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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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135 items

NEI study points to ‘ground zero’ for AMD development

National Eye Institute researchers studying human retinas discovered 87 target genes where a mix of environmental factors likely influence one’s risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss.
Retinal cross section with photoreceptors and nuclei stained

ALG6 acts as a modifier gene in the inherited genetic eye disease retinitis pigmentosa 59

Variant of ALG6 delays rod photoreceptor degradation but decreases cone health in people with RP59 retinitis pigmentosa, according to a new study from University of Alabama, Birmingham.

Researchers closing in on genetic treatments for hereditary lung disease, vision loss

Researchers who work with tiny drug carriers known as lipid nanoparticles have developed a new type of material capable of reaching the lungs and the eyes, an important step toward genetic therapy for hereditary conditions like inherited vision loss.
Glaucoma and the optic nerve

Researchers identify genes and cell types that may have causal role in primary open-angle glaucoma formation

In a new study, researchers conducted a comprehensive study that uncovered key genes, biological processes and cell types that may affect the pathogenesis of primary open angle glaucoma, in intraocular pressure-dependent and independent manners.
Woman reading eye chart

Mega-analysis identifies gene variants associated with glaucoma in people of African ancestry

A new analysis focusing specifically on people of African ancestry identified three gene variants that may be contributing to this population’s susceptibility to developing and being blinded by glaucoma.

NEI study shows how genes in retina get regulated during development

Researchers at the National Eye Institute have mapped the 3D organization of genetic material of key developmental stages of human retinal formation, using intricate models of a retina grown in the lab.
Fruit fly eye.

How flies develop sight: Scientists use single-cell sequencing to identify cell types in the visual system

New York University researchers have discovered new cell types in the visual system of flies, made possible by their creation of a tool that finds and labels neurons during development.

University of Houston researcher builds new model to examine Usher syndrome

Syndrome is a leading cause of combined deafness-blindness

Extremely rare gene variants point to a potential cause of age-related macular degeneration

A study from the National Eye Institute (NEI) identified rare genetic variants that could point to one of the general mechanisms driving age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a common cause of vision loss in older adults.

Small creatures teach big lessons

In the vision field, researchers turn to a variety of small, non-mammalian animal models to help bridge gaps in our scientific knowledge.