Ophthalmology News and Research

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Ophthalmology is the specialized field of medicine that focuses on the health of the eye. It includes the anatomy, physiology and diseases that may affect the eye. Historically, the science of ophthalmology encompassed all aspects of visual function, both in health and in illness. Additionally, ophthalmology also includes animal eyes as ocular function and optic diseases are similar among humans and animals.

Potential stem cells treatment for retinitis pigmentosa and other retinal degenerations

A team of researchers from The Scripps Research Institute was able to preserve visual function in mice that were genetically predisposed to developing a profound degenerative disease that destroys their retinas.

16 Sep 2004

New glaucoma risk assessment principles help physicians decide who needs treatment

A new approach for assessing glaucoma risk factors could be the first step in helping ophthalmologists determine the risk of progression from ocular hypertension to glaucoma and blindness, according to an article published today in the September issue of the American Journal of Ophthalmology.

14 Sep 2004

Thickness of the cornea an important factor in considering treatment options for patients with glaucoma

Thickness of the cornea, the thin, transparent layer covering the eye, may be an important factor in considering treatment options for patients with glaucoma, according to an article appearing in the September issue of The Archives of Ophthalmology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

12 Sep 2004

Treatment with vitamin A and an omega-3 fatty acid slows down the progression of retinitis pigmentosa

Patients with retinitis pigmentosa, a progressive eye disease that can cause vision loss, who were treated with vitamin A and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a kind of omega-3 fatty acid, did not experience slowing of the progression of their disease

12 Sep 2004

New device aimed at detecting glaucoma

The physician who revolutionized screening methods for glaucoma nearly 20 years ago has patented a new device aimed at detecting glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness.

10 Sep 2004

Study shows lasers safely and effectively treat eye conditions in children

The first study to document the safety and effectiveness of the use of excimer lasers to treat a variety of eye maladies in children was published today in the September edition of the Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery.

8 Sep 2004

First step in using gene therapy to treat glaucoma

Mayo Clinic researchers have demonstrated they can permanently transfer a functioning gene to targeted tissues within the eye.

2 Sep 2004

Implantable contact lenses more effective than LASIK for higher degrees of myopia

An article in the clinical journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology reports that Implantable Contact Lenses (ICL) used to correct nearsightedness/myopia are safe and effective.

1 Sep 2004

More physicians in graduate medical school than ever

In the 2003 - 2004 academic year, there were 99,964 active medical residents, the highest number ever recorded by the National GME Census. The survey also noted the greatest number of residents entering U.S. medical education programs for the first time (n = 22,444).

1 Sep 2004

Majority of LASIK recipients are happy with the results

The majority of the million plus people having LASIK each year to correct their vision are happy with the results, according to a 15-year literature review that indicates most reasons for discontent could be resolved with more patient education before surgery.

18 Aug 2004

Structural microvascular changes, visible in the eye, may precede development of severe hypertension

The eyes may be the window to the soul – and future hypertension, according to research reported in Hypertension: Journal of the American Heart Association.

11 Aug 2004

Retinal findings in children with severe forms of malaria appear related to disease outcomes such as prolonged coma and death

Retinal findings in children with severe forms of malaria (with brain involvement and severe anemia) appear related to disease outcomes such as prolonged coma and death, according to an article in the August issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

10 Aug 2004

Latinos living in the United States have high rates of eye disease and visual impairment

Researchers found that Latinos had high rates of diabetic retinopathy, an eye complication of diabetes; and open-angle glaucoma, a disease that damages the optic nerve.

9 Aug 2004

Different types of cataracts produced identifiable and repeatable results using wavefront diagnostic equipment

A study published today in the August edition of the Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery reports that wavefront technology, a new way of measuring how vision is distorted by irregularities in the eye, offers a widely accepted means for corroborating cataract patients' vision complaints, which may lead to earlier treatment with attendant enhanced patient safety and less loss of quality of life.

2 Aug 2004

New drugs that can prevent scarring in the eye after glaucoma surgery

Highly innovative new drugs that can prevent scarring in the eye after glaucoma surgery have been discovered by a London-based team of scientists, who report today in the journal Nature Biotechnology.

19 Jul 2004

Cataract more prevalent in African American nursing home residents than white residents

A cataract is a cloud or film that can form on the lens of a person's eye. The presence of a cataract can degrade the quality of one's vision by blocking and scattering light as it enters the eye. It is often associated with chronic exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

13 Jul 2004

Latanoprost is safe as adjunctive therapy for long-term treatment of common form of glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition in which the pressure inside the eyes rises. If untreated, glaucoma may damage the optic nerve and other parts of the eye, and my lead to blindness. According to information in the article, latanoprost is a derivative of the chemical prostaglandin F2-alpha. Prostaglandin derivatives have been shown to help lower intraocular pressure (IOP).

13 Jul 2004

Best hospital in America

For the 14th consecutive year, The Johns Hopkins Hospital has topped U.S. News & World Report's rankings of American hospitals.

2 Jul 2004

Implantable chip could serve as a prosthetic retina for people who suffer from age-related blindness

Where other types of chips use electricity to stimulate nerves, this one instead tickles cells with minute amounts of chemicals. Because nerve cells normally communicate with each other by releasing chemicals known as neurotransmitters, the new device points to a more effective way of treating very delicate tissues, such as those in the eye and in the brain.

24 Jun 2004

Alarming rise in the number of patients treated for eye injuries caused by paintballs

As part of Eye Injury Prevention month in July, the American Academy of Ophthalmology -- the Eye M.D. Association -- warns the public about the dangers of paintballs to the eyes.

22 Jun 2004