The National Eye Institute (NEI) is a part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), established by Congress in 1968. Its mission is to eliminate vision loss and enhance quality of life through vision research. The NEI works to protect and prolong the vision of all Americans.
Understanding NEI’s Research
The NEI supports a broad spectrum of research, from basic biological investigations to clinical trials. Basic science research focuses on understanding the underlying mechanisms of the eye and visual system at cellular, genetic, and molecular levels. This foundational knowledge is then translated into clinical research, which involves human participants to test new diagnostic tools, treatments, and interventions for various eye conditions.
One major area of focus for NEI research is glaucoma, a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve and can lead to vision loss and blindness. High intraocular pressure (IOP) is a known risk factor for the most common form, primary open-angle glaucoma. NEI-funded studies confirm that pressure-lowering eye drops can safely delay or prevent its onset. The Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study (OHTS) demonstrated the effectiveness of such treatments.
Diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes, is another significant area of NEI research, recognized as a leading cause of blindness in U.S. adults. This condition involves damage to the tiny blood vessels in the retina, which can swell, leak fluid, or grow abnormally, leading to vision loss. NEI-supported clinical trials, such as the Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS), showed that laser treatment could reduce severe vision loss by up to 95%. More recent research by the Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research (DRCR) Network has identified anti-VEGF drugs like ranibizumab, bevacizumab, and aflibercept as effective treatments for diabetic macular edema, often reducing the need for laser therapy.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a primary cause of severe visual impairment in individuals over 60. AMD has a “dry” form, with slow progression, and a “wet” form, involving abnormal blood vessel growth. The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), an NEI-sponsored clinical trial, found that a high-dose combination of vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and zinc could reduce the risk of advanced AMD by about 25% in high-risk individuals. Ongoing studies explore genetic factors, such as the complement factor H (CFH) gene, and develop new treatment strategies like gene replacement and anti-angiogenesis factors.
NEI’s Public Health Initiatives
Beyond research, the NEI engages with the public to promote eye health and prevent vision loss. The National Eye Health Education Program (NEHEP), established by Congress in 1989, is a key effort. NEHEP translates scientific discoveries into guidance for the public and health professionals.
NEHEP provides information on eye conditions, including diabetic eye disease, glaucoma, and low vision. The program emphasizes early detection and timely treatment for eye diseases. It also focuses on vision rehabilitation, providing resources and tools to help individuals adapt to vision loss.
Outreach activities target populations at higher risk of eye diseases, such as older Americans, Hispanic/Latino individuals (“¡Ojo con su visión!”), and African Americans (“Write the Vision: Eye Health for African Americans”). These efforts increase awareness about conditions like glaucoma and diabetic eye disease, encouraging regular eye exams with dilated pupils for at-risk individuals. By providing accessible educational materials and fostering partnerships, NEHEP empowers individuals to manage their eye health and seek appropriate care.
The Broader Impact on Vision
NEI’s research and public health initiatives have advanced vision science. Over five decades, NEI-supported work has led to breakthroughs in understanding, preventing, and treating eye diseases. This has resulted in sight-saving therapies that can stabilize or reverse vision loss, improving the quality of life for millions.
NEI’s basic research has deepened understanding of the eye’s structure and function, offering insights into how the brain works through retinal studies. Discoveries in gene therapy, such as the first FDA-approved gene therapy for an inherited retinal disease, show the potential of NEI-funded research. The development of assistive technologies, often with NEI funding, has provided individuals with vision impairment tools to maintain independence and productivity. The NEI aims for a future free from vision loss, continually pushing the boundaries of eye care and vision restoration.