eye care Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Eye Cells “Rewire” Themselves When Vision Begins to Fail

The AHA! Team — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 05:19:44 +0000

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Health Sciences via Newswise – Mouse study reveals how retinal neurons adapt by forming new connections during early stages of inherited blindness Retinal cells can rewire themselves Scientists at the Jules Stein Eye Institute at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA have discovered that certain retinal cells can rewire themselves when vision begins to deteriorate in retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic eye disease that leads to progressive blindness. In a study using mouse models, researchers found that rod bipolar cells, neurons that normally receive signals from rods that provide night vision, can form new functional connections with cones that provide daytime vision when their usual partners stop working. The study appears in Current Biology. Why it matters Retinitis pigmentosa affects millions of people worldwide and is a leading cause of inherited blindness. While the disease often progresses slowly, with some patients maintaining a surprising amount of usable vision into middle age, little is known about how retinal circuits adapt to cell loss. Understanding these natural adaptation mechanisms could reveal new targets for treatments aimed at preserving vision. What the study did Researchers used rhodopsin knockout mice that model early retinitis pigmentosa, where rod cells cannot respond to light and degeneration proceeds slowly. They made electrical recordings from individual rod bipolar cells, neurons that normally connect to rods, to see how these cells behaved when their usual input was lost. The team also used additional mouse models lacking different components of rod signaling to determine what triggers the rewiring process. They supported their single-cell findings with whole-retina electrical measurements. What they found Rod bipolar cells in mice lacking functional rods showed large-amplitude responses driven by cone cells instead of their normal rod inputs. These rewired responses were strong and had the expected electrical characteristics of cone-driven signals. The rewiring occurred specifically in mice with rod degeneration, but not in other mouse models that lacked rod light responses without actual cell death. This suggests that the cellular rewiring is triggered by the degeneration process itself, rather than simply the absence of light responses or broken synapses. The findings complement the research team’s previous 2023 work showing that individual cone cells can remain functional even after severe structural changes in later disease stages. Together, these studies reveal that retinal circuits maintain function through different adaptation mechanisms at various stages of disease progression. The research shows that retinal adaptation occurs through different mechanisms at various disease stages, which could help scientists identify new targets for preserving vision in patients with inherited retinal diseases. From the experts “Our findings show that the retina adapts to the loss of rods in ways that attempt to preserve daytime light sensitivity in the retina,” said senior author A.P. Sampath, PhD of the UCLA Stein Eye Institute. “When the usual connections between rod bipolar cells and rods are lost, these cells can rewire themselves to receive signals from cones instead. The signal for this plasticity appears to be degeneration itself, perhaps through the role of glial support cells or factors released by dying cells.” What’s next One of the open questions is whether this rewiring represents a general mechanism used by the retina when rods die. The group is currently exploring this possibility with other mutant mice that carry mutations to rhodopsin and other rod proteins that are known to cause retinitis pigmentosa in humans. About the study Published in Current Biology (2025). “Photoreceptor degeneration induces homeostatic rewiring of rod bipolar cells.” DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2025.05.057 About the Research Team Paul J. Bonezzi, Rikard Frederiksen, Annabelle N. Tran, Kyle Kim, Gordon L. Fain, and Alapakkam P. Sampath from the Department of Ophthalmology, Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Paul J. Bonezzi and Rikard Frederiksen contributed equally to this work. Funding and Disclosures This work was supported by the National Eye Institute of the National Institutes of Health USA (EY36811 and EY01844) and an unrestricted grant by Research to Prevent Blindness to the UCLA Department of Ophthalmology. The authors have no disclosures. To read the original article click here.

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Daily Pistachio Consumption Linked to Improved Eye Health

The AHA! Team — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 06:23:49 +0000

