RxPG News : Ophthalmology

Post Menopausal Hormones - reduces risk of macular degeneration

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 13:52:27 PST

Women who take postmenopausal hormones appear to have a lower risk of developing advanced stages of the eye disease age-related macular degeneration, especially if they had also taken oral contraceptives in the past, according to a report in the April issue of Archives of Ophthalmology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

New Findings Indicate That Eyes Can Regenerate Damaged Retinas

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 11:32:50 PST

Washington, March 20 - It might be possible to turn on the eye's own resources to regenerate damaged retinas, without the need for transplanting outside retinal tissue or stem cells, according to a new study.

Coffee drinking protects against an eyelid spasm

Thu, 21 Jun 2007 04:00:00 PST

People who drink coffee are less likely to develop an involuntary eye spasm called primary late onset blepharospasm, which makes them blink uncontrollably and can leave them effectively "blind", according to a study published online ahead of print in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery and Psychiatry.

Higher fish consumption have a reduced risk of advanced age-related macular degeneration

Mon, 14 May 2007 20:33:58 PST

Individuals who have higher dietary intake of foods with omega-3 fatty acids and higher fish consumption have a reduced risk of advanced age-related macular degeneration, while those with higher serum levels of vitamin D may have a reduced risk of the early stages of the disease, according to two reports in the May issue of Archives of Ophthalmology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Dry Eye Syndrome affects quality of life

Sat, 10 Mar 2007 00:30:16 PST

As a clinical diagnosis, Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) may not appear to be a major health issue, but in a study published in the March issue of the American Journal of Ophthalmology, researchers found that DES had a significant impact on quality of life.

Choroideremia- fault in the retinal pigment epithelium

Wed, 07 Mar 2007 18:19:25 PST

Choroideremia is an X chromosome-linked hereditary retinal degenerative disease that leads to blindness in an estimated one in every 100,000 people. This study has found that the transportation process in the photoreceptors is perfectly normal, but the neighboring RPE is defective, which is why the photoreceptors die.

Glaucoma patients at significantly higher risk for falls, motor vehicle accidents

Wed, 28 Feb 2007 10:20:23 PST

Persons affected by glaucoma are over three times more likely to have been involved in falls and motor vehicle accidents than persons of the same age without the condition, say researchers from Dalhousie University in Canada. Their findings are published in the March 2007 issue of Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science.

Genetics key factor in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)

Fri, 24 Nov 2006 09:24:18 PST

Genetics play a major role in predisposing infants to retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a disease prevalent in premature infants that disrupts normal blood vessel development of the retina and can lead to blindness, researchers at Yale School of Medicine report in the November issue of Pediatrics.

Serious eye infection linked with contact lens solution

Fri, 24 Nov 2006 01:00:00 PST

In the final analysis, case patients were more than 20 times more likely than controls to report using a specific contact lens solution, ReNu with MoistureLoc.

HTRA1 gene linked to aggressive 'wet' age-related macular degeneration

Thu, 23 Nov 2006 21:13:40 PST

A gene variant that increases the risk of developing the aggressive "wet" form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most common cause of blindness in people over age 50, is reported in two recent articles in Science by researchers at Yale School of Medicine.

Master Proteins Dictate Retinal Differentiation Timetable

Wed, 16 Aug 2006 08:41:00 PST

The embryonic construction of the vertebrate retina is a highly ordered affair. Following a precise timetable, six different specialized cell types emerge from a mass of identical, proliferating cells. The process of retinal cell differentiation, when so-called progenitor cells stop dividing and choose among the six fates, depends primarily on homeobox genes, major regulators of embryonic patterning. How these genes control the timing of retinal cell differentiation has remained an open questionuntil now.

Yellow plant pigments lutein and zeaxanthin reduce risk of age-related macular degeneration

Tue, 15 Aug 2006 11:41:00 PST

Women younger than age 75 years who eat diets rich in the yellow plant pigments lutein and zeaxanthin may have a reduced risk of developing the eye disease age-related macular degeneration, according to a report in the August issue of Archives of Ophthalmology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) occurs when the macula, the area at the back of the retina that produces the sharpest vision, deteriorates over time. The condition is the leading cause of blindness in aging Americans, according to background information in the article. There is no cure for AMD and limited treatment options are available to slow its progression, so research on preventive measures is essential. Previous studies have suggested a potential link between AMD and lutein and zeaxanthin, plant pigments known as carotenoids and found in leafy green vegetables, corn, egg yolks, squash, broccoli and peas. These compounds may reduce the risk of AMD by absorbing blue light that could damage the macula, by preventing free radicals from damaging eye cells and by strengthening eye cell membranes.

