Vitamin A Pill Could Protect Millions From Going Blind

Researchers have discovered a vitamin A based drug that could prevent millions from going blind as they age. During old age trials, researchers behind the drug fenretinide, found the treatment halted the advance of age-related macular degeneration, the most common cause of blindness, and for which there is no cure, currently.

They targeted dry AMD, the most prevalent form of the condition caused by the deterioration and death of cells in the macula, a part of the retina used for seeing straight ahead. Creating a black spot in the centre of their vision, the disease causes many sufferers to lose their sight.

As well, it makes everyday tasks like reading, driving and watching television impossible to carry out.

While, it is possible to treat the wet form of the disease that is not so common, there is nothing that can be done for the majority of patients.

American researchers in their study of fenretinide derived from vitamin A to be found in carrots, and designed to tackle arthritis, originally, gave a fenretinide pill or a placebo to 250 men and women with dry AMD, participating in the study, every day.

After a year, the highest dose drug halted visual deterioration, and while it could not do anything about damaged cells that were dying, it was able to protect health cells from deteriorating.

The research offers promise of a treatment for the disease, even though it is still in its preliminary stage, offering hope to the 300,000 Britons suffering from the disease. If, further trials are successful the drug could become available within 5 years.

Macular degeneration affects millions worldwide, and the numbers of those suffering from it in the UK could treble to one million as the population ages, within 25 years.

Via : visitbulgaria