American Pistachio Growers via News-Medical – A new study from researchers at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University has found that consuming pistachios daily may significantly improve eye health by increasing macular pigment optical density (MPOD), due to the plant pigment lutein, a key factor in protecting the eyes from blue (visible) light and age-related damage. The randomized controlled trial showed that compared to eating a usual diet alone, eating 2 ounces (57 grams) of pistachios per day for 12 weeks as part of a usual diet resulted in a significant increase in MPOD in otherwise healthy middle-aged to older adults. MPOD is an important indicator of eye health, as it protects the retina and is linked to a reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness in older adults. Findings from this research are timely, as according to a national poll by the American Foundation for the Blind, Americans fear vision loss more than they fear other serious health problems. Key findings Increased MPOD: Participants who consumed pistachios daily saw a significant rise in MPOD after just 6 weeks, with the effect sustained throughout the 12-week study. Natural Lutein Source: Pistachios are the only nut that provides a measurable source of lutein, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the eyes. AMD Prevention Potential: The study suggests that regular pistachio consumption could offer a natural dietary approach to reducing the risk of AMD. “Our findings indicate that pistachios are not only a nutritious snack, but they may also provide significant benefits for eye health. This is especially important as people age and face higher risks of vision impairment.” Dr. Tammy Scott, a research and clinical neuropsychologist and lead author of the study Unique role of lutein from pistachios and eye health Lutein, found in pistachios, plays a critical role in maintaining eye health by filtering blue light and acting as an antioxidant in the eye. The study found that pistachio consumption nearly doubled participants’ daily intake of lutein, which is typically very low in most American diets, and significantly raised plasma levels of lutein. Dr. Scott explains that in the study, participants were selected to have low habitual baseline lutein intakes in their diet and just 2 ounces per day rapidly increased lutein levels in the blood in only 6 weeks. “By simply incorporating a handful of pistachios into your diet, you can improve your intake of lutein, which is crucial for protecting your eyes,” notes Dr. Scott. She adds that pistachios provide a source of healthy fat, potentially making the lutein from pistachios better taken up into the body. In the study, about 1.6 mg of lutein was provided from pistachios, which would be enough to double the average daily consumption of lutein, which is in a class of plant pigments known as xanthophylls, in U.S. adults. Broader health benefits of lutein Beyond supporting eye health, the lutein found in pistachios may also benefit brain function. “Lutein crosses the blood-brain barrier, where it may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation,” notes Dr. Elizabeth Johnson, a co-investigator on the study. As with the eye, lutein selectively accumulates in the brain and may play a role in reducing cognitive decline. Studies suggest higher lutein levels are associated with better cognitive performance, including memory and processing speed, making pistachios a valuable addition to a diet aimed at supporting overall healthy aging. Source: American Pistachio Growers Journal reference: Scott, T. M., et al. (2024). Pistachio consumption increases Macular Pigment Optical Density in healthy adults: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Nutrition. doi.org/10.1016/j.tjnut.2024.10.022. To read the original article click here.

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LASIK: What You Need to Know

The AHA! Team — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 05:04:15 +0000

Kourtney H. Houser, MD via Duke Health – Chances are, you know someone who has had LASIK surgery, or you may have considered the procedure yourself. Despite the allure of ditching daily eyewear, the decision to undergo this elective surgery is one most people understandably deliberate on for quite a while. Here, Duke corneal specialist Kourtney Houser. MD, explains what you need to know if you are considering LASIK surgery. Is LASIK as quick, easy, and painless as it’s sometimes described? Make no mistake — LASIK is surgery, and anyone who implies otherwise is not forthcoming. The surgeon creates a flap in the cornea, and a laser is used to reshape the underlying cornea. The surgery takes less than ten minutes, and patients feel pressure but no pain. However, that does not mean it is a simple procedure that just anyone can perform. Like any surgery, the experience of the surgeon is the most important factor in achieving the best results. What factors are important when considering LASIK? In addition to the surgeon’s experience, several elements are crucial to success with LASIK surgery. It starts with a thorough preoperative exam by a qualified surgeon and staff to ensure you are a good candidate. The quality of the surgical tools, such as the laser used, is also very important. We believe that having dedicated, on-site laser machines in a controlled operating room environment, where temperature and humidity are constantly monitored, contributes to better outcomes in our patients. We also have two different excimer laser platforms so that we can customize the procedure to each patient’s eye measurements and ensure the best vision possible. What complications are possible, and how common are they? Any eye procedure has a risk of vision loss, infection, or scarring, but thankfully this is very rare with LASIK. We actually think that the infection risk is less than that with contact lens wear over a patient’s lifetime, based on some reviews. Other risks include needing a second procedure, worsened dry eye, and development of pain or discomfort in the eyes, but most of these can be avoided by appropriate and in-depth pre-operative screening. Our rate of complications is extremely low, with the majority of them occurring less than 1% of the time. Our rates of enhancement (the need for additional laser adjustments) are under 2%. Who is not a good candidate for LASIK? Good question. There are people who are not candidates for LASIK surgery. In fact, I generally turn down roughly 20% of the prospective patients who come in for an evaluation. Some of the more common reasons include high refractive errors (nearsightedness or farsightedness), dry eyes, thin or abnormally shaped corneas, cataracts, and retinal problems from diabetes. The good news is that if you do not qualify for LASIK, Duke offers an array of alternative surgical procedures, such as PRK, phakic intraocular lenses, and cataract surgery with presbyopia- or astigmatism-correcting intraocular lenses. How long do improvements last? Improvements typically last a lifetime, though there can be some slight regression with time depending on your prescription. Also, most patients will develop a need for reading glasses as they reach their 40s and 50s–and while this doesn’t signify the LASIK “not working” anymore, it does usually require patients to wear glasses for some near tasks. What’s the bottom line when considering LASIK? LASIK is not for everybody, but those who are good candidates can experience a life-changing experience–independence from glasses or contact lenses and the freedom to see without correction for many years. As with any surgery, people should do their homework beforehand and choose a surgeon and facility in which they have confidence. To read the original article click here.

