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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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Chichilnisky and colleagues used an electrode array to record activity from retinal ganglion cells (yellow and blue) and feed it back to them, reproducing the cells' responses to visual stimulation. Credit: E.J. Chichilnisky, Stanford.

Making artificial vision look more natural

In laboratory tests, researchers have used electrical stimulation of retinal cells to produce the same patterns of activity that occur when the retina sees a moving object.
An experimental contact lens design releases a glaucoma medicine at a steady rate for up to a month. Credit: Peter Mallen, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Laboratory/Kohane Laboratory, Boston Children's Hospital.

An Experimental Contact Lens to Prevent Glaucoma-Induced Blindness

Like a miniature donut stuffed inside a tiny pita pocket, a common glaucoma medicine is sandwiched inside this specially designed contact lens.
Man using robotic cane in an office

NIH Funds Development of Novel Robots to Assist People with Disabilities, Aid Doctors

Three projects have been awarded funding by the National Institutes of Health to develop innovative robots that work cooperatively with people and adapt to changing environments to improve human capabilities and enhance medical procedures.
National Eye Institute logo.

Emerging technologies look deeper into the eyes to catch signs of disease

If you’ve ever been sleep-deprived, you’ve probably had a firsthand glimpse of the blood vessels in your eyes.
NIH National Eye Institute logo

NEI-Funded Device for People with RP Gets FDA Approval

On February 14, 2013, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System, the first implanted device to treat adult patients with advanced retinitis pigmentosa (RP).
National Eye Institute logo.

Retinal Device Restores Sight in Mice

Researchers have developed a new prosthetic technique that can restore vision to blind mice. The approach could potentially be further developed to improve sight in blind people.
National Eye Institute logo.

Funded by National Eye Institute, Makers of Bionic Eye Receive Eight Millionth Patent

The Argus II retinal prosthesis, developed by Second Sight, Inc., with funding from the National Eye Institute (NEI), was recognized September 8, 2011, in honor of being the 8 millionth patent issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
National Eye Institute logo.

LASIK Quality of Life Collaboration Project

In October 2009, the FDA, the National Eye Institute, and the Department of Defense launched the LASIK Quality of Life Collaboration Project.
National Eye Institute logo.

A Tongue for an Eye: Device Challenges Conventional Vision

Erik Weihenmayer has climbed mountains around the world - the highest peaks, in fact, on every continent. One afternoon a few years ago, however, a climbing wall in a local gym served as the setting of a most memorable journey.
National Eye Institute logo.

Ten-Year Results on Radial Keratotomy Released

After a decade of patient followup, a National Eye Institute (NEI)-supported study reported today that radial keratotomy (RK) remained a reasonably safe and effective technique to improve distance vision.