Skip to content

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.

Source
414 items
Dr. Michael Steinmetz

NEI mourns the loss of Dr. Michael Steinmetz

The director of the NEI Division of Extramural Science Programs (DESP), passed away on July 30 following a boating accident.
Image of retina

High-tech imaging reveals details about rare eye disorder

Using a new imaging technique, researchers from the National Eye Institute have determined that retinal lesions from vitelliform macular dystrophy (VMD) vary by gene mutation.

NIH study finds loss of ‘youth’ protein may drive aging in the eye

Loss of the protein pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), which protects retinal support cells, may drive age-related changes in the retina, according to a new study in mice from the National Eye Institute.
Chirag Jhaveri, MD, examines the eyes of a patient.

A type of ‘step therapy’ is an effective strategy for diabetic eye disease

Clinical trial results from the DRCR Retina Network suggest that a specific step strategy gives results similar to starting off with the higher-priced drug.
Vision and non-vision functions use different neuronal circuits in the retina.

NIH researchers decode retinal circuits for circadian rhythm, pupillary light response

The eye’s light-sensing retina taps different circuits depending on whether it is generating image-forming vision or carrying out a non-vision function such as regulating pupil size or sleep/wake cycles, according to a new mouse study.
Illustration of a woman wearing sunglasses and a hat.

Protecting your eyes from the sun’s UV light

Did you know the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays can also damage the eyes? Here are some common questions and answers about UV light and how to protect your eyes from the sun.
NEI AGI audacious Goals Initiative for Regenerative Medicine

NEI's regenerative medicine initiative making progress toward its audacious goal

A new report outlines progress toward the National Eye Institute's Audacious Goals Initiative (AGI), an effort to restore vision through research in regenerative medicine. The report, published in Nature Medicine.

NIH study confirms benefit of supplements for slowing age-related macular degeneration

The AREDS2 formula not only reduces risk of lung cancer due to beta-carotene, but is also more effective at reducing risk of AMD progression, compared to the original formula.
Comparison of two retinal images.

Gene therapy for rare eye disease safe but lacks efficacy in early trial

A 28-patient phase 1 gene therapy clinical trial for the degenerative retinal disease Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) found no significant safety concerns; however, treatment failed to improve or slow vision loss, with even the highest dose.

Retinal cell map could advance precise therapies for blinding diseases

Researchers have identified distinct differences among the cells comprising a tissue in the retina that is vital to human visual perception. The scientists from the National Eye Institute (NEI) discovered five subpopulations of retinal pigment epithelium.