Eye drops that stop retinal damage

The eye drops would be a less invasive way for diabetics to prevent eye disease

Spotted: Researchers at Brazil’s Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP)  have developed eye drops with the potential to prevent eye disease. The eye drops could help diabetics stop vision loss due to blood vessel damage, according to the scientists.

The eye drops focus on preventing diabetic retinopathy, which is an eye disease that affects the retina. Diabetics frequently suffer from damaged blood vessels due high blood sugar levels. When that affects the retina, it can cause blurred vision and other problems.

While there are treatments available, they are invasive (think surgery and injections). The eye drops would potentially offer an easier solution.

Researcher and ophthalmologist Jacqueline Mendonca Lopes de Faria said the eye drops are the result of two decades of research. Lopes de Faria said the eye drops have already been tested on “diabetic animals” with good results.  Now the team is looking for resources to continue tests in Brazil and abroad.