ears from hearing loss.

Increased time to pregnancy linked to child's neurological development

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 20:25:25 EDT

Taking a long time to get pregnant may be linked to minor neurodevelopmental problems in the child, suggests a small study published online in the Fetal & Neonatal Edition of Archives of Disease in Childhood.

Implantable Telescope Lens to Treat Macular Degeneration Available at Johns Hopkins

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 22:13:13 EDT

Approximately two million Americans who have the advanced form of AMD, which affects the region of the retina responsible for central, detailed vision, and is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss and legal blindness in people over the age of 65. Now, a relatively new device, essentially an implantable telescope, is offering hope for those "aging eyes." The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the Implantable Miniature Telescope (IMT), which works like the telephoto lens of a camera, in 2010.

Researchers alter mosquito genome with goal of controlling disease

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 20:48:48 EDT

With a technique called TALENS, scientists used a pair of engineered proteins to disrupt a targeted gene in the mosquito genome, changing the eye color of ensuing generations of the insect. The method might help scientists find ways control disease transmission.

Cancer researchers discover new type of retinoblastoma in babies

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 23:10:10 EDT

Cancer researchers have discovered a new type of retinoblastoma, a rapidly developing eye cancer that affects very young babies -– a finding that can immediately change clinical practice and optimize care for these children.

Long-suspected cause of blindness from eye disease disproved

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 17:33:33 EDT

The lack of very long chain fatty acids does not cause blindness in children with the incurable eye disease known as Stargardt type 3 retinal degeneration.

New opportunities for 3-D technology in medicine

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 08:39:39 EST

Until now, physicians have largely been skeptical of the advantages of 3-D technology. But this may be about to change: the findings of a new study show that even experienced surgeons stand to benefit from the third dimension.

Potential target to better treat, cure anxiety disorders

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 17:46:46 EST

Researchers have, for the first time, identified a specific group of cells in the brainstem whose activation during rapid eye movement sleep is critical for the regulation of emotional memory processing.

Is it a stroke or benign dizziness? A simple bedside test can tell

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 17:40:40 EST

A bedside electronic device that measures eye movements can successfully determine whether the cause of severe, continuous, disabling dizziness is a stroke or something benign, according to new results.

'OK' contact lenses work by flattening front of cornea, not the entire cornea

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 12:31:31 EST

A contact lens technique called overnight orthokeratology (OK) brings rapid improvement in vision for nearsighted patients. Now a new study shows that OK treatment works mainly by flattening the front of the cornea, reports a recent study.

Genetic risk factors for common eye disorder come into focus

Sun, 03 Mar 2013 15:51:51 EST

Scientists have identified seven new genetic regions associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a common cause of blindness in older individuals. The findings could point to new biological pathways and therapeutic targets for AMD.

Seven genetic risk factors found to be associated with common eye disorder

Sun, 03 Mar 2013 15:49:49 EST

Scientists have discovered seven new regions of the human genome -- called loci -- that are associated with increased risk of age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness.

Breakthrough in sight for cataract treatment

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 10:33:33 EST

Scientists have made a discovery about the shape of the eye that could boost the effectiveness of human-made lenses used in cataract operations.

Wii-playing surgeons may improve performance on laparoscopic procedures

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 18:35:35 EST

Laparoscopic surgeons may improve certain aspects of surgical performance by regularly playing on a Nintendo Wii, according to new research.

Researchers test holographic technique for restoring vision

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 13:42:42 EST

Researchers are testing the power of holography to artificially stimulate cells in the eye, with hopes of developing a new strategy for bionic vision restoration. Computer-generated holography, they say, could be used in conjunction with a technique called optogenetics, which uses gene therapy to deliver light-sensitive proteins to damaged retinal nerve cells. In conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP), these light-sensing cells degenerate and lead to blindness.

More than just looking: A role of tiny eye movements explained

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 08:46:46 EST

Have you ever wondered whether it's possible to look at two places at once? Because our eyes have a specialized central region with high visual acuity and good color vision, we must always focus on one spot at a time in order to see our environment. As a result, our eyes constantly jump back and forth as we look around. But what if -- when you are looking at an object -- your brain also allowed you to "look" somewhere else at the same time, out of the corner of your eye, as it were? Now, a scientist has found a possible explanation for how this might happen.

Molecular basis identified for tissue specific immune regulation in the eye and kidney

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 08:47:47 EST

Scientists have made important advances in understanding why our immune system can attack our own tissues resulting in eye and kidney diseases. It is hoped the research will pave the way for the development of new treatments for the eye condition age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and the kidney condition atypical Haemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS).

Eye movements reveal reading impairments in schizophrenia

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 12:14:14 EST

A study of eye movements in schizophrenia patients provides new evidence of impaired reading fluency in individuals with the mental illness. The findings could open avenues to earlier detection and intervention for people with the illness.

New findings on genetic risks of Behçet's disease

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 08:50:50 EST

Researchers don't know the exact cause of Behçet's disease, a condition that leads to serious complications such as blindness, but new research brings better understanding to what makes some people more susceptible to being affected.

Vision restored with total darkness in kittens with amblyopia

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 13:39:39 EST

Restoring vision might sometimes be as simple as turning out the lights. That's according to a study in which researchers examined kittens with a visual impairment known as amblyopia before and after they spent 10 days in complete darkness.

FDA approves first retinal implant for adults with rare genetic eye disease

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 11:11:11 EST

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System, the first implanted device to treat adult patients with advanced retinitis pigmentosa (RP). The device, which includes a small video camera, transmitter mounted on a pair of eyeglasses, video processing unit (VPU) and an implanted retinal prosthesis (artificial retina), replaces the function of degenerated cells in the retina (a membrane inside the eye) and may improve a patient's ability to perceive images and movement. The VPU transforms images from the video camera into electronic data that is wirelessly transmitted to the retinal prosthesis.

Study aims to use stem cells to help save sight of diabetes sufferers

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 21:46:46 EST

Scientists are hoping to develop a novel approach that could save the sight of millions of diabetes sufferers using adult stem cells.

Protein discovered that prevents light-induced retinal degeneration

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 17:22:22 EST

Scientists have found a protein that protects retinal photoreceptor cells from degeneration caused by light damage. This protein may provide a new therapeutic target for both an inherited retinal degenerative disease and age-related macular degeneration.

No link found between genetic risk factors and two top wet AMD treatments

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 15:46:46 EST

New findings from a landmark clinical trial show that although certain gene variants may predict whether a person will develop age-related macular degeneration (AMD), these genes do not predict patients' responses to Lucentis™ and Avastin™, two medications widely used to treat "wet" AMD.

New genes for short-sightedness: 24 new genes that cause refractive errors and myopia identified

Sun, 10 Feb 2013 14:32:32 EST

Myopia is a major cause of blindness and visual impairment worldwide, and currently there is no cure. New findings reveal genetic causes of the trait, which could lead to finding better treatments or ways of preventing the condition in the future.

Researchers spot attention deficits in babies who later develop autism

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 10:21:21 EST

Researchers are able to detect deficits in social attention in infants as young as six months of age who later develop Autism Spectrum Disorders. The results showed that these infants paid less attention to people and their activities than typically developing babies.

In combat vets and others, high rate of vision problems after traumatic brain injury

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 13:00:00 EST

Visual symptoms and abnormalities occur at high rates in people with traumatic brain injury (TBI) -- including Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans with blast-related TBI, a new study reports.

New criteria for automated preschool vision screening

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 12:59:59 EST

The Vision Screening Committee of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, the professional organization for pediatric eye care, has revised its guidelines for automated preschool vision screening based on new evidence.