In the last month, researchers have taken an exciting step forward in identifying the genes that cause or increase the risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness in the elderly.
Both LASIK and PRK eye procedures are safe and effective, according to results of a 10-year study presented at the recent American Academy of Ophthalmology's 2006 Joint Meeting.
For those who've reached the age when reading a newspaper means holding it at arm's length or fumbling for reading glasses, wavefront-optimized lens technology may offer a better solution, according to data presented at the recent American Academy of Ophthalmology's 2006 Joint Meeting.
According to a study published today in the journal Ophthalmology, poor vision is costing Medicare more than $2 billion per year in non-eye related maladies and healthcare needs.
In a research presentation today at the American Academy of Ophthalmology's Annual Meeting, Massimo Busin, MD, department head and professor of ophthalmology at the Villa Serena Hospital, Forli, Italy, described a technique that significantly improved results in patients being treated for endothelial disease of the cornea, the transparent covering of the front of the eye that provides much of its optical power. When the cell density in the endothelial layer is reduced below a level compatible with its normal function, the cornea swells and becomes less transparent, and vision is impaired.
A new study being presented at the American Academy of Ophthalmology's 2007 Annual Meeting suggests that the laser surgery can help improve and possibly stabilize the vision of patients who have radial keratomy (RK) while preventing previously common side effects from the surgery
Glaucoma has long been considered a disease of the eye. For most of the 20th century, it was equated with elevated intraocular pressure. Yet, over the past two decades, an increasing number of non-pressure-dependent risk factors have been identified, suggesting that glaucoma can be broadly defined as the final common pathway of a number of different disorders that affect the eye. Glaucoma may also be included in a larger group of neurodegenerative disorders that share aspects of nerve cell death, oxidative damage and low-grade inflammation. This group of disorders includes age-related macular degeneration and Alzheimer's disease.
Two studies being presented at the American Academy of Ophthalmology's 2007 Annual Meeting suggest that telemedicine may have a significant role to play in the diagnosis of eye diseases, increased patient compliance and patient access to quality care.