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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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Photo shows microscopy image of exosomes in green surrounding rentinal ganglion cells in yellow and orange.

Stem cell secretions may protect against glaucoma

A new study in rats shows that stem cell secretions, called exosomes, appear to protect cells in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue in the back of the eye.
ar chart showing projections for glaucoma prevalence in 2010, 2030, and 2050 by race

10 things you should know about glaucoma

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month. The National Eye Institute, part of NIH, is highlighting key facts about this blinding disease, important tips for prevention and treatment, and research updates you may not know about.
Glaucoma and the optic nerve

U.S.-India joint effort targets genes and traits to improve glaucoma screening, prevention, and treatment

Researchers from the U.S. and India have begun a new collaborative project to identify genetic risk factors and traits related to glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness worldwide.
Regenerating mouse retinal ganglion cell axons (magenta and green) extending from site of optic nerve injury (left). Photo courtesy of Andrew D. Huberman.

Use it or Lose it: Visual Activity Regenerates Neural Connections Between Eye and Brain

A study in mice funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows for the first time that high-contrast visual stimulation can help damaged retinal neurons regrow optic nerve fibers, otherwise known as retinal ganglion cell axons.
May is Healthy Vision Month which is not just about seeing an Eye Chart

May is Healthy Vision Month

David Watson has worn glasses to correct nearsightedness the majority of his life, and had his vision checked regularly to make sure his prescription was up to date.
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.
“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.
Grantee News

Researchers Grow Retinal Nerve Cells in the Lab

Johns Hopkins researchers have developed a method to efficiently turn human stem cells into retinal ganglion cells, the type of nerve cells located within the retina that transmit visual signals from the eye to the brain.
Grantee News

Identified Genetic Interaction Offers Possible New Target for Glaucoma Therapy

Scientists at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine have elucidated a genetic interaction that may prove key to the development and progression of glaucoma.
A pronghorn antelope in the Grand Teton National Park captured by a DSLR camera using the image stabilization function (left). The image on the right was artificially blurred to simulate one’s vision without the work of direction-sensitive ganglion cells. Photo is courtesy of Lu O. Sun, Johns Hopkins Medicine.

The Brain’s Autofocus System Helps Stabilize Vision Despite Motion

Much like the automatic focus of a camera, our eyes and brains must constantly recalibrate so that we can get a clear view of the changing—and always moving—world around us.