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Get the facts about clinical trials and studies

Clinical studies — research studies that involve people — can help researchers learn more about eye problems. One type of study, called a clinical trial, helps researchers try out new ways to find and treat eye diseases.

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Vision research involves many different fields — including biology, epidemiology, genetics, immunology, and more.

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Be a part of our research! NEI has career opportunities for vision researchers and internships, fellowships, and other training programs for students and professionals at our labs in Bethesda, MD.

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Research News

Multifocal contact lenses have two basic portions for focusing light. The center portion of the lens corrects nearsightedness so that distance vision is clear, and it focuses light directly on the retina. The outer portion of the lens adds focusing power to bring the peripheral light rays into focus in front of the retina. Animal studies show that bringing light to focus in front of the retina cues the eye to slow growth.

Multifocal contact lenses slow myopia progression in children

August 11, 2020

Children wearing multifocal contact lenses had slower progression of their myopia, according to results from a clinical trial funded by the National Eye Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health.
Colorful confocal image of endothelial cells and microglia

New treatment targets found for blinding retinal disease

August 10, 2020

When the eye isn’t getting enough oxygen in the face of common conditions like premature birth or diabetes, it can result in blindness. Scientists have identified new points where they may be able to enable recovery.
Microscopy image in blue and green showing mouse optic nerve

NIH-funded study identifies stem cells in optic nerve

July 31, 2020

A National Eye Institute-funded study has identified a type of stem cell called a neural progenitor cell, in a region of the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain.
Last updated: July 19, 2019