(PreserveMacForte.com) Most people would rank losing their sight among the top tragedies that they could ever suffer in this lifetime. But new research suggests that it may one day be possible to reverse the effects of blindness caused by diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), according to Tecca on July 30.
According to the article, a new study that involved testing on lab mice has given rise to hopes that it may eventually be possible to reverse the effects of AMD and retinitis pigmentosa with injections to the eyes. AMD and retinitis pigmentosa are, according to the report, two eye ailments that can lead to blindness.
The article noted that the study involved injecting acrylamide-azobenzene-quaternary ammonium, or AAQ, into the eyes of a number of blind mice. According to the article, the blind mice were able to sense light on the heels of being injected in their eyes with the AAQ chemical. While it’s a challenge for researchers to determine the precise amount of the mice’s vision was restored due to the injections, the article noted that lab tests have up to now shown that the mice have gotten back a close-to-normal level of sight following the injections.
While the findings are encouraging, the article was sure to stress that the AAQ injections were provided to mice… not humans. However, primate tests are planned and the results from these tests will show researchers whether or not the chemical holds promise for humans with blindness-causing eye conditions.
And even if AAQ is found to be beneficial to humans with AMD or retinitis pigmentosa, ongoing injections may not provide to be the optimal solution. As it turns out, the medicinal value of AAQ injections lasts for only around a day on mice before they need another injection. Which doesn’t make for an ideal situation.
According to numerous reports, AMD mostly impacts elderly people. However, getting older doesn’t necessarily mean getting AMD. Preventative measures such as getting regular eye tests, maintaining an ideal weight, eating lots of leafy green vegetation, consuming omega-3 fatty acids, avoiding smoking and exercising daily can reduce the odds of getting AMD.
Reference: http://www.tecca.com/news/2012/07/30/aaq-retinitis-pigmentosa-macular-degeneration/