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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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136 items

New strategy for treating common retinal diseases shows promise

Scientists at Scripps Research have uncovered a potential new strategy for treating eye diseases that affect millions of people around the world, often resulting in blindness.
Samarendra Mohanty and Subrata Batabyal

Scientists use gene therapy and a novel light-sensing protein to restore vision in mice

A newly developed light-sensing protein called the MCO1 opsin restores vision in blind mice when attached to retina bipolar cells using gene therapy.
Colorful confocal image of endothelial cells and microglia

New treatment targets found for blinding retinal disease

When the eye isn’t getting enough oxygen in the face of common conditions like premature birth or diabetes, it can result in blindness. Scientists have identified new points where they may be able to enable recovery.
Fundus photograph of age-related macular degeneration showing drusen.

Combating drug resistance in age-related macular degeneration

Researchers have discovered a strategy that can potentially address a major challenge to the current treatment for choroidal neovascularization (CNV), an aggressive form of age-related macular degeneration.
Graphic with stylized molecules

Machine learning helps grow artificial organs

Researchers have developed a neural network capable of recognizing retinal tissues during the process of their differentiation in a dish.
Multicolor image of retina in cross-section

Scientists Use Nanoparticle-Delivered Gene Therapy to Inhibit Blinding Eye Disease in Rodents

In experiments in rats and mice, two Johns Hopkins scientists report the successful use of nanoparticles to deliver gene therapy for blinding eye disease.
Brad Gelfand, Ph.D., in the laboratory

Exercise Can Slow or Prevent Vision Loss, Study Finds

Exercise can slow or prevent the development of macular degeneration and may benefit other common causes of vision loss, such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, new research from the University of Virginia suggests.
Fundus photograph of age-related macular degeneration showing drusen.

Pace of eye disease over two years predicts long-term outcome

Progression along an age-related macular degeneration (AMD) severity scale over two years predicts the likelihood of developing late-stage disease five years later.
Field of green cells with red circle and red oval overlaid.

New gene therapy delivery system aims for precision

In a novel approach to gene therapy, scientists funded by the National Eye Institute (NEI) report using gold nanoparticles and light to target specific cells in mouse retina.
DNA methylation process

NEI researchers link age-related DNA modifications to susceptibility to eye disease

National Eye Institute (NEI) researchers profiling epigenomic changes in light-sensing mouse photoreceptors have a clearer picture of how age-related eye diseases may be linked to age-related changes in the regulation of gene expression.