Researchers Stop Neuromyelitis Optica Attacks With New Therapy
October 9, 2012
Researchers have identified a new therapy for patients with neuromyelitis optica that appears to stop inflammation of the eye nerves and spinal cord. NMO is a debilitating central nervous system disorder that is often misdiagnosed as multiple sclerosis (MS).
Chaperone Protein Subverts Removal of Glaucoma-Causing Protein (NIH-funded)
October 9, 2012
The chaperone protein Grp94 can interfere with the clearance of another protein known to cause the glaucoma when mutated, a new study has found. Using a cell model, the researchers also demonstrated that a new specific inhibitor of Grp94 facilitates clearance of the genetically-defective protein, called myocilin, from cells.
Universal Map of Vision in the Human Brain (NIH-funded)
October 4, 2012
Nearly 100 years after a British neurologist first mapped the blind spots caused by missile wounds to the brains of soldiers, researchers have perfected his map using modern-day technology. Their results create a map of vision in the brain based upon an individual's brain structure, even for people who cannot see.
Got Dry Eyes? Measuring Eyelid Sensitivity May Reflect the Causes
October 3, 2012
A simple test of eyelid sensitivity may help vision professionals in evaluating one of the most common eye-related symptoms: dry eyes. A new study found that linking increased eyelid sensitivity to decreased function of the eyelid margins.
Monoclonal Antibody Fragment Treatments for 'Wet' Macular Degeneration Keep Elderly Drivers Behind the Wheel, Study Suggests
October 3, 2012
The advanced neovascular, or "wet," form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), left untreated, is the most common cause of vision loss among the elderly and a leading reason for their loss of driving privileges. But results of a new study, suggest that monthly injections of ranibizumab improve eye chart test results required for a driver's license, build driver confidence and keep those with AMD driving longer.
Retina's Thickness May Be Tied to Severity of MS, Study Suggests
October 1, 2012
Using a high-tech imaging process to measure the thickness of the eye's retina may one day predict the progression of multiple sclerosis, a new study suggests.
Reduced Glaucoma Risk Found in Patients Who Take Statins (NIH-funded)
October 1, 2012
People who take statins to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease are less likely to be diagnosed with the most common form of glaucoma, according to a nationwide study of more than 300,000 patients. A research team found that the risk for glaucoma was reduced by eight percent in patients who took statins continuously for two years, compared with patients who did not take statins.
Antioxidant May Prevent, Even Cure, Cataracts and Other Degenerative Eye Disorders (NIH-funded)
September 27, 2012
Researchers at Missouri University of Science and Technology are working with an antioxidant that could prevent or cure cataracts, macular degeneration and other degenerative eye disorders.
Leptin May Play a Role in Hearing and Vision Loss, Zebrafish Study Suggests (NIH-funded)
September 26, 2012
Leptin -- commonly dubbed the "fat hormone" -- does more than tell the brain when to eat. A new study shows that leptin may play a role in hearing and vision loss. This discovery, made in zebrafish treated to produce low leptin, could ultimately help doctors better understand sensory loss in humans.
Eye Proteins Have Germ-Killing Power, Could Lead to New Antimicrobial Drugs, Study Finds (NIH-funded)
September 24, 2012
When it comes to germ-busting power, the eyes have it, according to a discovery by researchers that could lead to new, inexpensive antimicrobial drugs.
The Cost of Glaucoma Care: Small Group of Patients Accounts for Large Part of Costs (NIH-funded)
September 19, 2012
A small subset of patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) account for a large proportion of all glaucoma-related charges in the United States, according to new data published by researchers.
Stick a Needle in the Eye? DNA Injection to Slow Vision Loss
September 19, 2012
Chelsea and her brother Tim have Usher syndrome, an inherited genetic condition that means they were both born deaf and are both now also slowly losing their eyesight. There’s no treatment for Usher now, but Chelsea and Tim are taking part in an experiment that they hope will at least stop their vision loss, and perhaps help other patients in the future.
Mechanism That Leads to Diabetes, Blindness, Identified (NIH-funded)
September 16, 2012
The rare disorder Wolfram syndrome is caused by mutations in a single gene, but its effects on the body are far reaching. The disease leads to diabetes, hearing and vision loss, nerve cell damage that causes motor difficulties, and early death.
