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 […]
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 […]
Harnessing Stem Cells and Antibodies for Eye Disease Treatment
There are treatments that are pharmaceutical based and there are treatments that are based on cells and molecules already in the human body. Two research projects, one at Massachusetts Eye and Ear and one at the University of California, Irvine, are utilizing stem cells and antibodies, respectively, to treat eye diseases. Stem Cells to the […]
Lab Grown Organoids
For over 50 years, organ transplants has helped people with various diseases get a new lease on life. While retinas can be transplanted, the eye itself can’t be transplanted. That means that persons with retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular degeneration and certain kinds of eye injuries have to deal with compromised vision or eventually blindness. Of […]
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. […]
Light and Dark
While it is difficult to do near work like reading, writing or certain crafts like needlepoint, in low light, for the most part our eyes adjust and we can maneuver in the space or at least find the light switch. How does our eyes and brain work so that we can see both in low […]
Detecting & Fixing Eye Diseases
In eye diseases like retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular degeneration and Leber congenital amaurosis, things are going on in the cellular level that occur before anything is detected by way of a test or observation. It would be great if these changes could be detected sooner and if there was a way to stop the deterioration […]
When the Rods & Cones Need Fixing
The rods and cones in the retina do a lot work when it comes to vision. Rods are sensitive to changes in light and dark, as well as shape in movement. Cones are sensitive to one of three colors, red, green and blue, and can detect fine details. If the rods and cones aren’t working […]
Advances in Bionic Vision
If you are of a certain age, you will remember a television show from the 1970s called “Six Million Dollar Man”. The show was about an Air Force Colonel Steve Austin who is seriously injured when a spaceship he is testing crashes. He then has surgery where he receives bionic legs, a bionic left arm […]
The Genes Have It
Genetic research has revealed many things about eye diseases. Two studies in particular have revealed how gene variants in inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs), such as retinitis pigmentosa, lead to these diseases and how gene therapy can help preserve vision. Whole-Genome Sequences Researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine and at Shiley […]