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NEI Research News

Thanks to the work of NEI scientists and grantees, we’re constantly learning new information about the causes and treatment of vision disorders. Get the latest updates about their work — along with other news about NEI.

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18 items
Dr. Emily Chew of the National Eye Institute examines a patient’s eyes. Photo credit: National Eye Institute.

Eye Study Underscores the Long-lasting Benefits of Controlling Diabetes

People with type 2 diabetes who intensively controlled their blood sugar level were found to have cut their risk of diabetic retinopathy in half.
NIH study raises doubt about any benefits omega-3 and dietary supplements like these may have for cognitive decline. (Photo courtesy of NEI)

NIH Study Shows no Benefit of Omega-3 or Other Nutritional Supplements for Cognitive Decline

While some research suggests that a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids can protect brain health, a large clinical trial by researchers at the National Institutes of Health found that omega-3 supplements did not slow cognitive decline in older persons.
From left to right: Drs. Miriam and Frederick Ferris, Dr. Emily Chew, Keller Johnson-Thompson, who is the great-grandniece of Helen Keller, and Dr. Robert Murphy, who is Dr. Chew's husband.

NEI's Ferris and Chew receive Helen Keller Prize for Vision Research

Frederick L. Ferris III, M.D., and Emily Y. Chew, M.D., who are director and deputy director of the NEI Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications, have received the Helen Keller Prize for Vision Research.
2 young boys hold balls and smile at the camera

NIH study provides clarity on supplements for protection against blinding eye disease

Adding omega-3 fatty acids did not improve a combination of nutritional supplements commonly recommended for treating age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a major cause of vision loss among older Americans.
National Eye Institute logo.

New Nationwide Study Will Evaluate Effect of Antioxidants and Fish Oil on Progression of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Nearly 100 Clinical Centers Are Now Seeking 4,000 Study Participants Ages 50-85 Who Have AMD
National Eye Institute logo.

Gene Found to Increase Risk of the Most Common Cause of Blindness

Investigators have identified a gene that is “strongly associated” with a person’s risk for developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
capsules

Review Supports Vitamin E Dosage in AREDS

NEI researchers have concluded that taking a recommended 400 international units (IU) of vitamin E each day, as part of the AREDS formulation, does not increase the risk of death of persons at risk for advanced AMD.
Fundus photograph of age-related macular degeneration showing drusen.

Antioxidant Vitamins and Zinc Reduce Risk of Vision Loss from Age-Related Macular Degeneration

High levels of antioxidants and zinc significantly reduce the risk of advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and its associated vision loss.