In this eye-opening article we share the new research from world-leading eye experts that has revealed a breakthrough that could change cataract treatment, studies have shown that there is potential for drug therapy to replace eye surgery. We also explain how a microchip has been developed which can restore partial sight for blind people allowing them the ability to navigate a room and see the shape of a person’s face.

 

But first, let’s raise a glass to the fact that a new study has revealed that moderate consumption of alcohol such as red wine can help to prevent cataracts in the eye.

 

You wouldn’t have seen this one coming…

 

The American Academy of Ophthalmology has published a study showing that drinking red wine which is rich in antioxidants may help protect against cataracts. Their research revealed that people who consume moderate amounts of alcohol appear less likely to develop cataracts that need surgery. Red wine consumption showed the strongest protective effect due to antioxidants that are abundant in the wine and some other alcohol. The study was the largest of its kind, it tracked 490,000 volunteers in the UK who gave detailed information about their health and lifestyle throughout their lives. Different factors were taken into consideration and the experts found that those that consumed about 6.5 standard glasses of wine per week were less likely to need cataract surgery. The lead researcher Anthony P.Khawaja, MD said “This does support a direct role of alcohol in the development of cataracts but further studies were needed.”

 

Let’s see what happens…

 

Drug-based therapies could be the way forward for cataracts

A cataract is a clouding of the eye lens which develops over time reducing the quality of vision and can result in blindness. The cause is a build-up of protein in the eye lens that reduces the transmission of light to the retina. According to the Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), cataracts account for almost half of global cases of blindness and currently, a significantly developed cataract can only be removed by surgery, the cloudy eye lens is removed during the procedure and an artificial replacement is used.

 

A team of scientists led by Professor Barbara Pierscionek at the ARU has published research that has revealed that the sophisticated optics of the eye lens develops earlier in gestation than thought. They identified a protein called aquaporin which was responsible for water passage in the lens and it disturbed optical development which can result in a cataract formation, drug treatment during the development could be revolutionary. The Professor, who is the Deputy Dean for faculty health said “Cataracts are one of the main causes of vision loss worldwide, yet for many people, surgery is inaccessible for various reasons.” 

 

Therefore drug therapy would be an excellent choice for many people. As a result of the researcher’s investigations, the Professor said further research is planned now that there is an indication that drug therapy for cataracts is possible. She believes that it will open up a field for drug-based therapies rather than surgery it’s a great breakthrough that could change cataract treatment dramatically.

 

The bionic eye – microchip in eyes seeks to restore vision

Losing your sight is life-changing in so many ways – physically and mentally. It could include losing a job and the ability to do things that you love. Emotionally it’s challenging and can affect relationships at work and home, a person has to start to depend on others and that can be hard for some people.

Whether you are born with blindness or it develops over time, the invention of the microchip to restore partial vision has been ten years in the making and it is extremely exciting. Researchers at Monash University developed what is called the Gennaris bionic vision system. The retinal implant microchip allows images to bypass damaged cells in the eyes, the chip activates electrodes that fire up nerve cells and carry the visuals to the brain.

Patients have to wear special glasses that work in conjunction with the microchip. The glasses have a coil with a wireless transmitter and the implant in the eye is sealed with titanium so the microchip doesn’t get damaged by water. Professor Lowery from the University’s Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering, said “Cortical vision prosthesis aims to restore visual perception to those who have lost vision by delivering electrical stimulation to the visual cortex – the region of the brain that receives, integrates, and processes visual information.”

 

The trials have only been done on animals but it won’t be long before the first human has a bionic eye. It’s worth keeping your eyes peeled on this recent news because research has started on developing conceptual telepathy which allows two individuals to communicate through thoughts with the help of technology. 

 

If you are concerned about your eyesight you should visit an optician or your doctor so you can receive any form of treatment that may be needed. You can also take measures to improve or protect your eye health, such as:

 

• Eat a healthy diet including fresh fruit and vegetables such as yellow and green leafy veg and fish rich in omega 3 fatty acids such as salmon, tuna, and halibut
• Maintain a healthy body weight because obesity can cause diabetes which can result in developing diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma
• Exercise to reduce the chances of obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and other illnesses that can affect your eyesight
• Protect your eyes from the sun by wearing sunglasses, sunglasses work by blocking UVA rays that damage the eyes
• Eye protection such as goggles should be worn when working in situations where particles or chemicals could go in the eyes
• Give up smoking because it can speed up age-related health issues that can affect your vision
• Use good hygiene when putting contact lenses in your eyes so there is no risk of infections in the eyes
• Find out about your family eye health history and have certain issues checked if you think there is a chance of inheriting a condition
• Rest your eyes, just like the rest of your body, eyes can get strained or tired, take the time to rest your eyes especially from computer screens and other electronics 
• Use eye drops for tired or dry eyes.
• Try natural supplements to help with an eye condition.

 

We can’t see into the future but it’s looking good for people with impaired vision. 

 

Products worth a mention are: 

 

Can-C™ (N-Acetylcarnosine eye-drops) World’s first and original eye-drop to normalise cataract impairment

Normalise Cataract Impairment, Without Surgery 

Users and Scientists have reported that Can-C is also great for:

• Dry eye syndrome
• Contact lens lubricant
• Corneal disorders
• Computer vision syndrome
• Eye strain
• Ocular inflammation
• Blurred vision
• Presbyopia
• Retinal diseases
• Vitreous opacities and lesions
• Complications of diabetes mellitus and other systemic diseases
• Open-angle primary glaucoma.

https://www.antiaging-systems.com/products/can-c-n-acetylcarnosine-eye-drops/

Retina Bioregulator (Nature’s Marvels™) Normalizes the function of the retina.

For helping to repair damage to the RETINA which is often caused by diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, pigment retinitis, myopia and age-related macular degeneration. It can also be damaged by hypertension, renal insufficiency and diabetes mellitus together with smoking and alcohol. 

https://www.antiaging-systems.com/products/retina-bioregulator-natures-marvels/

 

Links

 

American Academy of Ophthalmology

https://eyewire.news/articles/study-drinking-wine-may-help-protect-against-cataracts/

ARU

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/05/210519120744.htm

Microchip

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-8735933/Human-trials-bionic-eye-links-directly-chip-brain-cure-blindness.html