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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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Study identifies "visual system" protein for circadian rhythm stability

Scientists have identified a protein in the visual system of mice that appears to be key for stabilizing the body’s circadian rhythms by buffering the brain’s response to light.

LSU Health discovery may open new therapeutic avenues for degenerative diseases of the brain and eye

Researchers at Louisiana State University have identified a new mechanism that protects against the excessive oxidative stress that precedes the development of neurodegenerative diseases of the brain and eye.
Illustration of retinal cell types, including midget cells.

Cell types in the eye have ancient evolutionary origins

In a comparative analysis across animals of the many cell types in the retina, researchers concluded that most cell types have an ancient evolutionary history.

Scientists unveil first complete cellular map of adult mouse brain

In a set of 10 papers in Nature, a network of researchers unveiled an atlas cataloging the location and type of every cell in the adult mouse brain.

NEI study shows how genes in retina get regulated during development

Researchers at the National Eye Institute have mapped the 3D organization of genetic material of key developmental stages of human retinal formation, using intricate models of a retina grown in the lab.

Story of discovery: NEI-funded research paves way for new dry AMD drugs

This year, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Syfovre (pegcetacoplan) and Izervay (avacincaptad pegol), the very first drugs for treating geographic atrophy (GA), also known as late-stage “dry” age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Artistic rendering of a retinal organoid.

Johns Hopkins Medicine scientists uncover molecular link between wet and dry macular degeneration

Wilmer Eye Institute researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have found how oxidative stress and the protein HIF-1 contributes to what kind of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) a patient could develop.
Richard Lee, NEI's Clinical Director, 2023

National Eye Institute selects Dr. Richard Lee as clinical director

The National Eye Institute (NEI) has chosen Richard Lee, M.D., Ph.D., as the institute’s clinical director, overseeing clinical research and serving as clinical policy advisor for NEI.

Standardizing eye imaging data

The NEI and partners have published an editorial on the value of being able to store and share eye imaging data in standard formats.

Signs of glaucoma may be detectable years in advance of disease onset

Research funded by the National Eye Institute suggests that low density of pigment in the macula, the region of the retina required for sharp central vision, is associated with thinning of the retina and may serve as an early warning sign of glaucoma.