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Little-Known Berry Shows Promise for Eye Health and Beyond

The AHA! Team — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 08:17:29 +0000

Patrick Tims via NaturalHealth365 – Nestled in the forests of Europe and North America lies a tiny berry with outsized health benefits. The bilberry, a close cousin of the blueberry, is emerging as a nutritional powerhouse that could revolutionize our approach to wellness and disease prevention. Often overlooked in favor of more common foods, this small, dark fruit packs a powerful punch when it comes to health benefits. Recent studies have uncovered a treasure trove of potential advantages, from boosting metabolism to safeguarding vision and even combating chronic diseases. Promising research: Bilberry extract and fish oil for severe dry eye relief This study investigated the effects of a dietary supplement containing bilberry extract and fish oil on severe dry eye symptoms. The research involved 24 subjects with severe dry eye symptoms, split evenly into intervention and control groups. The intervention group took a daily supplement containing 600 mg bilberry extract and 240 mg DHA-refined fish oil for 3 months, while the control group did not take any supplements. The study used several measurements to assess eye health: The Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score: A questionnaire that measures how much discomfort a person experiences from dry eyes. Non-invasive tear break-up time (NITBUT): A test that shows how quickly the tear film on the eye’s surface starts to break up, indicating how stable and effective the tears are. Phenol red thread test (PRT): A simple way to measure how much moisture the eye produces. Percentage of meibomian gland openings: This checks the health of glands that produce oils essential for preventing tear evaporation. These tests together provide a comprehensive picture of eye health and the severity of dry eye symptoms. After 3 months, the intervention group showed improvements in all outcome measures. Compared to the control group, there were significant improvements in OSDI score, NITBUT, and PRT. Notably, these improvements were consistent across different age groups, including both younger adults and middle-aged participants. The study suggests that dietary supplementation with bilberry extract and fish oil may improve both signs and symptoms of severe dry eyes, regardless of age. From eye health to cancer prevention The benefits of bilberries extend far beyond eye health. Emerging research indicates that these potent berries may play a role in supporting overall cardiovascular health. Some studies have shown that bilberry consumption may help decrease cholesterol levels, particularly LDL cholesterol, while increasing HDL cholesterol. This effect, combined with the berries’ potential to improve blood vessel function, makes them a promising natural ally in the fight against heart disease. Furthermore, bilberries show promise in blood sugar management, making them of particular interest to those at risk of or living with diabetes. The berries appear to have a positive effect on insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, potentially helping to regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Bilberries’ anti-inflammatory properties also make them a subject of interest in cognitive health research. Some scientists believe that regular consumption of these berries might help protect against age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, though more research is needed in this area. As if these benefits weren’t enough, bilberries are also being studied for their potential anti-cancer properties. The high levels of antioxidants in these berries may help protect cells from damage that can lead to cancer, and some laboratory studies have shown promising results in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. While more research is needed to fully understand the extent of bilberries’ health benefits, the existing evidence paints a picture of a truly remarkable fruit. From supporting eye health to potentially fighting chronic diseases, these tiny berries pack a powerful punch when it comes to promoting overall wellness. As research continues, it’s likely that we’ll uncover even more reasons to add this superfruit to our diets. Harness the power of bilberries in your diet Incorporating bilberries into your diet can be both easy and delicious: Brew bilberry tea for a traditional remedy Add fresh or frozen bilberries to smoothies Consume bilberry extract supplements Enjoy handfuls of whole bilberries as a snack Whether you opt for fresh berries, supplements, or extracts, adding bilberries to your diet could be a simple yet powerful step towards better health. As always, consult with a holistic healthcare professional before starting any new supplement routine, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking medications. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov NIH.gov Lifeextension.com To read the original article click here.