Objective way to diagnose diseases of colour perception

Thu, 10 Aug 2006 14:59:00 PST

Pictures of brain waves that reveal our ability to see colour could provide a new objective way to diagnose and monitor diseases that affect human colour perception. The research finding by a Universiy of New South Wales PhD student, Ms Mei Ying Boon, has earned her a nomination in this year's Fresh Science Awards.

Onchocerciasis treatment reduces prevalence and intensity by 38%

Mon, 31 Jul 2006 11:45:00 PST

Onchocerciasis, river blindness or craw craw is an endemic disease in Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea. This pathology causes a weakening in affected individuals, most of them within the labour force population, making this disease one of the limiting factors for the economic development of the island.

Antioxidants may slow retinal degeneration

Thu, 20 Jul 2006 20:22:00 PST

Scientists at Johns Hopkins have successfully blocked the advance of retinal degeneration in mice with a form of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) by treating them with vitamin E, alpha-lipoic acid and other antioxidant chemicals.

Hormone Therapy Does Not Affect Age-Related Vision Loss

Wed, 12 Jul 2006 05:59:00 PST

Postmenopausal hormone therapy does not appear to increase or decrease the overall risk of AMD among women, although combination hormones may slightly reduce the chances of developing certain risk factors or types of the condition, according to a report in the July issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Eating Fish Protects Against Macular Degeneration

Wed, 12 Jul 2006 05:53:00 PST

In a study, Brian Chua, B.Sc., M.B.B.S., M.P.H., Westmead Millennium Institute and Vision Co-operative Research Centre, Syndney, Australia, and colleagues examined the association between dietary fat intake and AMD risk in 2,895 Australians age 49 years or older, beginning in 1992-1994. At the beginning of the study and again five years later, participants had a comprehensive eye exam that included photographs of the retina. They also filled out a questionnaire with data about food types and portion sizes consumed, including specific information about margarines, butters, oils and supplements.

Research Highlights Risk Factors For Age-Related Vision Loss

Wed, 12 Jul 2006 05:50:00 PST

Eating fish frequently may be associated with decreased chances of developing age-related macular degeneration, while smoking nearly doubles the risk for this common cause of vision loss and hormone therapy appears to have no effect, according to three articles in the July issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

How Thalamic Neurons Grab Your Attention

Wed, 12 Jul 2006 05:27:00 PST

Certain salient features in a visual scene grab our attention, such as a tiger emerging from a field of tall grass, after which we may spend more time taking in the details. Both ways of experiencing the world are automatic, and the neurons that make up the brain's visual system switch between these two modes continuously. But the exact neurons and mechanisms responsible are still a mystery to neuroscientists.

FDA approves ranibizumab for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration

Thu, 06 Jul 2006 02:23:00 PST

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today approved Lucentis (ranibizumab injection) for the treatment of patients with neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Lucentis is the first treatment which, when dosed monthly, can maintain the vision of more than 90 percent of patients with this type of AMD.

High Body Mass Index Increase the Genetic Risk of AMD

Sat, 01 Jul 2006 17:41:00 PST

Current cigarette smoking was associated with a fivefold increased risk and high BMI (30 or higher) was associated with a twofold higher risk of AMD. The homozygous risk genotype (CC) plus smoking conferred a tenfold higher risk of AMD, compared with non-smokers with the non-risk (TT) genotype, while the risk genotype plus higher BMI increased risk of AMD almost sixfold. Gene plus environment risk scores provided an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.70-0.75. The attributable risks for the combination of genes and environment were 69% to 73%.

Ranibizumab Approved for Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Sat, 01 Jul 2006 16:41:00 PST

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Lucentis (ranibizumab injection) for the treatment of patients with neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Lucentis is the first treatment which, when dosed monthly, can maintain the vision of more than 90 percent of patients with this type of AMD. Lucentis is a new molecular entity (NME), meaning it contains an active substance that has never before been approved for marketing in any form in the United States. Lucentis will be the first FDA--approved product to provide prescription information in the new format for prescription drug package inserts, to provide professionals and consumers clear and concise prescription information.

Statins reduce incidence of nuclear cataract

Wed, 21 Jun 2006 15:22:00 PST

The use of statins is linked with a lower incidence of nuclear cataract, the most common type of age-related cataract, according to a study in the June 21 issue of JAMA. Statins are widely used to decrease serum cholesterol for cardiovascular disease prevention. Statins have also been shown to have antioxidant activity. Oxidative stress (a condition in which antioxidant levels are lower than normal) has been thought to be a risk factor for age-related cataract, particularly nuclear cataract (the most common type of age-related cataract, which occurs in the center of the lens). Some evidence has suggested an association between nutritional intake of antioxidants and age-related cataract, according to background information in the article.

