Eye News and Research

Latest Eye News and Research

Hearing aids with the latest technology through NHS

In the UK we are fortunate enough to have a free provision of hearing aids by way of the NHS. Over the last few years, the NHS has switched from analogue to digital hearing aids for the majority of patients. These hearing instruments are of a reasonable quality and are programmed to match the patients hearing loss. Fantastic! I hear you say, but there's perhaps a little more to this situation than meets the eye.

23 Feb 2011

Regeneron submits VEGF Trap-Eye BLA to FDA for treatment of wet AMD

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced that the company submitted a Biologics License Application (BLA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for VEGF Trap-Eye for the treatment of the neovascular form of age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD). Under the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA), the goal for a standard review time from submission to FDA action is ten months.

22 Feb 2011

Autism could be detected earlier and easier: Study

Scientists at Boston may have found the beginnings of a non-invasive diagnostic test that can detect abnormal brain waves that suggest increased risk for autism – a debilitating neurological disorder in babies. This test would be safe, inexpensive, and easy to perform and could make it possible for at-risk kids to get help right away rather than having to wait until months or years later, which is now the case with the behavioral tests believe experts.

22 Feb 2011

Noninvasive test to evaluate risk of ASD in infants

A computational physicist and a cognitive neuroscientist at Children's Hospital Boston have come up with the beginnings of a noninvasive test to evaluate an infant's autism risk.

22 Feb 2011

New community partnership launched to provide free vision care services for Akron-area children

Davis Vision, Prevent Blindness Ohio and Summa Hospital's Ophthalmology Department have launched an ongoing community partnership to provide needy Akron-area children with free vision care services.

22 Feb 2011

NYBC urges African American, Hispanic descent to donate blood for special patients

A hospitalized single mother from Queens is calling for more African Americans to become blood donors, so that she and many others may be able to live. People may call New York Blood Center at 1-800-933-BLOOD or visit www.nybloodcenter.org for more information about giving blood, and where to donate.

22 Feb 2011

International study shows reprogramming cells lead to genomic aberrations

It's a discordant note in the symphony of good news that usually accompanies stem cell research announcements. Stem cells hold enormous promise in regenerative medicine, thanks to their ability to regenerate diseased or damaged tissues.

21 Feb 2011

New research demonstrates how climate change can increase exposure, risk of human illness

A panel of scientists speaking today at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science unveiled new research and models demonstrating how climate change could increase exposure and risk of human illness originating from ocean, coastal and Great Lakes ecosystems, with some studies projecting impacts to be felt within 30 years.

20 Feb 2011

Salk receives $2 million gift to establish Endowed Chair in Vision Research

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies today announced a generous gift from Mr. Conrad Prebys, a Salk Trustee, to establish the Conrad T. Prebys Endowed Chair in Vision Research for Dr. Tom Albright. As part of their senior scientist endowed chair challenge, Joan and Irwin Jacobs will match the donor's gift with an additional $1,000,000 to establish the donor's named chair at $3,000,000.

19 Feb 2011

Early diagnosis can delay or halt progression of macular degeneration

February is Age-related Macular Degeneration and Low Vision Awareness month, providing an opportunity to inform and educate the public on the leading cause of vision loss for adults over the age of 65. Today, over 15 million of these adults suffer from age-related macular degeneration, a number that is expected to grow considerably as the baby boomer generation begins heading into retirement age. While the risks are growing, awareness and education is key to treating and saving the eyesight of millions.

19 Feb 2011

Deep brain stimulation therapy promising against severe OCD

When obsessive-compulsive disorder is of crippling severity and drugs and behavior therapy can't help, there has been for just over a year a thread - or rather a wire - of hope. By inserting a thin electrode deep into the brain, doctors can precisely deliver an electrical current to a cord of the brain's wiring and soften the severity of the symptoms. "Deep brain stimulation" therapy for OCD won Food and Drug Administration approval in 2009 for extreme cases under its humanitarian device exemption.

19 Feb 2011

TLC plans for Laser Eye Centers in Southern California from Los Angeles to San Diego

TLC Vision announced today plans for a continued presence in Southern California, from Los Angeles to San Diego. The renewed commitment includes an agreement to maintain the long-standing relationship with Drs. Alan M. Berg and Robert E. Feinfield, which forms The Berg-Feinfield/TLC Laser Eye Centers located throughout the Los Angeles area.

19 Feb 2011

Recent releases in Global Health

Factors Contributing to Health Of Women Worldwide: The Kaiser Family Foundation features a narrated slide tutorial by epidemiologist Laurel Spielberg on the health issues facing women around the world. The tutorial touches on issues such as economic status and biological, social, and cultural factors that affect women's health, as well as access to health services such as family planning (2/17).

19 Feb 2011

Bilingualism enhances multi-tasking skills

Once likened to a confusing tower of Babel, speaking more than one language can actually bolster brain function by serving as a mental gymnasium, according to researchers.

18 Feb 2011

Report finds neglected diseases research funding up in 2009, funding for related non-profits down

"A rise in global funding for research into neglected diseases needs to be matched by a continued focus on delivering practical new ways to curb sickness in the developing world," according to the third annual report by the Global Funding of Innovation for Neglected Diseases released on Wednesday, Reuters reports.

18 Feb 2011

Statin drug may help prevent blindness in diabetics

New University of Georgia research has found that a statin drug that is often known by the brand-name Lipitor may help prevent blindness in people with diabetes.

17 Feb 2011

Iris Pharma announces validation of new EIU model of ocular inflammation

Iris Pharma, a world leader CRO specialized in ophthalmology, today announced the validation of the Endotoxin-Induced Uveitis model, a new model of ocular inflammation.

17 Feb 2011

Inspire announces strategic corporate restructuring on its eye care business

Inspire Pharmaceuticals, announced today a strategic corporate restructuring designed to result in the Company focusing activities on its eye care business, allowing it to fully leverage existing commercial capabilities, pipeline assets and related corporate development and licensing opportunities.

17 Feb 2011

Inspire fourth quarter revenues increase 2% to $30.3 million

Inspire Pharmaceuticals, announced today financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2010. For the quarter ended December 31, 2010, the Company reported a net loss of $4.3 million, or per common share, compared to a net loss of $2.6 million, or per common share, for the same period in 2009.

17 Feb 2011

New computer application automatically detects subtle epileptic brain lesions in MRI scans

Researchers from the Department of Neurology at NYU Langone Medical Center identified potential benefits of a new computer application that automatically detects subtle brain lesions in MRI scans in patients with epilepsy. In a study published in the February 2011 issue of PLoS ONE, the authors discuss the software's potential to assist radiologists in better identifying and locating visually undetectable, operable lesions.

17 Feb 2011