A new eyedrop has shown early success in delivering protective compounds to where they’re needed most in the eye, raising hopes for less invasive treatment of serious vision conditions.
The research led by RMIT University is focused on retinal diseases, especially age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD damages the retina, specifically the macula, which can cause blindness and affects hundreds of millions of people globally.
Key risk factors for AMD are age, family history, diet, high blood pressure, obesity, smoking and other lifestyle choices.
In the modern era, we have exposure to excessive high energy blue light from devices such as mobile phones, computer screens and televisions, which may also contribute to eye damage over time.
The team investigated delivering lutein, a protective antioxidant compound found in Gac fruit, to the back of the eye to support retinal health and potentially slow or prevent damage.
Read more: New eyedrop raises hopes for less invasive treatment of serious vision conditions
Source: News Medical Life Sciences