Protein Found To Reverse Eye Diseases, Fight Blindness

Washington (dbTechno) - According to researchers, a protein has been found in the eyes which can actually prevent prevent the leading causes of blindness, including macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

They have found that by activating a specific protein in the eyes, they are able to prevent blood vessel damage which can cause the loss of sight.

Researchers found that by activating a protein called Robo4, they were able to actually prevent blood vessel damage, and in certain cases, actually reverse it.

This was tested in mice, which were bred to mimic the effects people go through with age-related macular degeneration as well as diabetic retinopathy.

Researchers are extremely excited about this as it could lead to treatments on humans to help fight blindness. They are also hopeful that this discovery involving the protein Robo4 could also lead to treatments for other major diseases, such as cancer.

It is expected to take years before a drug can be provided for human patients, but it is an exciting breakthrough nonetheless.