Retinitis Pigmentosa is a progressive eye disease that has long been associated with gradual vision loss and limited treatment options. Affecting about one in every 4,000 people, Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is marked by the degeneration of the retina’s photoreceptor cells—first the rods, which are responsible for night vision, and then the cones, which enable us to see in daylight and color. While the genetic complexity and slow progression of RP have posed challenges for patients and researchers alike, recent discoveries are offering new hope. Exciting new research reveals that the retina may have an unexpected ability to adapt: certain retinal cells can rewire themselves in response to degeneration, potentially helping to preserve vision even as the disease advances. Continue reading “Retinal Cells Rewire to Preserve Vision in Retinitis Pigmentosa”
Category: Genetics research
Nutrients That Support the Eyes and Brain: Sage & Goji Berries
Did you know that your daily habits affect your eyes and brain? As our population ages, more effort is needed to support seniors’ eyes, brains, and overall health. Research shows that a balanced diet, regular exercise, meaningful social interactions, and targeted supplements can have a significant impact. Remember, your retina and optic nerves are essentially brain tissue, meaning the nutrients that nourish your brain also bolster your vision. Read on to discover some of the latest research in this field.
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Physical Exercise Reduces Eye Disease and Dementia
Physical exercise is vital for eye health and overall health. Research shows the positive impacts of exercise on common eye conditions. What is the intricate relationship between exercise and eye health? Can regular physical activity reduce the risk of age-related eye diseases? What role does nutrition play? And, can physical exercise help stave off neurological disease, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses associated with aging? At Natural Eye Care, we want to support you with knowledge and practical tips for getting the exercise you need. Continue reading “Physical Exercise Reduces Eye Disease and Dementia”
Retinitis Pigmentosa Gene Editing Studied on Human Embryos
The genetic eye disease Retinitis Pigmentosa is the target of gene editing research on human embryos by Dr. Dietrich Elgi at Columbia University. National Public Radio reported on this research[1. New U.S. Experiments Aim To Create Gene-Edited Human Embryos, February 1, 2019, 5:00 AM ET. Morning Edition. National Public Radio. Rob Stein] shortly after a Chinese scientist announced he had created the world’s first two gene-edited babies.[2. Chinese Scientist Says He’s First To Create Genetically Modified Babies Using CRISPR. November 26, 20185:02 AM ET. Morning Edition. National Public Radio. Rob Stein] Both scientists use the CRISPR tool to genetically modify human embryos. However, the experiments at Columbia are for research purposes only. These embryos are destroyed within one day for study.
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Gene Therapy Might Cure Type II Diabetes
Studies on mice at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) may lead to an injection that cures Type II Diabetes. This metabolic disorder affects overweight and obese people, due to insulin resistance. The body needs more and more insulin to maintain steady blood sugar, and the pancreas cannot keep up. Diabetes can lead to eye disease in the form of diabetic retinopathy. The chances of developing floaters, cataracts, nerve damage, and glaucoma are higher. Diabetes also causes stroke, amputations, coma, and even death.
The researchers, led by Professor Fátima Bosch, introduced into the mice a gene that creates the FGF21 protein Continue reading “Gene Therapy Might Cure Type II Diabetes”
Current Genetic Eye Disease Research on Fuch’s, Leber’s and Retinitis Pigmentosa
Current research on genetic eye diseases focuses mostly on genetic therapies. Scientists have learned how to sequence DNA at a relatively low cost. New tools for modifying genetic materials, such as the CRISPR, have opened the door for new treatments and even cures. Certain eye disorders are caused by mutated genes and genetic predispositions. This article highlights current research into four genetic eye disorders Continue reading “Current Genetic Eye Disease Research on Fuch’s, Leber’s and Retinitis Pigmentosa”
Leber Congenital Amaurosis Gene Therapy Approved by FDA
The rare eye disease Leber Congenital Amaurosis, caused by a defective gene, has a new genetic treatment. This is the first time the US Food and Drug Administration has approved gene therapy for an inherited disease.
The RPE65 gene provides a blueprint for a protein that makes light receptors work properly. Individuals with a defective RPE65 gene eventually go blind. Eye doctors may diagnose them with Leber Continue reading “Leber Congenital Amaurosis Gene Therapy Approved by FDA”
Gene Therapy for Eye Disease Choroideremia Shows Long-Term Results
A long-term study of patients receiving gene therapy shows positive results.[1.New England Journal of Medicine. Visual Acuity after Retinal Gene Therapy for Choroideremia by Robert Maclaren April 27, 2016DOI: 10.1056/NEJMc1509501] Researcher Dr. Robert Maclaren published a letter in the New England Journal of Medicine indicating that 5 out of the 6 patients with a rare genetic eye disease either improved or stayed the same after treatment. This may lead to approval of gene therapy for Choroideremia. This type of research may ultimately result in the approval of gene therapy for other more common eye diseases.
Men with Choroideremia have a defective Continue reading “Gene Therapy for Eye Disease Choroideremia Shows Long-Term Results”
Rod-Cone Dystrophy – A Complete Overview by Natural Eye Care
Rod-Cone Dystrophy is a genetically-based deterioration of vision caused by damage to the photoreceptors in the eye. Rods and cones are the photoreceptor cells in the retina that give us daytime and night time vision. Genes that provide the blueprint for manufacturing proteins crucial to the eye’s rods and cones are damaged. Without enough of these proteins, vision deteriorates and blindness may result.
Much of the current research into rod-cone dystrophy is focused on genetic research. Scientists are busy identifying the faulty genes and how they function. Stem cells or other genetic therapy offers hope for a treatment and possibly cure in the future. In the meantime, nutritional and lifestyle choices may Continue reading “Rod-Cone Dystrophy – A Complete Overview by Natural Eye Care”
Gene Therapy Effective Even In Intermediate and Advanced Retinitis Pigmentosa
An animal study has shown gene therapy to be effective even in the later stages of retinitis pigmentosa, which gives hope to more patients of this often inherited condition. This eye disease affects approximately 1 in 4,000 people. Up to 20% of these patients have X-linked retinitis pigmentosa. These individuals, mostly male, have night blindness before they enter puberty, and gradual vision loss by middle age. Around 70% of them have a genetic mutation that prevents the correct production of a protein important for the health of the photo receptors.
The study looked at dogs who naturally Continue reading “Gene Therapy Effective Even In Intermediate and Advanced Retinitis Pigmentosa”