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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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The retina has several layers of nerve cells. Photoreceptors (top, in green) are responsible for detecting light and converting it into electrical signals. Image courtesy of Wei Li, Ph.D., Unit on Retinal Neurophysiology, National Eye Institute.

Within sight: Light-activated drugs for restoring vision

Researchers have made progress toward an approach that would use light-sensitive drugs to stimulate cells in the retina and restore vision to people who are blind or visually impaired.
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.

Update on Vitamin A as a Treatment for Retinitis Pigmentosa

Investigators reported in 1993 that the progressive course of retinal degeneration, as assessed by the electroretinogram (ERG), was slower on average among adults with retinitis pigmentosa.
National Eye Institute logo.

Blind Mice Recover Visual Responses Using Protein from Green Algae

Nerve cells that normally are not light sensitive in the retinas of blind mice can respond to light when a green algae protein called channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) is inserted into the cell membranes according to a National Institutes of Health...
National Eye Institute logo.

Clinical Trial of Docosahexaenoic Acid in Patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa Receiving Vitamin A Treatment

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation at a dose of 1200 milligrams per day for four years did not, on average, slow the course of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) in adult RP patients already taking vitamin A supplements..
National Eye Institute logo.

Stem Cell Procedure Protects Mice from Degenerative Retinal Diseases; May Be Promising for People with Similar Retinal Diseases

An experimental 'rescue' of retinas by treating eyes with certain stem cells has been shown to preserve visual function in mice that were genetically predisposed to degenerative diseases of the retina.
National Eye Institute logo.

Treatment for Retinitis Pigmentosa Reported

Most adults with blinding retinitis pigmentosa (RP) should take a daily, 15,000 IU vitamin A supplement, based on results from a large, randomized clinical trial published today in the Archives of Ophthalmology.