Immune cells in the retina can spontaneously regenerate

Macular Degeneration (NEI)

From nei.nih.org 5/13/18 Immune cells called microglia can completely repopulate themselves in the retina after being nearly eliminated, according to a new study in mice from scientists at the National Eye Institute (NEI). The cells also re-establish their normal organization and function. The findings point to potential therapies for controlling inflammation and slowing progression of… Continue reading Immune cells in the retina can spontaneously regenerate

Free Genetic Testing for Inherited Retinal Diseases Now Available

Image from blindness.org.

Spark Therapeutics has created a genetic test for patients with inherited retinal disease that may provide important information that will help them understand their disease. The initiative was developed in response to feedback from advocates, families affected by retinal diseases and health care professionals about barriers to genetic screening. Spark is a gene-therapy company seeking… Continue reading Free Genetic Testing for Inherited Retinal Diseases Now Available

Strokes and Vision Loss

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Almost half of stroke assessments do not assess vision. A recent University of Liverpool-led review of post-stroke screenings for visual impairments found that while 65-percent of stroke survivors suffer from a visual impairment, 45-percent of stroke units do not assess vision at all. The review states there is an urgent demand for a tool to examine… Continue reading Strokes and Vision Loss

November is Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month!

Diabetic eye disease is a leading cause of blindness and vision loss. Because of the high risk for this eye disease, all people with diabetes aged 30 and older should receive an annual dilated eye exam. For people with diabetes younger than 30, an annual dilated exam is recommended after they have had diabetes for… Continue reading November is Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month!

October is Home Eye Safety Month

Home: the Most Dangerous Place for Eyes Study Shows More Eye Injuries Occur at Home than at Work and School Combined CHICAGO (Sept. 29, 2011) – Home may be where the heart is, but it can also be a dangerous place for the eyes. More than half of the 2.5 million eye injuries that occur… Continue reading October is Home Eye Safety Month

June is Cataracts Awareness Month

This is what someone with cataracts might see.

A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. Most cataracts are related to aging. Cataracts are very common in older people. By age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery. A cataract can occur in either or both eyes. It… Continue reading June is Cataracts Awareness Month

What Can I Do About Macular Degeneration?

You have control over some of the known risk factors for macular degeneration. If you have macular degeneration, a family history of AMD, or are in the “macular generation” (age 60 or above), you should be particularly attentive to these. However, it is most effective to take these steps well before you are at risk.… Continue reading What Can I Do About Macular Degeneration?

Types of Age Related Macular Degeneration

There are two types of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). One form is known as “wet” and the other is “dry”. It is possible to experience both forms at the same time, in one or both eyes. It is not uncommon for a patient with the “dry” form to develop the “wet” form later. The onset… Continue reading Types of Age Related Macular Degeneration