Limitations of human visual system hinders goalkeepers

Mon, 22 May 2006 03:20:00 PST

Professional goalkeepers fail to stop free kicks because of shortcomings in their visual system, according to new research by Cathy Craig and colleagues, from Queens University Belfast, Northern Ireland. The projected trajectory of a ball following a curved flight path is more difficult to judge because our visual system is not sensitive enough to gauge a change of direction at speed, mid-flight. The research is published in Springer-Verlags journal Naturwissenschaften.

First look at the 'birth' of a retina cell

Sun, 07 May 2006 15:25:00 PST

Scientists at the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center have gained new insight into the way an embryonic retina cell develops and then commits itself to a specific role. They have observed a small window of opportunity during which a cell has been designated to play a particular role, but has not yet begun to function as such.

New genetic discovery explains 74 percent cases of age-related macular degeneration

Mon, 06 Mar 2006 17:31:00 PST

A new study, led by researchers at Columbia University Medical Center, pinpoints the role that two genes Factor H and Factor B play in the development of nearly three out of four cases of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a devastating eye disease that affects more than 10 million people in the United States. Findings indicate that 74 percent of AMD patients carry certain variants in one or both genes that significantly increase their risk of this disease.

Just two genes, Factor H and Factor B, cause blindness in millions

Mon, 06 Mar 2006 16:56:00 PST

Just two genes cause blindness in millions of older people across the globe, a discovery that scientists say could aid the development of new treatments for the condition.

Marijuana for Diabetic retinopathy ?

Tue, 28 Feb 2006 21:26:00 PST

Scientists have discovered a compound in marijuana that could protect against eye damage in diabetics.

Controlling SPARC levels key to controlling angiogenesis in macular degeneration

Fri, 03 Feb 2006 16:08:00 PST

For the second time in a week Dr. Jayakrishna Ambati, UK HealthCare physician and associate professor and vice chair of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, announced a discovery from his lab that will affect the future of macular degeneration treatment and research.

Microsaccades are indeed responsible for most of our visual experience

Fri, 20 Jan 2006 15:36:00 PST

For more than 40 years, a scientific controversy has raged over whether microsaccades, rapid eye movements that occur when a person's gaze is fixated, are responsible for visibility.

Making new blood vessels: keeping the lines of sight open

Fri, 20 Jan 2006 13:56:00 PST

The creation of new blood vessels, known as angiogenesis, is a process used to supply oxygen and nutrients at sites of tissue injury. Angiogenesis is known to be stimulated during hypoxia (low oxygen conditions, when new vessels are needed). However, the mechanisms by which hypoxia leads to new vessel formation is poorly understood.

Sudden severe loss of vision linked with impotency drugs

Tue, 17 Jan 2006 19:09:00 PST

Viagra and Cialis, the drugs used to treat impotency, may be associated with an increased risk of optic nerve damage in men with a history of heart attack or high blood pressure, suggests a small study in the British Journal of Ophthalmology.

Antioxidants reduce risk of age-related macular degeneration

Wed, 28 Dec 2005 18:23:00 PST

A diet with a high intake of beta carotene, vitamins C and E, and zinc is associated with a substantially reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration in elderly persons, according to a study in the December 28 issue of JAMA. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative disorder of the macula, the central part of the retina, and is the most common cause of irreversible blindness in developed countries, according to background information in the article. Late-stage AMD results in an inability to read, recognize faces, drive, or move freely. The prevalence of late AMD steeply increases with age, affecting 11.5 percent of white persons older than 80 years. In the absence of effective treatment for AMD, the number of patients severely disabled by late-stage AMD is expected to increase in the next 20 years by more than 50 percent to 3 million in the United States alone. Epidemiological studies evaluating both dietary intake and serum levels of antioxidant vitamins and AMD have provided conflicting results. One study (called AREDS) showed that supplements containing 5 to 13 times the recommended daily allowance of beta carotene, vitamins C and E, and zinc given to participants with early or single eye late AMD resulted in a 25 percent reduction in the 5-year progression to late AMD.

Successful tests of new treatments for Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA)

Wed, 02 Nov 2005 11:21:00 PST

A team led by Krzysztof Palczewski, Ph.D., chair of pharmacology at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, has taken the first steps in treating an eye disease causing irreversible congenital blindness in millions of people worldwide by successfully testing two new treatments in mice.

First-ever Images of Living Human Retinas Sprung a Surprise

Thu, 27 Oct 2005 00:32:00 PST

First-ever images of living human retinas have yielded a surprise about how we perceive our world. Researchers at the University of Rochester have found that the number of color-sensitive cones in the human retina differs dramatically among peopleby up to 40 timesyet people appear to perceive colors the same way. The findings, on the cover of this week's journal Neuroscience, strongly suggest that our perception of color is controlled much more by our brains than by our eyes.

