Eye :: New gene therapy for inherited blindness
An improved approach to gene therapy may one day treat some of the nearly 200 inherited forms of blindness, scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis suggest this week.
Blindness
Eye :: Gene variant increases risk of blindness
Researchers have found a gene variant that can more than double the risk of developing the degenerative eye disease, age-related macular degeneration.
Eye :: Many nursing home residents may not get regular eye examinations
In a study of Alabama nursing home residents, more than half were visually impaired yet two-thirds had no record of or reference to an eye examination in their medical charts, according to a report in the July issue of Archives of Ophthalmology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
Kidney :: Early indicator of kidney disease may also predict risk of pre-diabetes
A blood component called cystatin C, used to test for early-stage kidney impairment, also may be a very early marker for those at risk of developing a condition known as pre-diabetes, a study conducted by researchers at the University at Buffalo has shown.
Eye :: Penn study maps road to cure for inherited eye diseases
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have identified proteins in the rod and cones of the eye that could lead to the discovery of the genetic causes of a host of inherited eye diseases. The investigators hope to gain a clearer understanding of what goes wrong at the most basic level in these diseases that cause blindness and other disorders.
Glaucoma :: UCF nanoparticle offers promise for treating glaucoma
A unique nanoparticle made in a laboratory at the University of Central Florida is proving promising as a drug delivery device for treating glaucoma, an eye disease that can cause blindness and affects millions of people worldwide.
Eye :: Advocates ask fashion industry to support braille clothing tags, talking Web site
Two women from RIT are forming the nonprofit White Cane Label to give the blind and visually impaired community more independence in choosing their wardrobe and more confidence when dressing for success. They will present their ideas for Braille Clothing Tags and a talking Web site at the Fashion for Good Roundtable in Rome, July 9-13.
Herb :: Rhubarb packs nutrients, complements summer fruits
Rhubarb season is here. A half cup of rhubarb is a good source of fiber and an excellent source of bone-building vitamin K. Rhubarb also provides vitamin C, potassium and phytonutrients (lutein and zeaxanthin), which help protect against age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in older adults.
Eye :: UK scientists set their sights on cure for AMD
A groundbreaking surgical therapy capable of stabilising and restoring vision in the vast majority of patients who currently suffer blindness through Age-Related Macular Degeneration is to be taken to clinical trial by scientists and clinicians at the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital and the University of Sheffield.
Eye :: Gene responsible for blindness in infants and children identified
A MUHC-led study identifies a gene responsible for Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA), the most common cause of congenital blindness in infants and small children.