by Dan Roberts The retina is attached to the sclera in the back of the eye, and a retinal detachment occurs when it is pulled away from this normal position. The retina, like film in a camera, is responsible for creating the images that one sees. A good picture could not be produced if the [Read More]
News
New Retinal Vessels Formed From Stem Cells
by Dan Roberts August, 2002 Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have succeeded in forming new retinal blood vessels in mice with ocular disease. The process uses “pluripotent” adult stem cells, which are derived from bone marrow and injected into the vitreous of the eyeball. When in place, these cells develop into endothelial cells [Read More]
New MD Gene Discovered
by Dan Roberts August, 2002 Researchers at the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center have discovered a genetic link to a form of macular degeneration. In an article published in August 2002 in Genome (“X-Linked Recessive Atrophic Macular Degeneration from RPGR Mutation,” pp. 166-171, doi:10.1006/geno.2002.6815, Radha Ayyagari, et al) the gene RPGR (associated until now [Read More]
Study Shows That Vitamin E Does Not Prevent Macular Degeneration
by Dan Roberts August, 2002 Until recently, some doctors have thought that megadoses of Vitamin E might help prevent macular degeneration. This opinion was bolstered by the National Eye Institute study and the resulting AREDS report on the benefits of high doses of antioxidants and zinc, which included Vitamin E. New research has concluded, however, [Read More]
Fluorescein Angiogram
by Wendy Strouse Watt, O.D. Originally published July 2002 What is Fluorescein Angiography? Fluorescein angiography is a test which allows the blood vessels in the back of the eye to be photographed as a fluorescent dye is injected into the bloodstream via your hand or arm. It is particularly useful in the management of diabetic [Read More]