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Sequencing Reveals Eye Microbiome Variances Linked to Dry Eye

The AHA! Team — Wed, 15 May 2024 08:07:23 +0000

American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology via News-Medical – Researchers have used advanced sequencing technology to determine how the mix of microbes present in patients with healthy eyes differs from the mix found in patients with dry eye. The new work could lead to improved treatments for various eye problems and for diseases affecting other parts of the body. Researchers have used advanced sequencing technology to determine how the mix of microbes present in patients with healthy eyes differs from the mix found in patients with dry eye. The new work could lead to improved treatments for various eye problems and for diseases affecting other parts of the body. Microbial communities in and on our body -; collectively referred to as the human microbiota -; play an essential role in keeping us healthy. Although many studies have focused on microbial communities in our gut, understanding the microbiota present in other body sites is critical for advancing our knowledge of human health and developing targeted interventions for disease prevention and treatment. “Once we understand the eye microbiota properly, it will improve disease diagnosis at an early stage. This knowledge can also serve as a catalyst for developing innovative therapies aimed at preventing and treating ocular disease as well as those that affect the central microbiome site: the gut.” -Alexandra Van Kley, research team leader, professor at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas Pallavi Sharma, a graduate student in Van Kley’s lab, will present the research at Discover BMB, the annual meeting of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, which will be held March 23–26 in San Antonio. “Human microbiome research suggests a strong connection between the gut microbiome and the brain and eyes,” said Sharma. “Any alteration in the gut microbiome affects other organs and can lead to disease. Therefore, we are trying to identify patterns of an imbalance between the types of microbes present in a person’s ocular microbiome for people with different health problems.” For the study, the researchers collected eye samples from 30 volunteers using a swab and then performed 16S rRNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis to determine the microbiome distribution for patients with healthy eyes and those with dry eyes. The analysis showed that Streptococcus and Pedobacter bacteria species were the most prevalent microbes in healthy eyes while more Acinetobacter species were present in the eye microbiomes of people with dry eye. “We think the metabolites produced by these bacteria are responsible for dry eye conditions,” said Sharma. “We are performing further research to understand the metabolic pathways associated with the Acinetobacter to better understand the disease.” Next, the researchers would like to explore the gut microbiome of the patients with dry eye to better understand how it related to the eye microbe differences they observed. Source: American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology To read the original article click here.

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Low-Carbohydrate Diet May Be Associated With Lower Risk of Blinding Eye Disease