Dietary Fat Intake Linked to Dry Eye Syndrome in Women

Thu, 20 Oct 2005 23:11:00 PST

More than eight million people in the United States, predominantly women, suffer from dry eye syndrome, a painful and debilitating eye disease. In the first study of its kind to examine modifiable risk factors, researchers from Brigham and Womens Hospital (BWH) and Schepens Eye Research Institute (SERI) found that the amount, type and ratio of essential fatty acids in the diet may play a key role in dry eye prevention in women.

Neural wiring in brain's visual system is not dismantled by visual deprivation

Thu, 20 Oct 2005 16:02:00 PST

New research findings led by Thomas Krahe and Ary S. Ramoa of Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine offer two pieces of good news for treating children with amblyopia. First, the researchers have found evidence that the neural wiring in the brain's visual system is not dismantled by visual deprivation--for example, due to a cataract--during what is known as the "critical period" of vision development. Rather, the wiring is merely deactivated, capable of being rapidly reactivated when vision is restored. And secondly, the researchers wrote in an article published in the October 20, 2005, issue of Neuron, their findings suggest that allowing children with amblyopia to use both eyes--rather than patching the stronger eye to encourage use of the weaker one--enables better recovery. Such findings are clinically important because about three percent of people suffer loss of visual acuity in one eye during early development.

VISION - VEGF Inhibition Study in Ocular Neovascularization Exploratory Analysis

Sat, 08 Oct 2005 05:57:00 PST

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in older patients in the developed world. Vascular endothelial growth factor is one of the key mediators stimulating the abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage characteristic of the exudative (wet) form of the condition. Pegaptanib sodium (Macugen) is a new treatment for exudative AMD, and has been shown to stabilize vision in approximately 70 percent of cases.

Why do pictures look same from different angles?

Tue, 27 Sep 2005 18:28:00 PST

University of California at Berkley and RIT release new findings on visual perception

Potential role of amyloid-beta in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration

Tue, 27 Sep 2005 01:21:00 PST

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the main cause of blindness in patients over the age of 60. In these AMD patients, choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is the most common cause of visual loss.

Rapid genetic testing for eye disease is becoming a reality

Mon, 19 Sep 2005 12:26:00 PST

Rapid genetic testing for eye disease is becoming a reality, thanks to a technology developed at the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center. Scientists have created a first-of-its-kind test on a microchip array that will help physicians hone their diagnoses for patients with the blinding disease known as retinitis pigmentosa (RP). The screening technique has proven to be reliable and cost-effective.

First description of a human HOXA1 mutation syndrome

Mon, 12 Sep 2005 20:37:00 PST

Researchers at Children's Hospital Boston, who specialize in studying the genetics of rare eye-movement disorders, have found a rare genetic syndrome whose implications go far beyond the eye, raising intriguing questions about human cardiovascular and brain development.

FDA Approval to be filed for Ranibizumab as Treatment of Wet ARMD

Fri, 09 Sep 2005 17:25:00 PST

Genentech, Inc. (NYSE: DNA) announced today plans to file a complete Biologics License Application (BLA) for the investigational drug Lucentis (ranibizumab) in December 2005. In addition, the company announced that it is in discussion with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding plans to initiate a Phase IIIb clinical study of Lucentis for patients with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The study is anticipated to begin before the end of 2005. One-year Phase III data from the MARINA study presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Retina Specialists in July showed Lucentis improved vision in patients with wet AMD.

Smoking and Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Wed, 07 Sep 2005 18:06:00 PST

Smoking greatly increases your chance of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which leads to severe and irreversible sight-loss, according to an article published in the Royal College of Ophthalmologist's journal Eye this week (published online 7th September 2005).

Successful gene therapy in mice to treat retinoschisis

Mon, 05 Sep 2005 23:59:00 PST

University of Florida scientists used a healthy human gene to prevent blindness in mice with a form of an incurable eye disease that strikes boys.

Right Parietal Cortex Plays a Critical Role in Change Blindness

Sun, 04 Sep 2005 09:41:00 PST

A team of scientists at UCL (University College London) has discovered why we often miss major changes in our surroundings - such as a traffic light turning green when were listening to the radio. Our inability to notice large changes in a visual scene is a phenomenon often exploited by magicians - but only now can scientists put their finger on the exact part of the brain that is so often deceived.

Mycophenolate mofetil holds promise for inflammatory eye disease

Sun, 04 Sep 2005 08:35:00 PST

The immunosuppressive drug mycophenolate mofetil, used to prevent rejection of transplanted hearts, kidneys and livers, may also be effective in controlling inflammatory eye diseases, according to a study by researchers at Johns Hopkins' Wilmer Eye Institute.

