Retinitis Pigmentosa Breakthrough


A popular migraine medication could be used to treat the progressively blinding eye condition retinitis pigmentosa, scientists claim. Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Medical School believe that valporic acid, used to treat migraines and to control seizures, could be used to halt vision loss in patients with the the degenerative eye disease.

Experts believe that using the drug will lowers inflammation in the retina that causes blood vessels to leak into the eye and causes vision to deteriorate. Researchers will now carry out a three-year-long clinical trial that will examine whether the drug can safely be used to combat the eye problem.  

The discovery is being hailed as a breakthrough by eye care professionals who believe that the drug could be re-purposed to safeguard the sight of hundreds of thousands of at-risk patients.

22nd July 2010

<<<more eye health news


Laser Eye Surgery Enquiry Form

Complete this form if you would like information about laser eye surgery including costs & suitablity.