Health Problems

Eye research targets scar tissue that forms after surgery

Today’s cataract surgery is often described as a marvel of modern medicine, a one-hour outpatient procedure that has spared millions from blindness, especially in developed countries. But nothing is perfect. “Modern cataract surgery is one of the most miraculous human health innovations,” said Melinda Duncan, professor of biological sciences at the University of Delaware. “It […]

Health Problems

Newly formed blood vessels may contribute to eye disease

Newly formed blood vessels may be cracks in the barrier between the bloodstream and the eye, according to a Northwestern Medicine study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. A novel experiment led by Jing Jin, MD, Ph.D., assistant professor of Medicine in the Department of Nephrology and Hypertension and senior author […]

Health Problems

Eye conditions provide new lens screening for Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease is difficult to diagnose as well as treat, but researchers now have a promising new screening tool using the window to the brain: the eye. A study of 3,877 randomly selected patients found a significant link between three degenerative eye diseases—age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma—and Alzheimer’ disease. The results offer physicians […]

Health Problems

Injection of vasoactive intestinal peptide into the eye improves corneal transplant survival

A new study in the American Journal of Pathology reports for the first time that injection of neuropeptide vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) directly into the eye of mice enhanced corneal graft survival. VIP produced other benefits, including acceleration of endothelial wound closure, protection of corneal endothelial cells (CEnCs), and improved corneal graft clarity. If proven […]

Health News

New technology can keep an eye on babies’ movements in the womb

A new system for monitoring fetal movements in the womb, developed by Imperial researchers, could make keeping an eye on high-risk pregnancies easier. Monitoring the movements of babies in the womb is crucial to providing medical help when it’s needed. At the moment we rely on mothers-to-be noticing if their child has stopped moving around […]

Health News

Poor eye sight in old age drives cognitive decline  

Poor eye sight in old age drives cognitive decline due to a lack of brain stimulation, study finds Reduced vision and mental sharpness can cause a loss of independence Sufferers may be less able to participate in activities, lowering their stimulation Cognitive decline and vision may both be caused by inflammation   Impairment without dementia affects […]