Research Identifies Mechanisms for Eye Development
If you want to see want to see clearly what is going on outside while you are inside your home or office, the windows need to be clean. It’s the same thing with your eyes. Specifically, the lens has to be free of obstruction. Yet unlike most cells, the cells that make up the lens […]
Omega-3 Supplements—Are They Beneficial For Your Eyes?
Omega-3 are polyunsaturated fats that are found in cold water fishes, such as salmon and mackerel, as well as nuts, like walnuts and flaxseed. These fats help prevent cardiovascular disease and may help keep eyes healthy. Yet, there is a limit to their benefits. A study sponsored by the National Eye Institute (NEI) suggested that […]
Digital Eye Strain
According to The Vision Council, Americans who use digital devices report the following symptoms: • Eye Strain: 32.6 percent • Dry Eyes: 22.7 percent • Headaches: 21.4 percent It is commonplace for many people to look at social media on a smartphone or tablet computer while binge watching a television show on a laptop. We […]
Gene Therapy for Blindness
Recently a biotech firm in Philadelphia developed the first Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved gene therapy for blindness. The company, Spark Therapeutics, developed the therapy known as LUXTURNA™, which improves eyesight in persons with confirmed biallelic RPE65 mutation-associated retinal dystrophy, also known as Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA). Patients with this genetic mutation have severe […]
Stem Cell Secretions & Restoration of Sight
Studies are taking place around the world on the use of stem cells to treat many conditions and diseases. In particular, they are being studied as a treatment for restoring vision. Stem cells have the potential to protect the optic nerve from damage and slow vision loss, as well as possibly replace ocular tissue that […]
Better Vision Through Research & Technology
If you are a fan of the television show Star Trek: Next Generation, you will be familiar with the character of Geordi LaForge, played by actor LaVar Burton. LaForge is a member of the engineer corps on the starship Enterprise. He was born blind, yet is able to see through a prosthetic device that is […]
New Ways to Treat Retinitis Pigmentosa
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of genetic disorders that involve a breakdown and loss of cells in the retina. Symptoms first appear in childhood and include difficulty getting around in the dark and having a hard time adjusting to changes from light to dark. This in turn leads to problems such as loss of […]
Zebrafish Hold the Key to Vision Restoration
When you get a paper cut, after about two weeks the skin repairs itself and you can’t see where the cut was located. If something similar should happen to your retina, you’re out of luck. Unlike skin cells, the cells of the retina don’t regenerate. So, if it is damaged in any way, the cells […]
Anti-VEGFs Produce Good Outcomes
The number of people who will become visually impaired in the U.S. is expected to be 8 million. In addition to that, another 16 million will have difficulty seeing due to refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness) that can be corrected with glasses or contacts. In 2015, 3.2 million Americans had vision […]
Fish and Insects Hold the Keys to Better Vision
Have you ever wondered how fish manage to see underwater? After all, conditions aren’t always the best. Water can be murky and sunlight does not penetrate murky water. Yet, fish are able to find food and hide from predators. What is their secret? As it turns out, it’s no secret, it’s the fish’s eyes, specifically […]