Myopia: Genetic or Environmental?

by Dan Roberts Ophthalmic nearsightedness (myopia) results from an abnormal elongation of the eyeball during the growing years. This extra “axial length” causes objects at a distance to appear out of focus, which can usually be corrected with prescription glasses. The physical aspects of extreme nearsightedness (hypermyopia), however, can lead to a type of uncorrectable [Read More]

Blindness Can Be Prevented Now

Editorial by Dan Roberts, Editor-in-Chief Prevent Blindness Since 1908, Prevent Blindness has been living up to its name by educating the public about early prevention and detection. It has done this by way of vision screenings, educational programs, research support, and advocacy. But the organization hasn’t stopped there. It realizes that preventing blindness means more [Read More]

Squalamine Eye Drops Under Study for Wet AMD

(Updated 4/17/16) On June 24, 2014, Ohr Pharmaceutical, Inc. announced positive top-line interim results for its Phase 2 clinical trial of Squalamine eye drops in patients with wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD). The data demonstrated a positive benefit in multiple visual function including a gain in visual acuity of +10.4 letters with Squalamine eye [Read More]

Omega-3 Inhibits Retinal Blood Vessel Growth

Researchers from Massachusetts Eye and Ear/Schepens Eye Research Institute, Harvard Medical School and other institutions have demonstrated for the first time that the omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs), DHA and EPA, can inhibit choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Their findings will be published in PNAS Online Early Edition the week of June 16-20, 2014. “These are [Read More]