Cogan Award to macular degeneration scientist

Thu, 01 Sep 2005 01:23:00 PST

The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) announced today that Joshua L. Dunaief, MD, PhD, has been selected to receive the 2006 Cogan Award during ARVO's Annual Meeting to be held in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., in May 2006.

Age-related maculopathy (ARM) gene discovered

Wed, 17 Aug 2005 01:54:00 PST

University of Pittsburgh researchers have discovered a gene linked to age-related maculopathy (ARM), the leading cause of untreatable blindness in the elderly. Their discovery suggests a simple test might be able to identify those at risk for what is commonly known as macular degeneration (AMD) and may lead to the development of more effective preventive strategies.

Vitamin supplementation may slow down cataract development

Wed, 10 Aug 2005 22:02:00 PST

Age-related cataract, the world's leading cause of blindness, affects more than 20 million Americans over the age of 40 years. Surgical correction is currently the only known option for intervention, but researchers at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University recently sought, in three different studies, to determine if prevention is possible. Their findings suggest that vitamins and polyunsaturated fatty acids--two categories of nutrients believed to have health benefits--may both affect cataract development, although not necessarily in beneficial ways.

FDA approves TECNIS(R) foldable acrylic intraocular lens

Wed, 10 Aug 2005 20:33:00 PST

Advanced Medical Optics, Inc. (AMO) , today announced that the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the TECNIS(R) intraocular lens (IOL) on an acrylic platform.

Cosmic radiation associated with risk of cataract in airline pilots

Wed, 10 Aug 2005 13:08:00 PST

Airline pilots have an increased risk of nuclear cataracts [common type of cataract, associated with aging] compared with non-pilots, and that risk is associated with cumulative exposure to cosmic radiation, according to a study in the August issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Ruboxistaurin to be considered for Diabetic Retinopathy

Sun, 07 Aug 2005 19:00:00 PST

Eli Lilly and Company announced today that it has completed a Phase 3 clinical trial in which its investigational drug, ruboxistaurin mesylate (proposed brand name Arxxant, pronounced ark-ZONT) reduced the occurrence of vision loss in patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR). As a result, Lilly believes it is appropriate to submit a new drug application (NDA) to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) at the end of 2005 for the treatment of DR, the initial indication for ruboxistaurin.

Role of melanin in preventing macular degeneration

Sat, 30 Jul 2005 01:49:00 PST

Two studies from an unusual research partnership at the University of Chicago appear to have resolved a long-standing dispute about the role of melanin in the eye. The studies, one published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) and one early online in the Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS), also suggest a new way to prevent a common cause of blindness.

Melanin to the rescue

Fri, 29 Jul 2005 15:15:00 PST

The studies, one published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) and one early online in the Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS), also suggest a new way to prevent a common cause of blindness.Chemist James Norris, Ph.D., and retina surgeon Kourous Rezai, M.D., combined resources to show that melanin, a pigment found throughout the human body, acts like a neutralizing sponge inside cells in the retina to soak up and destroy reactive oxygen species.Promising work to provide the basis for a cure to Macular Degeneration, a devastating disease without a cure.

Chromosome region for macular degeneration pinpointed

Wed, 27 Jul 2005 01:43:00 PST

Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in older adults, yet researchers are still in the dark about many of the factors that cause this incurable disease.

Eye Saver Easy Reading Light Bulb useful in macular degeneration

Wed, 27 Jul 2005 01:39:00 PST

For years, there has been much research and development to improve poor eyesight, including the use of scratch-resistant and radiation-blocking lenses. Now, a revolutionary product for eye correction focuses specifically on the needs of those in working environments, called the Eye Saver Easy Reading Light Bulb.

Susceptibility to Neurodegeneration in a Glaucoma Is Modified by Bax Gene Dosage

Mon, 25 Jul 2005 17:13:00 PST

Glaucoma is a group of diseases whose unifying characteristic is death of nerve cells (retinal ganglion cells) that connect the eye to the brain. Glaucoma is often associated with a harmfully high pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure) contributing to nerve cell death. Various treatments are used to lower eye pressure, but currently no commonly used treatments directly protect the nerve cells.

Our thirst for novelty begins in the eye itself - Study

Sun, 10 Jul 2005 15:03:00 PST

Researchers at Harvard University have found evidence that the retina actively seeks novel features in the visual environment, dynamically adjusting its processing in order to seek the unusual while ignoring the commonplace. The scientists report in this week's issue of the journal Nature on their finding that this principle of novelty-detection operates in many visual environments.

F4/80 protein in the eye may protect eyes from disease

Wed, 22 Jun 2005 22:49:00 PST

Scientists at The Schepens Eye Research Institute have discovered that a protein known as F4/80 found on immune cells in the eye and other parts of the body may have a function in the regulation of the body's immune response and protect delicate tissues that cannot survive the "inflammation" inherent in full-blown immunity.

