A healthy lifestyle for cardiovascular health also promotes good eye health

In a new study, investigators found that ideal cardiovascular health, which is indicative of a healthy lifestyle, was associated with lower odds for ocular diseases especially diabetic retinopathy. These findings appearing in the American Journal of Medicine, published by Elsevier, suggest that interventions to prevent cardiovascular diseases may also hold promise in preventing ocular diseases.

Retinal Vein Occlusion may be associated with increased risk of dementia

A study out of South Korea suggests that retinal vein occlusion (RVO) may be associated with increased risk of dementia. The coexistence of RVO with hypertension was found to be associated with a higher risk of dementia. In addition, RVO may be a predictor for dementia.

Researchers develop cell injection technique that could help reverse vision loss

University of Toronto Engineering researchers have developed a new method of injecting healthy cells into damaged eyes. The technique could point the way toward new treatments with the potential to reverse forms of vision loss that are currently incurable.

Smart contact lenses that diagnose and treat diabetes and diabetic retinopathy

(c) POSTECH

What if you could control the secretion of insulin just by wearing contact lenses?

A research team at Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) in South Korea developed wirelessly driven a 'smart contact lens' technology that can just that too - it can detect diabetes and further treat diabetic retinopathy just by a person wearing them.

Study finds link between poor diet and age-related macular degeneration

(c) Univ of Buffalo

Participants who ate a diet high in red and processed meat, fried food, refined grains and high-fat dairy were three times more likely to develop an eye condition that damages the retina and affects a person’s central vision, according to the results of a study conducted at University of Buffalo and published in the journal BMJ Ophthalmology.

The condition is called late-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is an irreversible condition that affects a person’s central vision, taking away their ability to drive, among other common daily activities.

Does we pass COVID-19 virus particles through our tears?

(c) Medlineplus.gov

While researchers are certain that coronavirus spreads through mucus and droplets expelled by coughing or sneezing, it is unclear if the virus is spread through other bodily fluids, such as tears. A study from Singapore offers evidence that it is unlikely that infected patients are shedding virus through their tears, with one important caveat. None of the patients in the study had conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye. However, health officials believe pink eye develops in just 1 percent to 3 percent of people with coronavirus. The study's authors conclude that their findings, coupled with the low incidence of pink eye among infected patients, suggests that the risk of virus transmission through tears is low.

Embryonic stem cells for treating blindness

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet and St Erik Eye Hospital in Sweden have discovered a way to refine the production of retinal cells from embryonic stem cells for treating blindness in the elderly.

Using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, they also modified the cells so that they can hide from the immune system to prevent rejection.