via Kagan Institute
Breakthrough by experts supports drug therapy as alternative to surgery
World-leading eye experts have made a breakthrough that could potentially change the way cataracts are treated – with potential for drug therapy to replace surgery.
Cataract is a clouding of the eye lens that develops over time and affects the quality of vision. It is caused by an accumulation of protein in the lens that reduce the transmission of light to the retina. Previous research led by ARU found that cataracts account for almost half of global cases of blindness.
A significantly developed cataract can only currently be treated by a surgical procedure to remove the cloudy lens and insert an artificial replacement.
A team of international scientists, led by Professor Barbara Pierscionek of Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), has published peer-reviewed research that shows the sophisticated optics of the lens develops much earlier in gestation than has previously been thought possible. They also found how a particular protein (aquaporin) responsible for water passage in the lens disrupts the optical development, leading to cataract formation.
The scientists have spent more than a decade conducting the most precise measurements on optics of the lens at SPring-8, the world’s largest and most powerful synchrotron, in Japan.
The synchrotron is a particle accelerator that produces powerful X-rays by accelerating electrons to the speed of light. The X-rays allow measurements to be taken with the highest accuracy yet on optical properties of the eye.
The project team is the first in the world to have measured how the optics in the eye lens develop. Their research was presented earlier this month at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) annual meeting.
Professor Pierscionek, Deputy Dean (Research and Innovation) for the Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine and Social Care and member of the Medical Technology Research Centre at ARU, said: “Cataracts are one of the main causes of vision loss and blindness worldwide, yet for many people surgery is inaccessible for various reasons.
“Our findings indicate the role of the aquaporin proteins and the crucial importance of this for the lens to work correctly and the eye to see clearly.
“Further research in this area is planned, but this discovery, together with our research on nanotechnologies that indicate drug therapy for cataract is possible, could potentially revolutionise the way cataract is treated, opening up the field for drug-based therapy rather than surgery. This would have exciting implications for public health.”
Original Article: New research may revolutionise cataract treatment
More from: Anglia Ruskin University
The Latest Updates from Bing News & Google News
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Cataracts
- Could Scots scientists' pioneering treatment see the end of surgery for cataract patients?
David Quigley, chairman of Optometry Scotland, the national body representing Scotland’s optometrists and opticians, and also chairman of Edinburgh Biosciences, said: ‘In the future we may never need ...
- Advice From Harvard Health Publishing And 3 More Doctors: When Should You Get Your Cataracts Removed?
Answered by Dr. Howard E. Lewine M.D. Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 40 years of experience · USA Typically, the vision changes associated with cataracts slowly worsen over time.
- All the Light We Cannot See: how progressive congenital cataracts can lead to blindness
We are told that Marie-Laure has congenital cataracts in both eyes. But what is this condition? The word “cataract” comes from the Latin word for waterfall and describes a condition where the ...
- All the Light We Cannot See: how progressive congenital cataracts can lead to blindness
In the new Netflix series All the Light We Cannot See, a blind French girl called Marie-Laure LeBlanc makes illicit radio broadcasts from her uncle’s house in Nazi-occupied France. We are told that ...
- ‘Babies of women with uncontrolled diabetes may have cataracts’
Contrary to the belief that cataract mainly occurs in older adults, eye specialists say babies and children can be born with them or develop the condition.
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Cataracts
[google_news title=”” keyword=”cataracts” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Drug therapy for cataracts
- Amazon pulls seven eye drop products in response to FDA warning letter
After the FDA issued warning letter to Amazon over seven eye drop products that have been sold to consumers recently, the company pulled the products.
- Amazon pulls several brands of eye drops after FDA warning
Amazon is pulling seven brands of eye drops from its online marketplace after guidance from the Food and Drug Administration.
- Amazon pulling seven brands of eye drops after FDA warning
The US Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning to Amazon for selling several brands of eye drops that the agency considers “unapproved new drugs.” ...
- Advice From Harvard Health Publishing And 3 More Doctors: When Should You Get Your Cataracts Removed?
Answered by Dr. Howard E. Lewine M.D. Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 40 years of experience · USA Typically, the vision changes associated with cataracts slowly worsen over time.
- Rosette Cataract: Causes, Symptoms, Complications, And Treatment
Even though a traumatic cataract can have a complicated medical diagnosis and treatment, careful examination and planned surgical management can simplify the whole procedure. Depending upon the ...
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Drug therapy for cataracts
[google_news title=”” keyword=”drug therapy for cataracts” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
