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Glaucoma Patients Could Have Their Blindness Reversed With New Treatment

Previously it was thought the condition was permanent.
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Reporter at HuffPost UK

Glaucoma patients could have “irreversible” eye damage reversed after a breakthrough in optical nerve treatment.

The study in mice, conducted by the National Institute of Health, uses high contrast visual stimulation to help damaged neurons regrow optic nerve fibres.

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PhotoAlto/Odilon Dimier via Getty Images

Optic nerve fibres, otherwise known as retinal ganglion cell axons, are damaged in patients with glaucoma and do not naturally regrow causing most glaucoma blindness to be permanent.

But the results of this latest study show that combined visual and chemical therapy can partially restore sight in adult rodents.

NEI Director Paul Sieving said: “This research shows that mammals have a greater capacity for central nervous system regeneration than previously known.”

Funded by the National Eye Institute, the experiments use blind mice and expose them to high-contrast images (an ever-changing pattern of black lines) for several hours a day.

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Those who underwent this treatment showed “modest but significant” axonal regrowth in a short period of time compared to those who hadn’t been exposed to the images.

The results showed that not only do the optic nerve axons regrow, but new axons are also capable of targeting the correct locations in the brain.

According to the NHS, glaucoma develops when aqueous humour fluid in the eye cannot drain properly and pressure builds, which damages the optic nerve.

It’s estimated that more than 500,000 people have glaucoma in England and Wales, yet many more people may be living with the condition.

Top Foods For Eyesight
Kale, Spinach And Collards(01 of06)
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Lutein and zeaxanthin are antioxidants that protect and maintain healthy cells -- and they're abundant in these dark, leafy greens, Caplan explains. She quotes The American Optometric Association, which has reportedly said they act like "internal sunglasses" that can "filter harmful blue waves."Another bonus?"These [greens] are also high in vitamin A, which is good for the eyes," Caplan said. (credit:Alamy)
Oysters(02 of06)
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Zinc deficiency has been linked to impaired vision and poor night vision, as well as cloudy cataracts, Caplan says. But getting plenty of of the nutrient can work wonders, slowing the progression of age-related macular degeneration, which is a common condition in adults age 50 and older.Oysters are a great source of zinc, Caplan explains. And if they're not exactly your thing, she suggests trying lobster, salmon, beef or milk instead. (credit:Alamy)
Apricots(03 of06)
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Apricots are a good source of beta carotene and lycopene, both carotenoids that can help promote good vision, explains Elisa Zied, an author and registered dietitian.Indeed, the Macular Degeneration Association explains that the body converts beta carotene into vitamin A, which resists damage to cells and tissues, including the eye lens."Continued oxidative stress may result in the development of cataracts or damage the blood supply to the eyes and lead to macular degeneration," the organization says. (credit:Alamy)
Sweet Potatoes(04 of06)
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"It's prudent for people to follow current Dietary Guidelines for Americans, consuming at least three-and-a-half or four cups of produce each day," Zied says. And she recommends that people pay particular attention to eating plenty of fruits and veggies that are rich in vitamins C and A -- which is why sweet potatoes are high on her eye-health list.In fact, a one-cup serving of sweet potato has more than the full daily requirement for vitamin A. And yes, there is another orange, vitamin A-rich option that's more commonly associated with protecting our peepers: Zied also recommends good ol' carrots. (credit:Alamy)
Eggs(05 of06)
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Eggs are another food that's relatively high in zinc, Caplan explains. They're also a good source of Omega 3 fatty acids and lutein. As Tufts nutritional biochemist told FitSugar, eggs don't contain as much of that particular carotenoid as the leafy greens that are also on this list, but "the body is able to absorb these antioxidants better from eggs," she says. (credit:Alamy)
Wheat Germ(06 of06)
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"Vitamin E might slow macular degeneration [and can also] decrease risk of cataracts," Caplan says (although WebMD cautions that studies looking at possible benefits for cataracts have been inconclusive).She recommends wheat germ as her top source for vitamin E, as well as other tasty options like almonds, sunflower seeds, peanut butter and the aforementioned sweet potato. (credit:Alamy)

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