Diabetic retinopathy in pre-diabetes

Tue, 14 Jun 2005 03:20:00 PST

Diabetic retinopathy has been found in nearly 8 percent of pre-diabetic participants in the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), according to a report presented today at the American Diabetes Association's 65th Annual Scientific Sessions. Diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to vision loss, was also seen in 12 percent of participants with type 2 diabetes who developed diabetes during the DPP.

NDA Amendment Submitted for Diquafosol in the Treatment of Dry Eye Disease

Thu, 02 Jun 2005 10:38:00 PST

Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: ISPH) today announced the submission of an amendment to its New Drug Application (NDA) filed in 2003 with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for approval to market diquafosol tetrasodium for the treatment of dry eye disease.

Exploring the 'corner-of-your-eye' phenomenon

Wed, 01 Jun 2005 23:08:00 PST

Look at something red in the room, and you'll be more likely to notice something red out of the corner of your eye, elsewhere in the room. Researchers have known that this "implicit attentional selection" is outside conscious control and that we are unaware of its functioning.

FDA Approves Anecortave Acetate Suspension for Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Wed, 25 May 2005 11:05:00 PST

Alcon, Inc. (NYSE:ACL) announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an approvable letter for its New Drug Application (NDA) for RETAANE(R) 15 mg (anecortave acetate suspension). RETAANE(R) suspension is an investigational treatment for preserving the vision of patients with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Pegaptanib Injection Shows Promising Results in Diabetic Macular Edema

Fri, 06 May 2005 18:14:00 PST

Eyetech Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced that imaging data from a Phase 2 study of Macugen(R) (pegaptanib sodium injection) in diabetic macular edema (DME) showed a reversal of capillary microaneurysms, retinal ischemia and neovascularization -- all important signs of diabetic retinopathy.

New Laser Assisted Cornea Transplant Surgery

Wed, 04 May 2005 18:30:00 PST

A UC Irvine ophthalmologist and his team have invented a new laser-surgery technique to perform cornea-transplant surgery that can replace the use of traditional handheld surgical blades and potentially improve recovery time for patients.

Researchers Present Information on 'Artificial Retina'

Tue, 03 May 2005 13:18:00 PST

Researchers from the University of Southern California and the Doheny Eye Institute's Doheny Retina Institute will be presenting data on the first six patients implanted with an intraocular retinal prosthesis-more popularly referred to as an artificial retina-developed and manufactured in partnership with Second Sight Medical Products, Inc., of Sylmar, Calif.

Encapsulated Cell Technology Brings New Hope for Patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa

Mon, 02 May 2005 10:28:00 PST

Neurotech SA, a specialist in the development of novel therapies for retinal diseases, today announced positive results from an open-label Phase I clinical trial (03-EI-0234) of its lead product, NT-501.

NT-501 uses Neurotech's patented Encapsulated Cell Technology (ECT) as a device to deliver ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) to eyes of visually impaired patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP).

Distance (minus) Lenses Worsen Myopia

Mon, 02 May 2005 10:22:00 PST

The International Myopia Prevention Association (IMPA) has filed a Petition with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seeking enforcement action to require eye care professionals to advise parents of children with initial myopia that distance (minus) lenses worsen myopia and that myopia may be prevented by using reading (plus) lenses for computer usage and other prolonged close work.

Variation in immune response gene causes age-related macular degeneration

Sat, 30 Apr 2005 01:26:00 PST

Age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in the elderly, occurs when a common inherited gene variation is triggered, possibly by an infection, according to a new study led by researchers at Columbia University Medical Center and the University of Iowa, with an international research team.

Tobramycin and Prednisolone Combination for Inflammatory Ocular Conditions

Thu, 28 Apr 2005 10:25:00 PST

ISTA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ISTA - News) announced today that the Company has filed an Investigational New Drug (IND) application with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to initiate a U.S. Phase III study of a new combination ophthalmic product containing tobramycin and prednisolone acetate for the treatment of steroid-responsive inflammatory ocular conditions where risk of bacterial infection exists.

Common painkillers may play a role in preventing or slowing the progression of macular degeneration

Wed, 27 Apr 2005 01:34:00 PST

Rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with anti-inflammatory drugs are 10 times less likely to develop age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most common form of blindness in people over 55, researchers at the University of British Columbia and University of Saskatchewan have found.

FDA gives Clearance to Multicolor Laser Photocoagulator System for Retinal Applications

Sat, 16 Apr 2005 20:48:00 PST

NIDEK Inc., a U.S. leader in advanced ophthalmic laser technologies announced today that it received FDA marketing clearance for commercial release of its new MC-300 Multicolor Laser Photocoagulator System. The new laser will continue to establish NIDEK as a comprehensive laser provider for the fast growing retinal laser market. The MC-300 laser system has been commercially available in international markets and has received outstanding reviews and clinical results from retinal specialists in Asia and Europe.

