Eye Health News and Research

Latest Eye Health News and Research

Alternative disposal process in optic nerve cells has implications for neurodegenerative diseases

Biologists have long considered cells to function like self-cleaning ovens, chewing up and recycling their own worn out parts as needed.

20 Jun 2014

Keratoprosthesis restores vision in patients blinded by corneal disease

A new review article in the June issue of Focal Points, a monthly publication of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, calls keratoprosthesis a viable alternative to standard corneal transplantation to help people suffering from corneal blindness.

20 Jun 2014

Researchers explore genetic and cellular mechanisms of retinal development

The circuitry of the central nervous system is immensely complex and, as a result, sometimes confounding. When scientists conduct research to unravel the inner workings at a cellular level, they are sometimes surprised by what they find.

20 Jun 2014

Congress' desire for quick VA fix complicated by costs

Even as Senate and House negotiators are getting ready to try to forge a compromise on their bills, some members are raising concerns about the price tag that would come with an effort to let veterans who can't get timely appointments at the VA go to private doctors or hospitals.

20 Jun 2014

Clinical trial shows that selumetinib drug can delay progression of metastatic uveal melanoma

For the first time, a therapy has been found that can delay progression of metastatic uveal melanoma, a rare and deadly form of melanoma of the eye.

20 Jun 2014

New technique identifies tumors in real time in operating room

Before they excise a tumor, surgeons need to determine exactly where the cancerous cells lie. Now, research published today in The Optical Society's (OSA) journal Optics Letters details a new technique that could give surgeons cheaper and more lightweight tools, such as goggles or hand-held devices, to identify tumors in real time in the operating room.

20 Jun 2014

Nicox launches expanded access to Sequenom Laboratories' RetnaGene portfolio

Nicox S.A., the international ophthalmic company, and Sequenom, Inc. (NASDAQ: SQNM), a life sciences company providing innovative genetic analysis solutions, today announced that Nicox's subsidiary, Nicox Inc. is launching expanded access to Sequenom Laboratories' RetnaGene™ portfolio of laboratory-developed genetic tests in the United States (U.S.).

19 Jun 2014

First Edition: June 19, 2014

Today's headlines include reports about how the 2015 insurance premium rates are shaping up across the country and details of consumers' experiences in trying to get their new coverage.

19 Jun 2014

University Hospitals introduces surgical procedure for management of glaucoma in NE Ohio

With the arrival of a leading expert in glaucoma, Douglas Rhee, MD, as its chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University Hospitals Case Medical Center is introducing a surgical procedure for the management of glaucoma that is new to Northeast Ohio.

19 Jun 2014

Researchers develop new model of neural network

A newly-developed, highly accurate representation of the way in which neurons behave when performing movements such as reaching could not only enhance understanding of the complex dynamics at work in the brain, but aid in the development of robotic limbs which are capable of more complex and natural movements.

19 Jun 2014

Illinois Eye Bank honors Loyola University Medical Center ophthalmologist

Loyola University Medical Center ophthalmologist Charles Bouchard, MD, is being honored by the Illinois Eye Bank for his commitment to the eye bank's efforts and mission.

19 Jun 2014

Insurers continue to eye state health exchanges

In a pair of stories, the Associated Press reports on how insurers in New Hampshire and Kentucky that did not participate in the health law's online insurance marketplaces during the first enrollment period are now indicating their interest for the next open season. In addition, news outlets in Oregon and Minnesota report on developments related to state exchanges.

19 Jun 2014

Glaucoma can affect both infants and adults

When Christian Earl was six weeks old, his mother did not think his eyes looked right, so she took him to Loyola University Medical Center for an evaluation.

19 Jun 2014

Study compares effectiveness of selumetinib, chemotherapy in patients with advanced uveal melanoma

In patients with advanced uveal melanoma, treatment with the agent selumetinib, compared with chemotherapy, resulted in an improved cancer progression-free survival time and tumor response rate, but no improvement in overall survival, according to a study in the June 18 issue of JAMA. The modest improvement in clinical outcomes was accompanied by a high rate of adverse events.

18 Jun 2014

New study on transmitophagy process may help treat diverse disorders

It's broadly assumed that cells degrade and recycle their own old or damaged organelles, but researchers at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Kennedy Krieger Institute have discovered that some neurons transfer unwanted mitochondria - the tiny power plants inside cells - to supporting glial cells called astrocytes for disposal.

18 Jun 2014

Loyola University Medical Center hosts top orthopaedic surgeons from Southeast Asia

On June 12th, Loyola University Medical Center hosted four of Southeast Asia's top orthopaedic surgeons. They are Hein Latt Win, MD, of Myanmar, who specializes in hip replacements; Istan Irsan of Indonesia (orthopaedic tumors); Azura Mansor of Malaysia (orthopaedic tumors); and Chia-Liang Ang of Sinapore (orthopaedic tumors and hip and knee replacements).

18 Jun 2014

Low-power sensor to track changes in eye pressure for management of glaucoma

Your eye could someday house its own high-tech information center, tracking important changes and letting you know when it's time to see an eye doctor.

17 Jun 2014

Symbion and Surgery Partners sign definitive merger agreement

Surgery Center Holdings Inc. ("Surgery Partners" or "The Company"), a portfolio company of H.I.G. Capital, LLC ("H.I.G."), and Symbion Holdings Corporation ("Symbion"), a portfolio company of Crestview Partners, have announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Surgery Partners will acquire 100% of the stock of Symbion for a total purchase price of $792 million.

16 Jun 2014

New survey explores impact of chronic fatigue on people with rheumatoid arthritis

The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society in collaboration with 2020health, a leading health social enterprise think tank, today announces the results from Invisible Disease: RA and Chronic Fatigue 2014, a survey of 1,954 people with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), to assess the impact of chronic fatigue on their capability for work, emotional and mental health as well as the overall experience of chronic fatigue caused by their RA.

16 Jun 2014

Simulator for evaluating effects of visual impairment on person's driving performance

The University of California, San Diego School of Medicine is the first ophthalmology department in the nation to feature a fully dedicated high-fidelity, highly realistic driving simulator for evaluating the effects of visual impairment on a person's driving performance.

16 Jun 2014