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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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16 items

Research provides insight into how multifocal contacts help fight myopia

Have you noticed that more children than ever are wearing glasses? Global research indicates 35% of children are affected by myopia, needing glasses to see clearly at a distance. If the trend continues, the number is expected to rise to 40% by 2050.
A myopic eye grows too long from front to back. Light gets focused in front of the retina. Single-vision contact lenses focus distance vision on the retina, but peripheral light is focused behind the retina. Multifocal contact lenses focus distance vision on the retina and peripheral light in front of the retina, signaling the eye to slow growth.Multifocal contact lenses are concentric circles consisting of an add power treatment zone in the outer rings that focuses peripheral rays in front of the retina.

Contact lenses used to slow nearsightedness in youth have a lasting effect

In a follow up study, researchers found that children who wore special contact lenses to slow progression of myopia maintained the treatment benefit even after they stopped wearing the contacts as older teens.
Eye receiving eye drop

OHSU researchers discover link between proteins in tears, pain after eye surgery

Researchers have discovered a connection between levels of specific proteins in patients’ tears and persistent pain months after surgery such as LASIK.
Conference - ARVO 2024

Global perspectives on childhood myopia: addressing the rising epidemic

Scientists from around the world gathered recently in Seattle, Washington, at the annual meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) to address the global increase in myopia (nearsightedness).

University of Houston expert warns red light myopia therapy can injure retina

A University of Houston optometry researcher is warning against the use of low-level red light (LLRL) therapy as a method to control myopia, or nearsightedness, especially in children.
illustration showing axial elongation of the eye from myopia

Very low-dose atropine eye drops no better than placebo for slowing myopia progression

Use of low-dose atropine eyedrops (concentration 0.01%) was no better than placebo at slowing myopia (nearsightedness) progression and elongation of the eye among children treated for two years

Reading and visual health

Researchers at the State University of New York help explain how reading might contribute to myopia.

Multifocal contact lenses slow myopia progression in children

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.

Four in 10 US Adults Are at High Risk for Vision Loss

In 2017, approximately 93 million US adults aged 18 years or older, or about 4 in 10, were at high risk for vision loss, according to a new study published in JAMA Ophthalmology.
child wearing glasses

Eye exam: Can specific types of light prevent or slow myopia?

With a $1.8 million research grant sponsored by the National Eye Institute, UH optometrist Lisa Ostrin is examining why an ever-increasing number of youngsters need glasses.