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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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Red, green and blue dots on screen representing RPE protein

NIH scientists discover essential step in recharging the eye’s light-sensing retina

Scientists have discovered a mechanism by which an area of a protein shape-shifts to convert vitamin A into a usable form for the eye’s light-sensing photoreceptor cells.
Photo shows T. Michael Redmond, Ph.D.

NIH vision researcher T. Michael Redmond recognized with Champalimaud Vision Award

Vision researcher, T. Michael Redmond, Ph.D., chief of the National Eye Institute (NEI) Laboratory of Retinal Cell and Molecular Biology, is a recipient of the 2018 António Champalimaud Vision Award for foundational science discoveries about the molecular
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.
National Eye Institute logo.

Phase 1 Clinical Trial Results of Gene Transfer for Leber Congenital Amaurosis Reported

Three young adults with Leber Congenital Amaurosis-a severe degenerative disease of the retina caused by a mutation in the RPE65 gene-reported improvements in vision after undergoing a specialized gene transfer procedure.
National Eye Institute logo.

Statement on Clinical Trial of Gene Transfer Therapy for Childhood-Onset Blindness

The National Eye Institute (NEI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is supporting a phase I clinical trial to assess the safety of gene transfer in treating people with a form of Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA).
National Eye Institute logo.

Defective Mouse Gene Linked to Childhood Blindness

For centuries, children have been reciting the Mother Goose nursery rhyme, “Three Blind Mice.” Now, researchers studying a new strain of blind mice may know what caused their blindness and, more importantly, how this knowledge might someday prevent some..