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NEI News

Multifocal contact lenses have two basic portions for focusing light. The center portion of the lens corrects nearsightedness so that distance vision is clear, and it focuses light directly on the retina. The outer portion of the lens adds focusing power to bring the peripheral light rays into focus in front of the retina. Animal studies show that bringing light to focus in front of the retina cues the eye to slow growth.

Multifocal contact lenses slow myopia progression in children

August 11, 2020

Children wearing multifocal contact lenses had slower progression of their myopia, according to results from a clinical trial funded by the National Eye Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health.
Microscopy image in blue and green showing mouse optic nerve

NIH-funded study identifies stem cells in optic nerve

July 31, 2020

A National Eye Institute-funded study has identified a type of stem cell called a neural progenitor cell, in a region of the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain.
Dr. Michael Chiang

NIH selects Dr. Michael Chiang as director of the National Eye Institute

July 24, 2020

National Institutes of Health Director Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D., has chosen Michael F. Chiang, M.D., as director of NIH’s National Eye Institute (NEI).

Funding for Vision Research

NEI funds more than 1,500 research and training grants to vision scientists across the country and around the world.

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NEI Research Initiatives

These NEI initiatives support challenging, high-impact vision research. Current priorities include:

Learn more about research at NEI