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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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Eye Exam

Researchers Discover Three Glaucoma-Related Genes

An analysis funded by the National Eye Institute (NEI), part of the National Institutes of Health, has identified three genes that contribute to the most common type of glaucoma.
The researchers developed a technique to study live cells in patches of retina, shown here by confocal microscopy. After 2 hours, the vast majority of the cells are alive (green); only a few cells at the perimeter have died (stained red with a dye).

Retinal Cells Work with Little Reserve Energy; May Explain Vulnerability to Eye Diseases

Our eyes are especially demanding when it comes to energy: Along with our brain, they require a substantial amount of power to keep them functioning and healthy.
The level of alpha-crystallin in the eye declines as cataract progresses. Left: The eye of a patient with an early cataract. Right: After 20 months, the same eye has a clinically significant cataract. During that period, the level of alpha-crystallin decreased by more than 94 percent.

Space Lab Technology May Help Researchers Detect Early Signs of Cataract

As we age, proteins in the lenses of our eyes start misbehaving: They unfold and congregate in clusters that block, scatter and distort light as it passes through the lens.
“I’ve really been very fortunate that I haven’t had a whole lot of eye problems,” said Schmelzer who was diagnosed with glaucoma.

Glaucoma Awareness Can Help Save Vision for Millions

With Glaucoma Awareness Month in January, it’s a good time to think about scheduling a comprehensive dilated eye exam, especially if you’re at risk for glaucoma.
Fundus photograph of age-related macular degeneration showing drusen.

International Study Reveals New Genetic Clues to Age-Related Macular Degeneration

An international study of about 43,000 people has significantly expanded the number of genetic factors known to play a role in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss among people age 50 and older.
device

NEI Funds Development of Co-Robot to Help Visually Impaired Grasp Objects

As part of the National Robotics Initiative (NRI), the National Institutes of Health announced that it will fund the development of three innovative co-robots—robots that work cooperatively with people.
NEI image using a slit lamp

New Treatment Options, Better Hope of Preventing Vision Loss from Diabetes

This National Diabetes Month, there is some good news for people with eye complications from diabetes.
Animation of abnormal blood vessels bleeding into the center of the eye due to proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Photo credit: National Eye Institute. Watch video.

Lucentis Effective for Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

A clinical trial funded by the National Institutes of Health has found that the drug ranibizumab (Lucentis) is highly effective in treating proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
Image of gene therapy preserved vision in a study involving dogs.

Gene Therapy Staves Off Blindness from Retinitis Pigmentosa in Canine Model

Gene therapy preserved vision in a study involving dogs with naturally occurring, late-stage retinitis pigmentosa, according to research funded by the National Eye Institute (NEI), part of the National Institutes of Health.
National Advisory Eye Council

National Advisory Eye Council Welcomes Three New Members

The National Eye Institute (NEI), part of NIH, has appointed three new members to the National Advisory Eye Council (NAEC) who are attending their first NAEC meeting as council members today.

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