Key to better-than-20/20 vision is in the Flap

Thu, 14 Apr 2005 16:10:00 PST

Surgeon's choice of laser or blade for corneal flap plays role in visual outcome of procedure

Older Children Can be Effectively Treated for Lazy Eye

Wed, 13 Apr 2005 20:05:00 PST

Surprising results from a nationwide clinical trial show that many children age seven through 17 with amblyopia (lazy eye) may benefit from treatments that are more commonly used on younger children.

Smoking doubles risk of age related macular degeneration

Wed, 13 Apr 2005 01:37:00 PST

The risk of macular degeneration increases with age and is the most common cause of blindness in the UK, affecting around 200,000 elderly people.

New Collaboration to discover genes responsible for Macular Degeneration

Fri, 01 Apr 2005 17:01:00 PST

AMD is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in the developed world, affecting 15 to 20 percent of individuals over the age of 60, or an estimated 50 million individuals.

Stanford physicists and eye doctors to design a "Bionic Eye,"

Thu, 31 Mar 2005 16:48:00 PST

On Feb. 22 in the Journal of Neural Engineering, Daniel Palanker, Alexander Vankov and Phil Huie from the Department of Ophthalmology and the Hansen Experimental Physics Laboratory and Stephen Baccus from the Department of Neurobiology published a design of an optoelectronic retinal prosthesis system that can stimulate the retina with resolution corresponding to a visual acuity of 20/80sharp enough to orient yourself toward objects, recognize faces, read large fonts, watch TV and, perhaps most important, lead an independent life.

FDA Approves Bromfenac ophthalmic solution for the Treatment of Ocular Inflammation Following Cataract Surgery

Tue, 29 Mar 2005 09:16:00 PST

ISTA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has announced that the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the New Drug Application (NDA) for Xibrom(TM) (bromfenac ophthalmic solution) 0.09% for the treatment of ocular inflammation following cataract surgery. ISTA expects to launch Xibrom(TM), a topical, twice-daily, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory solution (NSAID), during the second quarter of 2005, after securing commercial quantities of the product from its manufacturer and completing the further expansion of its sales force.

Gene variation could be responsible for age-related macular degeneration

Sun, 27 Mar 2005 02:22:00 PST

Half of all cases of age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness among the elderly, could be caused by a variation in a particular gene, according to UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers involved in a multicenter study.

Infant vernier acuity is not as immature as previous research has indicated

Wed, 23 Mar 2005 23:16:00 PST

Infant vernier acuity is not as immature as previous research has indicated according to a study published in March in the Journal of Vision, an online, free access publication of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO).

Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lenses carry Five Times Decreased Risk of Severe Keratitis

Tue, 22 Mar 2005 20:30:00 PST

Sleeping in contact lenses carries a significant risk of severe eye infection (keratitis), but the new generation silicone hydrogel lenses cut that risk fivefold, finds research in the British Journal of Ophthalmology.

Genetics important in age-related macular degeneration

Tue, 15 Mar 2005 01:57:00 PST

Genes play a substantial role in the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness among older individuals, according to an article in the March issue of Archives of Ophthalmology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Gene Variation implicated for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD)

Fri, 11 Mar 2005 16:28:00 PST

Gene variant increases risk of age-related macular degeneration

Fri, 11 Mar 2005 02:04:00 PST

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center and Vanderbilt University Medical Center have pinpointed the first major gene that determines an individual's risk for developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The chronic, progressive disease -- which affects as many as 15 million people in the United States -- is the leading cause of visual impairment and legal blindness in the elderly.

Major role of genes in age-related blindness disease

Fri, 11 Mar 2005 02:00:00 PST

By combining the tools of high-throughput biology and statistical genetics, scientists at Rockefeller University, Yale University School of Public Health and the National Eye Institute have identified a gene that confers susceptibility to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most common cause of vision loss in the United Sates for those over 60. Reported in the March 10 issue of Science Express, the finding opens the door for new investigations of the role of genes in developing AMD and possible treatments for this disease.

Gene for age-related macular degeneration discovered

Thu, 10 Mar 2005 02:26:00 PST

Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have identified a gene for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) on a region of chromosome 1, leading the way for targeted treatment for this widespread eye disease that causes blindness in millions of people.

A 'Mouse Model' to Test Potential Therapies for Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Mon, 07 Mar 2005 08:01:00 PST

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine and the University of Utah have developed a mouse model of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in people over age 55, and Stargardt Macular Degeneration (STGD), a form of the disease that affects children and young adults.