AHA Publisher — Fri, 17 Jul 2020 07:00:19 +0000

Mount Sinai Health System via Newswise – Following a long-term diet that’s low in carbohydrates and high in fat and protein from vegetables may lower the risk of the most common subtype of glaucoma. In a first-of-its-kind study, a researcher at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai (NYEE) helped discover that if at-risk groups adhere to these dietary restrictions, they may reduce their risk of developing primary open angle glaucoma with early paracentral visual loss by 20 percent. Results from the research have been published in the July 22 issue of Eye-Nature. The study is important because glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in the United States and primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is the most common type. POAG is the leading cause of optic nerve degeneration that is related to the pressure level inside the eye, but other factors also contribute to this condition. Patients typically experience few or no symptoms until the disease progresses and they have vision loss. “A diet low in carbohydrates and higher in fats and proteins results in the generation of metabolites favorable for the mitochondrion-rich optic nerve head, which is the site of damage in POAG. This dietary pattern has already been shown to have favorable results for epilepsy and showed some promising results for Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases,” said co-corresponding author Louis R. Pasquale, MD, FARVO, Deputy Chair for Ophthalmology Research for the Mount Sinai Health System. “It’s important to note that a low-carbohydrate diet won’t stop glaucoma progression if you already have it, but it may be a means to preventing glaucoma in high-risk groups. If more patients in these high-risk categories—including those with a family history of glaucoma—adhered to this diet, there might be fewer cases of vision loss.” Past studies have shown that a ketogenic diet (low-carbohydrate and high-fat) has a protective effect against neurologic disorders. Ketone bodies (energy compounds produced as the body metabolizes fats) are substituted for glucose as a major energy source for the brain and using more of these under a ketogenic diet may improve function and slow down neuronal degeneration. However, more recent studies have shown that a low-carbohydrate diet that does not restrict protein or total calories may have similar neuroprotective properties; this diet has been recognized as a more practical alternative to a ketogenic diet, as it’s easier to follow and does not have the adverse effects of the ketogenic diet (which range from headache, weakness, and irritability to constipation, nausea, and vomiting). A team of researchers wanted to know if a low-carbohydrate diet could positively impact the optic nerve. The optic nerve sits in the back of the eye and transfers visual information from the retina to the brain through electrical impulses. The optic nerve has a large concentration of mitochondria (mitochondria represent the major source of a cell’s energy supply and lead to a cell’s survival), and has high-energy requirements. Since glaucoma is a condition that may be associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, researchers wanted to find out if substituting protein and fat for carbohydrates in the diet would enhance mitochondrial activity, maintain optic nerve function, and prevent optic nerve degeneration in this blinding eye disease. They performed a large-scale meta-analysis to get this answer. They followed 185,000 adult participants from three large studies in the United States, conducted between 1976 and 2017. Participants were female nurses and male health professionals between the ages of 40 and 75. Every two to four years, they filled out food frequency questionnaires that assessed what they ate and drank. They also answered questions about their health and what diseases, if any, they might be developing. If they said they had glaucoma, the researchers asked their treating eye care providers to send medical records to determine if they had POAG. The research team created statistical models based on the patients’ questionnaire responses, dividing them into groups based on carbohydrate intake, so they could look across the spectrum from high to low carbohydrate intake and see any possible relationship with POAG. They specifically looked at three different ways of achieving a low-carbohydrate diet: substituting animal-based fats and proteins for carbohydrates; substituting plant-based based fats and proteins for carbohydrates; and replacing carbohydrates with high fats and proteins regardless of the source. Researchers then calculated the relative risk of POAG after adjusting for multiple factors for each of the dietary patterns including age, race, and body mass index. Patients in the low-carbohydrate intake group who followed a diet of increased plant-based fat and protein were associated with a 20 percent lower risk of developing POAG subtype with paracentral visual field loss compared to those in the high-carbohydrate intake group. However, the researchers did not find any association between POAG and a low-carbohydrate diet without accounting for the source protein or fat, and they did not find any association between glaucoma and an animal-based low-carbohydrate diet. Their findings suggest vegetable sources may be more beneficial than animal sources for a low-carbohydrate diet with respect to reducing risk of the specific glaucoma subtype with early paracentral visual loss. “This was an observational study and not a clinical trial, so more work is needed as this is the first study looking at this dietary pattern in relation to POAG. The next step is to use artificial intelligence to objectively quantify paracentral visual loss in our glaucoma cases and repeat the analysis,” adds Dr. Pasquale. “It’s also important to identify patients who have a genetic makeup of primary open angle glaucoma who may benefit from a low-carbohydrate diet. This dietary pattern may be protective only in people with a certain genetic makeup.” To read the original article click here.

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Ditch Your Sunglasses?

