Genes & Nanoparticles: Innovations in Treatment Approaches
Numerous vision diseases, such as glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, and, to a certain degree, diabetic retinopathy, have a genetic basis. Wouldn’t it be great to learn about the genetic makeup of these and other vision diseases so that treatments can start earlier, when they are most effective? Two research projects are studying both what is going […]
Bionic Vision: Sci-Fi to Reality
Science fiction provides some good examples of bionic vision. The main character in the 1970s television show, The Six Million Dollar Man, Steve Austin, had a bionic eye implanted, along with bionic limbs, after he was involved in a horrific crash of a test plane. This bionic eye had a zoom lens and could do […]
Insects and Circadian Rhythm
It is no secret that the eye and the brain work together for both vision and regulating the circadian rhythm. Yet, what is going on at the cellular level and deep within the brain that allows for vision and the sleep/wake cycle to work correctly. Well, as you can guess research is taking place in […]
Myopia Treatments Beyond Corrective Lenses
For those who may not know, 40 percent of the U.S. population has myopia, also known as nearsightedness. Most people with myopia use corrective lenses, either eyeglasses or contact lenses to achieve near 20/20 vision. For some, turning to surgical procedures, such as LASIK or having intraocular lenses implanted, is an option. Although myopia is […]
Evolution, Circadian Rhythm & How They Relate to the Eye
The eye is like a security camera that captures images that are both at rest and in motion. From our eyes, images travel through the retina and go to the brain. This information allows us to perform a myriad of tasks from reading, creating a meal to navigating from Point A to Point B. In […]
Eyes in Motion: Decoding the Relationship Between Vision, Movement, and Neural Processing
As we walk from Point A to Point B, be it from the living room to the kitchen or down a busy street, our eyes take in a great deal of information. Despite our bodies being in motion, we are able to focus on the end destination and navigate to the destination without much of […]
Thin Retinas & Metabolites
When it comes to glaucoma, early detection leads to early treatment, and the sooner treatment is started, the greater the likelihood that vision can be preserved. The usual way that glaucoma is detected is by measuring pressure inside the eye. High pressure is a sign of increased glaucoma risk and it is the only symptom […]
Unveiling the Secrets of Vision: Insights into Photoreceptors and Future Treatments
The photoreceptors in the eye are responsible for vision. There are two types of photoreceptors: rods and cones. Rods are responsible for vision in low level light and they have little to do with color vision. Cones function in bright light and are vital for color vision. Vision loss occurs when the photoreceptors aren’t working. […]
From Eye Fluid to Gene Therapies: Insights from Ocular Research
We’re all getting older and despite how well we take care of ourselves, aches, pains and generally not being as spry as we used to be, make themselves known. What about our eyes? What can be done at the cellular level to keep our vision in tip-top shape and treat eye disease? First, you need […]
The Novel & The Familiar
Have you ever wondered what happens in our brains that allows us not only to see, but also to recognize what is familiar and novel? Scientists have pondered this question, as well. Two research projects have studied this, and here is what scientists have learned. How Vision Contributes Working Memory Working memory involves briefly retaining […]