Eyes On Research

Ah, eye colour! One of the most asked questions I get reside in this very topic. In this episode, our host, Dr Thales Guimaraes, will try to clear some misconceptions and provide some guidance on how eye colour actually works. Support the show In these episodes, we try and digest the latest advances in ophthalmology and ocular research using simple terms. If you like what we do, consider checking...

How does cataract surgery work is a commonly asked question in any eye clinic around the world. In the second episode of our Eyes On Research Guide To series, our host, Thales Guimaraes, will go through what cataract surgery involves, the risks and aims, as well as the main types of intraocular lenses available. Support the show In these episodes, we try and digest the latest advances in ophthalmo...

In the first episode of our series we are discussing all about guide dogs. This is to serve as a guide to both guide dog owners, but more so to people who are out and about and spot that gorgeous working dog doing it’s job. Can I talk to it? Can I pet it? What should I not do? Support the show In these episodes, we try and digest the latest advances in ophthalmology and ocular research using simpl...

From next week, and throughout the whole of August and September, we have a new series lined up: Eyes On Research Guide To. Eight episodes are lined up for these next two months. This will be an opportunity to tackle and raise awareness of some of the most commonly asked questions and misconceptions we get. Nothing is going to change podcast-wise, so new episodes will be released Wednesdays as eve...

Some people swear by contact lenses, while others dread even the thought of having to put their fingers remotely close to the eyes. In this episode, we are discussing the pros and cons of using contact lenses, and the best practices for users. Support the show In these episodes, we try and digest the latest advances in ophthalmology and ocular research using simple terms. If you like what we do, c...

Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of irreversible loss of vision in adults over 50 years old. Treatment options are scarce and mainly preventive in nature, with a lot of emphasis put in nutrition and lifestyle modifications. What does the evidence have to say about the best nutritional practices and supplements in this disease? Support the show In these episodes, we try and dig...

Our eyes are a sophisticated optic system, but it did not start like that. How did it evolve into this very effective structure? Join our host, Thales Guimaraes, who will walk us through the incredible evolutionary tale of the eyes. Support the show In these episodes, we try and digest the latest advances in ophthalmology and ocular research using simple terms. If you like what we do, consider che...

Headaches, itchy and painful red eyes, blurry vision and even pain in your neck and shoulders when using your computers and digital devices? Well, buckle up and listen to this episode as you may have computer vision syndrome (aka digital eye strain). Support the show In these episodes, we try and digest the latest advances in ophthalmology and ocular research using simple terms. If you like what w...

Do you have those pesky blobs and spots in your vision? Or do you see some shimmering lights before your migraines? In this episode, we will be discussing all about floaters and other types of visual disturbances. Support the show In these episodes, we try and digest the latest advances in ophthalmology and ocular research using simple terms. If you like what we do, consider checking our support p...

Unless you’ve been living in isolation for a few years, you will have heard that cigarettes have been associated with many diseases in the body. But can it cause any harm to the eyes as well? In this episode, our host will discuss what the data has to say about the possible harmful effects of smoking in your visual health. Support the show In these episodes, we try and digest the latest advances i...

Are you or do you know anyone who is colourblind? It is indeed quite common, with prevalences as high as 8% in some ethnicities. Listen to our host, Dr Thales Guimaraes, as he walks us through how the colour machinery works in the eye, as well as the types of colour blindness and how it is inherited. Support the show In these episodes, we try and digest the latest advances in ophthalmology and ocu...

If you are like me, you love a good ol’ double espresso early in the morning. But can coffee consumption cause any damage in our eyes and vision? In this episode, we will be talking about the pharmacological effects of caffeine in the body and its associations with diseases in the eye. Support the show In these episodes, we try and digest the latest advances in ophthalmology and ocular research us...

Do you need to wear glasses or contact lenses, and never knew what was going on exactly? Well, look no further! Our host, Dr. Thales Guimaraes, is walking us through what these very common types of problems are, who is at risk, and how it is currently managed. Support the show In these episodes, we try and digest the latest advances in ophthalmology and ocular research using simple terms. If you l...

