Vitamin A may harm patients with Stargardt and possibly macular degeneration

An Oxford University study has found that reducing the tendency of vitamin A to form toxic clumps could slow down retinal degenerative diseases such as Stargardt disease, a condition that leads to blindness in children and young adults, and in age-related macular degeneration.

Using computing power to see individual retinal cells

Eye doctors could be using computing power to help them see individual retinal cells. Researchers hope that the detailed pictures gleaned from applying computational adaptive optics can illuminate how changes in the retina correspond to disease severity and track how cells and nerves respond to treatments. Detailed pictures of the cells, blood vessels and nerves at the back of the eye could enable earlier diagnosis and better treatment for degenerative eye and neurological diseases.

FDA approves device to help the blind 'see' via their tongues

The Food and Drug Administration has allowed marketing of a new device that when used along with other assistive devices, like a cane or guide dog, can help orient people who are blind by helping them process visual images with their tongues.

Neuronal-Glial Interactions in Retinal Disease

Matthew Zabel, of the National Eye Institute, talks about Neuronal-Glial Interactions in Retinal Disease.

How do your eyes detect movement?

You are driving the car at 40 mph. Suddenly, you see a child dart into the street. You hit the brakes. The car stops in time, and a disaster is averted. But how did your eyes detect that movement? It’s a question that has confounded scientists. Now we have an answer.

New Protein found in diabetic retinopathy may prevent the disease

Researchers have found a new protein that appears to be significantly responsible for the growth of new vessels in the eyes of patients with diabetes. Treatment targeted at this protein is likely to prevent the growth of these blood vessels and thus prevent blindness.

Researchers devise a better way to potentially avert blindness due to diabetic retinopathy

(c) USC Translational Imaging Center

Researchers have developed a new non-invasive technique that images the retina to quickly screen patients for diabetic retinopathy.