The AHA! Team — Fri, 13 Sep 2019 07:00:00 +0000

Al Sears, MD, CNS – Just like your skin, your eyes can be damaged from TOO MUCH sun exposure. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can damage the whites of your eyes, your retina and iris. Too much UV light can lead to sunburned corneas and cataracts. Modern medicine’s fear of the sun has gone way too far. Eye doctors tell you to wear sunglasses whenever you’re outside. They say it protects your eyes and your vision. (Photo by Steinar Engeland on Unsplash) What they don’t take into account is that your eyes need sunshine. You see, the natural light of the sun is what gave our primal ancestors healthy vision. Wearing sunglasses and blocking the light deprives your eyes of vital nutrients like vitamin D. I’ve visited native tribes in remote villages all around the world. And one of the many things you won’t see are sunglasses. But just like our primal ancestors, the tribes have perfect vision. Now don’t get me wrong… Just like your skin, your eyes can be damaged from TOO MUCH sun exposure. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can damage the whites of your eyes, your retina and iris. Too much UV light can lead to sunburned corneas and cataracts. But new research shows the importance of the sun for your eyes. A British study from the University College London revealed that vitamin D3 “the kind you get from sunshine” improves vision and reduces inflammation of the retina. They also found that it may prevent age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the biggest cause of blindness in people older than 50.1 Another study found that people with the most vitamin D had a 59% lower risk of AMD.2 Low vitamin D levels are also linked to dry eye syndrome. This inflammatory condition causes discomfort, stinging, redness and fatigue in your eyes, as well as blurred vision. Studies show that up to 74% of people with low vitamin D levels had dry eyes compared to just 12% for a control group.3 Other research shows that more exposure to bright sunshine slashes your risk of myopia or nearsightedness.4 Blocking light with sunglasses doesn’t just affect your eyes. It impacts your whole body. When the sun’s light enters your eyes, it also goes to your brain’s hypothalamus. Your hypothalamus controls your body’s circadian rhythm, temperature, hunger and thirst. It affects water balance and blood pressure. It also controls your body’s master gland, the pituitary, which secretes many essential hormones. Changes in sunlight also activate your pineal gland. During the day, light from the sun inhibits the production of your sleep hormone melatonin. As dark falls, the pineal gland starts releasing melatonin so you can sleep. Melatonin is also a powerful antioxidant. And it’s responsible for regenerating the rods and cones in your retina for sharp vision. Sunglasses confuse your body about whether it’s day or night. We need the extremes of full light and absolute darkness to be healthy. How to Have Native Eyes I advise my patients to expose their eyes to natural sunlight for at least 20 minutes a day. Here’s how to protect your eyes at other times. 1. Listen to your body. If the sun is strong enough to make you squint, get some shade. Instead of sunglasses, wear a hat with a brim or a visor. Most of the time this is plenty to protect your eyes from direct sun rays. But you still get the benefit of full-spectrum light. 2. Check your medication. Some medications can increase your eyes’ sensitivity to the sun. These include diuretics, tranquilizers, tetracycline and some other antibiotics. 3. When to wear sunglasses. I reserve my sunglasses for high-intensity sun activities like skiing, water sports or high altitudes. Snow and water can magnify the sunlight and increase your risk of damage. I also use them when I’m out in the intense sun for extended hours. But most of the time I don’t wear them. Then, choose the right kind of sunglasses. Look for a pair with “99-100% UV absorption.” Or look for “UV 400.” This means they block all UVA and UVB rays. “Polarized” glasses help reduce glare but they don’t necessarily meet that UV standard. 4. Nourish your eyes. Studies show astaxanthin increases blood flow and antioxidant protection throughout the eye. It has the power to soothe and protect the deepest parts of your eye, including the central retina.5 It also helps relieve dry eyes, double vision and blurring. And it protects the eyes from light damage. In fact, people who take it report being able to see clearer and sharper. Wild-caught sockeye salmon has the most astaxanthin of any food. Red trout, red sea bream, lobster, shrimp, crawfish, crabs, lobster and salmon roe all have it, too. But to get the vision benefits of astaxanthin I recommend supplements. Take at least 10 mg per day Keep in mind that astaxanthin is fat soluble. Take it with a meal or snack containing some healthy fats like butter, coconut oil or eggs. To Your Good Health, Al Sears, MD, CNS References 1. Vivian L, et al. “Vitamin D rejuvenates aging eyes by reducing inflammation, clearing amyloid beta and improving visual function.” Neurobiol Aging. 2012;33(10):2382-2389. 2. Millen AE, et al. CAREDS Study Group. “Vitamin D status and early age-related macular degeneration in postmenopausal women.” Arch Ophthalmol. 2011;129(4):481â€“489. 3. Yildirim P, et al. “Dry eye in vitamin D deficiency: More than an incidental association.” Int J Rheum Dis. 2016;19(1):49-54. 4. Rose KA, et al. “Outdoor activity reduces the prevalence of myopia in children.” Ophthalmology. 2008;115(8):1279â€“1285. 5. Cort A, et al. “Suppressive effect of astaxanthin on retinal injury induced by elevated intraocular pressure.” Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2010;58(1):121-130. To read the original article click here. To read more articles by Al Sears, MD click here.

