Small Items, Big Impact
What do nanoparticles and small-molecule drugs have in common, other than the fact that they are small? They can both be used as therapeutics for vision. Nanoparticles can be used post-op to prevent the rejection of corneal grafts. Small-molecule drugs can be used for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinitis pigmentosa. […]
Stopping the Damage From Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy occurs when there is damage to the blood vessels in the retina, and it is the leading cause of blindness for adults in the U.S. Since diabetes causes this and a host of other complications, scientists are working to learn more about what causes diabetic retinopathy in the hopes of developing treatments and […]
Reusing What Is Currently Available
Instead of buying new items, it is a good idea to reuse what you already have. For example, if you are going to ship something to a friend or relative who lives out of state, it is a good idea to re-use a box and packing materials from an item that you had shipped to […]
Prozac & Carbon Monoxide—Unlikely Items That Can Help Preserve Vision
You read correctly. Two separate studies have shown that the antidepressant Prozac and the gas that comes out of car and truck exhausts, carbon monoxide, can be used to preserve vision. Starting with Prozac, also known as fluoxetine, it may be effective against dry or atrophic age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Bradley D. Gelfand, PhD at […]
Stopping Degeneration in its Tracks Part Two
GARP2 and GARP1 aren’t the only things that can negatively affect vision. Runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) can lead to too many blood vessels in the eye, also known as neovascularization. This leads to vision loss in persons with diabetic retinopathy and plays a role in age-related macular degeneration. Anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) drugs […]
Preventing Vision Loss
The causes behind vision loss from conditions such a macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy are complex and are not just one thing but a cascade of cellular and genetic actions that lead to blindness for millions of people. What if there was a way to stop the negative cascade from happening and preserve vision? Thanks […]
Diabetes, Dementia, Vision and Artificial Intelligence
Diabetes, even when managed properly, comes with its share of challenges, such as vision problems and possibly dementia. Yes, you read correctly, dementia. Of course, research is looking into ways to detect both via the eyes. Dementia It has been shown that people with diabetes are more likely to develop dementia. Scientists at the Joslin […]
Good for One, Bad for Another
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is a protein that our bodies produce to promote the growth of new blood vessels. This is a good thing since more blood vessels mean more oxygen goes to the tissues. The lungs have VEGF because blood flow is so important. Of course, what’s good for one organ isn’t good […]
On/Off Switches Part One
Isn’t electricity great? You flip a switch and an appliance turns on or off. Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a way to do something similar for our bodies, in particular our eyes. That way when an injury or disease comes along, something in the cellular level could be turned on or off and […]
Novel Ways to Treat Diabetic Edema
Having diabetes is never a good thing. A person has to monitor blood glucose, take medication, and watch what he or she eats. Diabetes can also wreak havoc with vision. One condition that a diabetic has to be on the lookout for is diabetic edema. Diabetic edema is a result of complications of diabetic retinopathy. […]