In this episode, we will be talking about Stargardt disease, one of the most common forms of inherited retinal disease. Our host, Dr Thales Guimaraes, will talk about basic concepts, the main symptoms reported by patients, and the main avenues of treatment. Shoutout to Stargardt’s Connected, a family support group for the disease. You can visit them at https://stargardtsconnected.org.uk/ . Support...

Have you heard of Keratoconus? Join us as our host, Dr Thales Guimaraes, walks us through what it is, its causes and available treatments. Spoiler alert: do not rub your eyes!  Support the show In these episodes, we try and digest the latest advances in ophthalmology and ocular research using simple terms. If you like what we do, consider checking our support page and newsletter linked above. We h...

You may have heard many times about the promises of stem cell-based treatments. But where exactly do we stand research-wise, and are we ready to treat retinal degenerations with stem cell? Our host, Dr Thales Guimaraes, will answer this question while providing a summary of the advances to date. Support the show In these episodes, we try and digest the latest advances in ophthalmology and ocular r...

Myopia, a.k.a. short-sightedness is a common type of refractive error. But did you know that, in some countries, 8 out of every 10 individuals are short-sighted? And worse – it is estimated that 50% of the worldwide population will have shortsightedness by 2050! Listen to our host, Dr Thales Guimaraes, going through all the scientific evidence available to explain why the prevalence of myopia has...

We are back with the right foot! In this episode, we will discuss the most common cause of visual loss in adults above 50 years of age, a complex disease called age-related macular degeneration. Our host, Dr Thales Guimaraes, will also be talking about the forms of the disease, new approved treatments and what the future holds. Support the show In these episodes, we try and digest the latest advan...

Have you heard of the story of the Pingelap island, a.k.a. The Island of the Colourblind? In this episode, we will be talking about an extreme form of inherited colourblindness called achromatopsia. Our host, Dr Thales Guimaraes,  will also be discussing where we stand in terms of treatments.  Support the show In these episodes, we try and digest the latest advances in ophthalmology and ocular res...

I know, we have all been there at a certain point. This gritty sensation of dry eyes is more than just a nuisance. Join our host today, Dr Thales Guimaraes, to learn a bit of Dry Eye Syndrome, what it is and why it happens, how to prevent and what the future holds. Support the show In these episodes, we try and digest the latest advances in ophthalmology and ocular research using simple terms. If...

Following up from our last episode on Smart Contact Lenses, we will now be talking about these devices which aim to electrically activate neurons and return vision to blind individuals. Listen to learn how it works, its limitations and where we currently stand in this promising field. Support the show In these episodes, we try and digest the latest advances in ophthalmology and ocular research usi...

In this episode, we are delving into the world of smart contact lenses - the innovation that's not just about better vision, but also transforming healthcare and augmented reality (AR). Discover how these lenses adapt to changing conditions, monitor your health, and open up exciting AR experiences. While we are in this topic, we will also address the real challenges. The future of vision enha...

Have you heard of high altitude retinopathy? It is part of a spectrum of features that can happen when an individual is exposed to high altitude environments. Learn what this is and how it happens, how to prevent and treat this condition. Support the show In these episodes, we try and digest the latest advances in ophthalmology and ocular research using simple terms. If you like what we do, consid...

Calling all eclipse gazers! We have all heard about the damage that Sunlight and prolonged Sun exposure can cause to our eyes, but is that true? Yes, it certainly is! What kind of damage are we talking about? Listen to our host, Dr Thales Guimaraes, who will talk us through all forms of ocular damage associated with UV rays and how to avoid them, including the proper protection to safely gaze at a...

It is safe to say that we live in the era of genetics. Amongst the most promising avenue of new treatments are the gene therapies, to which we have recently seen an explosion in the number of clinical trials using this technology. But do you know what this is and how it is used? Our host, Dr Thales Guimaraes, will talk us through basic concepts, the difficulties and the future of gene therapy. Sup...