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12 Revolutionary Advances for Your Eye Health

The AHA! Team — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 07:00:00 +0000

Abigail Klein Leichman via Israel21c – Eye drops for vision correction, corneal implants, new treatments for macular degeneration and amblyopia among many exciting ophthalmic developments in Israel. The human eye is miraculously complex. Like any complex system with many delicate parts, myriad things can go wrong and impact our ability to see properly. While much remains to be learned about how to prevent and fix problems affecting vision, Israelis are at the forefront of innovating solutions for eyes that may be damaged, diseased or losing function due to aging. Below we summarize 12 revolutionary Israeli therapeutic and diagnostic technologies for eyes. We have not included the many amazing Israeli assistive technologies for the 250 million people in the world who are blind or seriously visually impaired. Click on the links to read about groundbreaking solutions from RenewSenses, OrCam, ICI Vision, RightHear and Project Ray. Vision Correction Blurry vision caused by refractive errors, farsightedness, nearsightedness and/or astigmatism is the most common and correctable eyesight problem. Millions of people wear eyeglasses or opt for laser surgery. Other alternatives are being pioneered in Israel. Nano-Drops could correct any of the three refractive errors mentioned above. The three-step system will involve measuring refraction using a smartphone app, stamping an individualized optical pattern onto the top layer of the cornea with a proprietary laser device based on that measurement, and then applying synthetic biocompatible protein nanoparticle drops to activate the stamped optical pattern, changing the trajectory of light passing through the cornea. Developed at Bar-Ilan University’s Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Nano-Drops achieved a correction of 3 diopters for farsightedness and 2.5 diopters for nearsightedness in preclinical animal tests. Two more years of development are expected before clinical trials begin, says co-inventor Dr. David Smadja, director of the Ophthalmology Research and Innovation Unit at Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem. Orasis Pharmaceuticals of Herzliya recently initiated a Phase 2b clinical study in the United States to evaluate its CSF-1 pharmaceutical-grade daily eye drops to replace reading glasses in the millions of people over age 45 with presbyopia age-related farsightedness caused by the lens of the eye losing its natural flexibility. DeepOptics of Petah Tikva is developing dynamic electronic multifocal eyeglasses with high-tech lenses that detect viewing distance and adjust automatically for the user. In addition to vision correction, the company also is collaborating with leaders in the augmented reality (AR) space to integrate DeepOptics tunable lenses in next-gen AR headsets. Cornea Diseases According to the World Health Organization, diseases of the cornea are the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, second only to cataracts. As many as 30 million people are affected, with around two million new cases each year. Corneal transplants are the most common type of transplant in the world. EyeYon in Ness Ziona has CE and FDA clearance for its Hyper-CL therapeutic contact lens to treat corneal edema and other corneal conditions including post-surgical conditions resulting from cataract extraction and corneal surgery. Coupled with hypertonic drops, these removable lenses provide better cornea thickness reduction and three times more improvement in vision compared to other therapeutic contact lenses. Hyper-CL is now being tested as a platform for making any topical drops stay on the cornea for increased effectiveness. EyeYon also is developing EndoArt, a polymer implant that cures corneal edema without the need for a human cornea transplant. Currently, there is only one human cornea available for every 70 people in need of a transplant. EndoArt was implanted in two patients in Israel and is now going into clinical trials at four centers â€” in Israel, Spain, India and Germany. “This will be a game-changer,” predicts EyeYon cofounder and inventor Dr. Ofer Daphna. CorNeat Vision of Ra’anana is developing an artificial cornea, CorNeat KPro, which can be transplanted in a simple 30-minute surgery. Dr. Gilad Litvin, the ophthalmologist who invented the implant, said that following successful preclinical tests on rabbits, clinical trials are planned to begin in October at centers in Israel, France, the United States and Canada initially, followed by China about six months later. Retina Diseases The retina is the inside back layer of the eye that records the images we see and sends them via the optic nerve to the brain. Retina diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are leading causes of blindness. The ForeseeHome FDA-approved home monitoring test by Notal Vision supports earlier detection of wet AMD in people with intermediate dry AMD. The progression from dry to wet AMD can occur rapidly and lead to severe vision loss if left undiagnosed and untreated. Three minutes per eye ForeseeHome, available by physician order and covered in the US by Medicare and most private insurance, takes three minutes per eye. Results are sent automatically to the Notal Vision Data Monitoring Center. The physician’s office is alerted when a significant change from baseline occurs. The company recently received FDA approval of Home OCT System, an AI