Blindness News and Research

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Norrin treatment prevents vision loss in diabetic rats

Over 100 million people in the U.S. are affected by diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes that affects the eyes.

30 Oct 2026

TIBI researcher receives NIH grant for 3D-bioprinted retinal grafts

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Johnson V. John, Assistant Professor at the Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), has received an R56 grant from the National Eye Institute (NEI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

30 Oct 2026

Gene therapy and special goggles help some blind adults detect objects again

In a phase 1 study of 10 adults with advanced retinitis pigmentosa, researchers found that optogenetic gene therapy combined with light-stimulating goggles was generally well tolerated, although one participant experienced a severe but transient ocular adverse event. Seven participants showed improved light sensitivity, while four of eight who completed behavioral testing demonstrated modest gains in visual function, providing preliminary evidence of partial vision restoration that requires confirmation in larger controlled trials.

12 Oct 2026

Lifelong blindness enhances brain processing for better pitch discrimination

Are people who have been blind for most of their lives better at hearing than sighted individuals? New in JNeurosci, Woon Ju Park, from Georgia Institute of Technology, and colleagues, broached this question by comparing tone detection and pitch discrimination in people with and without sight.

12 Oct 2026

Optogenetic therapy improves light sensitivity in people with retinitis pigmentosa

An international research team has reported new results from the first clinical cohort of blind people treated with an optogenetic therapy for advanced retinitis pigmentosa.

7 Oct 2026

Statins may lower glaucoma risk and reduce treatment needs

Taking statins is linked to a lower risk of developing glaucoma and a reduced chance of it getting worse, suggest the findings of research published online in the British Journal of Ophthalmology.

6 Oct 2026

Study uncovers link between inherited blindness and a gene causing rare metabolic disease

Researchers at the Greenwood Genetic Center (GGC) led the discovery of an unexpected connection between inherited blindness and a gene known for causing a rare metabolic disorder.

6 Oct 2026

New project explores mitochondrial evolution across diverse life forms

A research consortium has generated the broadest look yet at the proteins that make up mitochondria, capturing the organelle's diversity across multiple branches on the tree of complex life.

1 Oct 2026

Continuous glucose monitors show strong survival benefits for type 2 diabetes patients

People with type 2 diabetes (T2D) on basal insulin, starting continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) had a 44% lower risk of dying from any cause after one year compared with those who did not use CGM, with the risk being 35% lower after two years, according to an analysis of patient data being presented at the Annual Meeting of The European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Milan, Italy (Sept 28 – Oct 2).

28 Sep 2026

Novai publishes study supporting use of DARC imaging technology to identify patients at risk of central vision loss from macular atrophy

Novai. a medtech company combatting blindness and disability by pioneering early detection and intervention for eye and brain diseases, today announced the publication of a peer-reviewed study in Expert Review of Ophthalmology, which successfully demonstrates its ‘Detection of Apoptosing Retinal Cells’ (DARC) imaging technology as a promising biomarker for identifying patients at high risk of central vision loss caused by macular atrophy (MA).

23 Sep 2026

C-Path awards $1.7 million to advance five drug development projects

Critical Path Institute (C-Path) today announced that its Translational Therapeutics Accelerator has awarded $1,699,500 through five Bridging Research and Innovation in Drug Development Grants (BRIDGe).

22 Sep 2026

Retinal dopamine levels rise during inherited retinal degeneration

A new study by researchers at the University of Eastern Finland (UEF) reports changes in the dopamine system of the retina during inherited retinal degeneration.

22 Sep 2026

World Cup travel and low vaccination fuel Latin American measles outbreaks

Countries in Latin America are being urged to strengthen vaccination and surveillance to fight measles as the region records the highest number of cases in more than two decades, disease experts say.

21 Sep 2026

Smartphone imaging accurately supports remote cataract referral decisions

Researchers have found a high level of agreement between cataract referral decisions based on smartphone images reviewed remotely and those made by ophthalmologists examining patients in person at rural eye camps.

15 Sep 2026

Stanford scientists develop an ultracompact gene activation tool

The ability to precisely adjust the expression of genes inside the human body - ramping up protective ones and tamping down harmful ones - holds enormous potential for treating and preventing disease.

28 Aug 2026

Harvard engineers develop smartphone app to aid navigation for people with blindness

For people with blindness or who have low vision, moving around independently is a daily challenge. Harvard researchers have developed a new tool that could help such people navigate more quickly and safely, using nothing but a device they likely already have – a smartphone.

24 Aug 2026