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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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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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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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