cloud-based optical platform designed for remote monitoring of retinal fluid changes in patients diagnosed with wet AMD. Based in Virginia, Notal Vision was founded in Israel and maintains an R&D, engineering and manufacturing facility in Tel Aviv. An implantable miniature telescope developed in Israel forms the basis of VisionCare’s treatment for patients 55 years and older (in Europe) or 65 and older (US) with end-stage AMD. The implant is the only FDA-approved, Medicare-eligible surgical device for advanced macular degeneration in the United States. It is also approved in Europe, Australia, Canada, Israel and New Zealand. Currently, the VisionCare product may be used in the US and Europe only in patients who did not already have an artificial (intraocular) lens implanted to treat cataracts. Because many patients have had cataract surgery by the time AMD gets severe, the company is investigating the safety and efficacy of replacing a previously implanted intraocular lens with the telescope implant. This could increase the population of patients potentially eligible for the outpatient procedure. Headquartered in California with most of its operations in Petah Tikva, VisionCare also has CE approval for a newer silicon model of the telescopic lens that requires a smaller incision and thus fewer sutures, together with a new injector system to streamline the surgery. AEye Health of Tel Aviv and New York invented an at-home retinal diagnostic screening system based on artificial intelligence, computer vision and a database of 100,000 images of the retina and its inner structures. With pilots in several clinics and two large American hospitals underway, AEye Health aims by 2020 to be the first FDA-approved retinal screening solution for home use. Retinal imaging is a simple procedure that can detect a variety of conditions but fewer than 25% of the high-risk population in the US goes to the doctor for an annual screening because it’s often impractical and expensive. Nano Retina of Herzliya is developing an implantable chip to restore sight lost due to degenerative retinal diseases. The chip replaces the functionality of the damaged photoreceptor cells and creates the electrical stimulation required to activate the remaining healthy retinal cells. Stimulation parameters can be calibrated and optimized after the procedure based on the patient’s individual needs. A pair of wireless rechargeable eyeglasses will provide the Nano Retina implant with power, communicate with the implant and allow the patient to fine-tune different light settings at a push of a button. California-based BioTime and its Jerusalem subsidiary, Cell Cure Neurosciences recently received a $2.5 million grant from the Israel Innovation Authority for continued development of OpRegen, its injectable retinal pigment epithelium transplant therapy currently in Phase I/IIa trials in Israel and the United States for the treatment of dry AMD. OpRegen has FDA fast-track designation and its development also is supported by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Cancer Research UK. Strabismus and Amblyopia Nearly 3% of children suffer from amblyopia (lazy eye), the leading cause of vision loss in children. Although the condition is treatable, inaccurate diagnosis and outdated treatment methods often result in reduced vision. NovaSight, based in Airport City, aims to prevent pediatric vision loss by combining AI and eye tracking in products geared to children’s attention spans. The company received CE clearance and FDA registration for its EyeSwift vision-assessment system and CureSight amblyopia treatment system. “The traditional treatment for lazy eye is placing a patch over the good eye,” Liran Adlin, NovaSight’s marketing manager, tells ISRAEL21c. “This can be a great source of embarrassment and discomfort for children, resulting in low compliance of 40% and sub-optimal results. “With our CureSight device, treatment is carried out while the child watches a favorite movie or TV program at home, using sophisticated real-time 3D image-processing algorithms. The system can monitor the treatment progress of the child in real time and provide feedback to the caregivers through tele-medicine. On top of that, CureSight can personalize treatment protocols using AI and big-data analysis to customize to patients’ progress.” Adlin adds that a clinical study conducted in Sheba Medical Center “showed significant improvement of both visual acuity and stereo-acuity in a cohort of 20 children following 12 weeks of training, with 95% compliance rate.” Regarding EyeSwift, NovaSight has partnered with a large eye-care corporation to make the system; sales began in the second quarter of 2019. Medisim of Neve Ilan is working toward FDA approval of BinoVision video goggles to treat children with amblyopia. BinoVision goggles turn any digital content â€“ movies, cartoons, games, music videos, TV shows â€” into a fun mode of therapy by presenting separate, independent views of the same image to each eye. The image presented to the amblyopic eye is enhanced as a way of stimulating the brain to improve its visual function. A prototype tested by Dr. Chaim Stolovitch, chief of the Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus Unit at Tel Aviv Medical Center, was found to be more effective than patching or eye drops. R&D for the final version of BinoVision is continuing at Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa. To read the original article click here. To read more articles by Israel21c click here.

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