vision

Novel methods to treat glaucoma

Increasing a certain signaling molecule prevents the degeneration of retinal cells that are lost in glaucoma, suggesting a new way to treat this disease.

‘Mind’s eye blink’ proves ‘paying attention’ is not just a figure of speech

Vanderbilt psychologists have discovered that when you shift your attention from one place to another, your brain ‘blinks’—or experiences momentary gaps in perception.

Cytokine linked to blindness

A signaling molecule called interleukin-6 may be a therapeutic target to prevent vision loss or nerve degeneration in glaucoma, Vanderbilt researchers have discovered.

VUMC ophthalmologist urges eye protection from the bright summer sunshine

When it comes to sun safety, most people are quick to grab a hat and lather on sunscreen. Doctors at the Vanderbilt Eye Institute want consumers to be on the lookout for another protective measure – sunglasses.

In a zebrafish’s eye

Vanderbilt investigators demonstrate that a certain eye lens protein is evolutionarily conserved between zebrafish and rat, suggesting that zebrafish can be used as a model system to understand eye lens disorders such as cataracts.

Metabolic profiling of vision loss

A panel of metabolites – small molecules that are part of metabolic processes – that are unique to macular degeneration will shed light on the disease and aid diagnosis.