Ongoing trials of the Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System (Second Sight Medical Products) show that it returns useful visual perception to patients rendered blind by outer retinal degeneration. Reuters Health Information
Category: News
Stem cells show promise in treating blindness
A medical breakthrough was reported Monday in the journal The Lancet wherein the results of a therapy using human embryonic stem cells in two legally blind patients was described.
Montefiore vision experts encourage public to learn more about glaucoma
January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month. Vision experts at Montefiore Medical Center encourage the public to learn more about this disease, which is the leading cause of preventable blindness in the United States.
New gene therapy shows promise against X-linked retinitis pigmentosa
A new gene therapy method developed by University of Florida researchers has the potential to treat a common form of blindness that strikes both youngsters and adults.
Retinitis Pigmentosa In Dogs Cured By Gene Therapy
Members of a University of Pennsylvania research team have shown that they can prevent, or even reverse, a blinding retinal disease, X-linked Retinitis Pigmentosa, or XLRP, in dogs. The disease in humans and dogs is caused by defects in the RPGR gene a…
RPB awards $220,000 to SUNY Downstate for eye research
Capping SUNY Downstate Medical Center’s growth into a major center for eye research, Research to Prevent Blindness (RPB) has awarded SUNY Downstate a four-year challenge grant of $220,000 to spur the development of advanced research into the causes, tr…
Stem Cell Treatment For Blindness Shows Promise In Trials
The first published results of trials using cells derived from human embryonic stem cells appear to show they have passed an initial safety hurdle…
Stem Cell Therapy Safe in Macular Degeneration (CME/CE)
(MedPage Today) — In the first application of its kind, human embryonic stem cells were safely used to treat macular degeneration in two patients, researchers reported.
Risk Of Blindness Halved Over Last Decade
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most frequent cause of blindness in the Western World. A report from the University of Copenhagen and Glostrup Hospital in Denmark shows the number of new cases of blindness and severe visual loss in Denmar…
How Protein In Teardrops Annihilates Harmful Bacteria
A disease-fighting protein in our teardrops has been tethered to a tiny transistor, enabling UC Irvine scientists to discover exactly how it destroys dangerous bacteria. The research could prove critical to long-term work aimed at diagnosing cancers an…
Invention Makes Children Eye Exams Inexpensive, Comprehensive, And Simple To Administer
Eighty-five percent of children’s learning is related to vision. Yet in the U.S., 80 percent of children have never had an eye exam or any vision screening before kindergarten, statistics say. When they do, the vision screenings they typically receive …
Extended Pain Relief For Laser Eye Surgery Patients Via Contact Lenses
Scientists are reporting development of contact lenses that could provide a continuous supply of anesthetic medication to the eyes of patients who undergo laser eye surgery – an advance that could relieve patients of the burden of repeatedly placing dr…
Study shows 50% reduction in blindness and severe visual loss in Denmark
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most frequent cause of blindness in the Western World. A report from the University of Copenhagen and Glostrup Hospital in Denmark published today shows the number of new cases of blindness and severe visua…
Elsevier to publish The Ocular Surface that focuses on external eye and vision
Elsevier, a world-leading provider of scientific, technical and medical information products and services, is pleased to announce newly acquiring The Ocular Surface, a peer-reviewed journal focusing on the external eye and vision. As per January 2012 E…
Ophthalmologists’ Vision for Haiti Unshaken by Earthquake
The earthquake in Haiti 2 years ago opened the door for more skills training in ophthalmology and a restructuring of the country’s healthcare system, aided by outside medical organizations. Medscape Medical News
New Device Uses Computer Game to Test Vision in Children
Researchers from the University of Tennessee Space Institute are developing a device which should make eye exams in children a whole lot simpler. The device is called the Dynamic Ocular Evaluation System (DOES) and it can screen the eyes for abnormalit…
Diabetic Macular Edema: Triamcinolone vs Photocoagulation
This new study evaluates two different treatments for diabetic macular edema. Is one more effective than the other? BMC Ophthalmology
Contact Lenses for Extended Release of Anesthetics following Eye Procedures
Laser eye surgeries like LASIK and especially photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) can be painful on the eyes for a few days following the procedure. To alleviate the pain anesthetic eye drops are used, which have to be regularly administered by the pat…
4 Problems With Bundled Payments
Doctors are concerned that bundled payments will provide lower payments to physicians for their roles in patient care. But lower payments are just one of the problems bundled payments bring. Medscape Business of Medicine
Glaucoma Origins May Lead Potential Cure
Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness. Nearly 4 million Americans have the disorder, which affects 70 million worldwide. There is no cure and no early symptoms. Once vision is lost, it’s permanent…