#Bleeding edge syndrome windows#

Using this information and our relevant systems, we are working to identify prevention methods to reduce incidences of eye-related neurodegeneration symptoms around the world.Īmong the most exciting accomplishments in vision research is gene therapy for the treatment of Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), a rare retinal degenerative condition characterized by severe vision loss starting at birth. Data retrieved were analyzed in order to identify, characterize, and model genetic variations and mutations that alter specific genes and cause hereditary degenerative diseases that affect the eyes. For example, Vinod Mootha, M.D., a member of our research team, traveled to an area of India in which inbreeding is common. UT Southwestern researchers and ophthalmologists regularly participate in national clinical trials as well as international research projects. Deficits in recognizing objects, seeing colors, and processing visual motion can occur at any stage, increasing the risk of accidents such as falls, lacerations, and burns. Neurons responsible for visual processing tend to be damaged more than primary vision neurons, resulting in ambiguous vision symptoms in the early stages of the disease. Ocular degeneration in Alzheimer’s disease occurs as the retinal nerve fiber layer thins. These injuries occur due to abnormal accumulations of β-amyloid protein (Ab) in the form of amyloid plaques and/or neurofibrillary tangles composed of aggregated tau protein. Alzheimer’s diseaseĪlzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, and it is characterized by destroyed and damaged connections between neural cells. Yet because these symptoms can further reduce a patient’s already jeopardized quality of life and functionality, they warrant specialized treatment. Mild ocular motor abnormalities occur in as many as 75 percent of patients with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease but often are left untreated. While Parkinson’s is primarily characterized by tremors, rigidity, and postural instability, vague visual symptoms such as blurred and double vision, uncontrolled eye movements, light sensitivity, eye strain, and difficulty reading are common. Parkinson’s diseaseĮach year, about 60,000 people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, which involves the loss of specific neurons in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra. These treatments often are very effective in managing wet AMD. Patients with wet AMD can undergo more advanced treatments, such as laser therapy and intraocular injections. Researchers discovered that the AREDS or AREDS2 vitamin formula cannot stop or reverse AMD, but it can slow the development to advanced disease by approximately 25 percent.

UT Southwestern ophthalmologists participated in the Age-Related Eye Diseases Study (AREDS), in which more than 4,000 patients were treated with either a vitamin formula containing antioxidants and zinc, a fish oil formula, or a placebo. Brain Institute and community physicians to translate our expertise and data into active, effective therapies to diagnose, treat, and even prevent degenerative eye conditions in patients in North Texas and around the world.Ĭertain patients with dry AMD can receive therapy to decrease the likelihood of developing vision loss associated with advanced disease. With a suite of advanced tools, techniques, and ongoing research studies, we collaborate with researchers in UTSW's Peter O'Donnell Jr. The UT Southwestern Department of Ophthalmology is on the leading edge of diagnostics and treatment. While not often obvious, these conditions affect coordination, mobility, and visual perception, resulting in increased risks of falls and related injuries. These diseases can cause direct or retrograde degenerations of the optic nerve, retinal cells, and surrounding visual structures. Aside from traditional age- and genetics-related vision conditions, such as macular degeneration, central nervous system conditions including Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease can affect patients’ vision.

#Bleeding edge syndrome windows#

The eyes are figuratively the windows to the soul – but they also can literally be windows to the brain.