Neurons are sensitive to viewing angle

Thu, 03 Mar 2005 17:24:00 PST

Researchers have found that our visual cortex contains neurons that tell us, for example, whether a face is turned in our direction or not. The work adds to knowledge of how the brain collects and processes visual information leading to the recognition of objects, and it may inform the design of machine vision.

Senior-Loken syndrome caused by mutation in NPHP5 gene

Thu, 03 Mar 2005 17:20:00 PST

In both the eye and the kidney, U-M scientists found that mutations in NPHP5 produced defects in hair-like cellular structures called cilia, which serve as sensory devices throughout the body. Researchers are interested in cilia, because they may play an important role in diseases ranging from diabetes to Alzheimer's.

Rostaporfin Photodynamic Therapy for Better Vision in wet AMD,in Phase III

Thu, 03 Feb 2005 12:23:00 PST

Miravant Medical Technologies,announced today that it will conduct a phase III confirmatory clinical trial of PHOTREX(TM) (rostaporfin, formerly known as SnET2) for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), based on a Special Protocol Assessment by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA requested this single confirmatory study in its Approvable Letter issued September 2004, after reviewing the Company's New Drug Application (NDA).

Self-management training benefits macular degeneration patients

Wed, 12 Jan 2005 02:15:00 PST

A 12-hour self-management program for individuals with advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) leads to lasting improvements in mood and function, especially in depressed patients, and decreases the development of clinical depression in AMD patients over time, according to a University of California, San Diego (UCSD) Shiley Eye Center study published in the January 2005 Archives of Ophthalmology.

Pegaptanib provides benefit for neovascular age-related macular degeneration

Thu, 30 Dec 2004 02:19:00 PST

Results from two concurrent, prospective, double-blind, multi-center clinical trials show that pegaptanib (Macugen), an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy, is an effective treatment for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD), according to a paper in the Dec. 30 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. Macugen was approved by the Food and Drug Administration on Dec. 17.

Loss of fruit fly retina protein delays blinding light damage

Thu, 16 Dec 2004 15:33:00 PST

In experiments with fruit flies, Johns Hopkins researchers have found that blindness induced by constant light results directly from the loss of a key light-detecting protein, rather than from the overall death of cells in the retina, which in humans is a light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.

New model of rare childhood blindness holds promise for testing preventive therapies

Wed, 15 Dec 2004 18:52:00 PST

The development of a laboratory model for a rare, inherited form of blindness holds promise that scientists might one day be able to test new treatments to prevent or cure this devastating disease of the retina. This finding, from investigators at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Columbia University, will be published in the Dec. 20 issue of Molecular Brain Research (MBR).

The model for this disease, called Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), is especially important because no treatments are currently available to prevent it. There are not enough patients to enroll in large clinical trials to test new prevention treatments; therefore, any potential new therapy must have a high probability of working. This is especially the case with LCA. Diseases with such a limited patient population discourage the expensive commercial research and development needed to find an effective treatment for it, according to Michael A. Dyer, Ph.D., assistant member of St. Jude Developmental Neurobiology. Dyer is first author of the MBR report. The investigators are now using the model to develop a gene therapy to prevent this form of blindness.

"Change Blindness", a curious phenomenon

Wed, 15 Dec 2004 18:43:00 PST

In this week's Journal of Neuroscience, Cavanaugh and Wurtz dissect a curious phenomenon, "change blindness." We all, perhaps unknowingly, experience this effect hundreds of times each day. For example, when a new feature appears in our visual field, our attention shifts. During the eye movements (saccades) that redirect central vision, we are blind to changes in the visual scene. The authors hypothesized that a oordinated mechanism is responsible for saccadic movement and attentional shifts.

Growing epidemic of wet AMD

Wed, 27 Oct 2004 02:40:00 PST

Retina specialists and ophthalmologists are encouraged by promising new scientific approaches that could have the potential to reduce the devastating effects of wet AMD for patients and offer the medical community a new paradigm of care, according to presentations made at the 2004 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology in New Orleans.

Gene defects found in age-related macular degeneration

Tue, 27 Jul 2004 02:32:00 PST

Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) researchers have identified subtle defects in a single gene that underlie a hereditary form of age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in the developed world.

Racial variations in nursing home resident vision loss

Wed, 14 Jul 2004 02:35:00 PST

Cataract was the primary cause of low vision in 54 percent of African American nursing home residents compared to 37 percent of white residents, according to an article in the July issue of Archives of Ophthalmology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Search for macular degeneration genes narrows to five chromosome regions

Sat, 27 Mar 2004 02:43:00 PST

Scientists at the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center, working with colleagues in the U-M School of Public Health, have significantly narrowed the range of chromosomal locations where they expect to find genes associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD).