From cataracts to macular degeneration, certain eye conditions can steal our vision. A wide variety of diseases can lead to permanent or irreversible vision loss. Diabetes, for instance, is a growing epidemic and a major complication of diabetes is diabetic retinopathy, the most significant cause of visual impairment among working-age people.

The last five years have seen advances in drug therapies, including eye infections, to treat wet macular degeneration, the type that results in bleeding in the eye due to an abnormal growth of blood vessels. These discoveries have also been applied to treating diabetic retinopathy and other diseases affecting the retina.

Researchers are also examining ways to slow down the progression of dry macular degeneration, which can also result in vision loss. Approaches being studied include vitamin supplements, dietary changes, quitting smoking. Genes that predispose people to develop macular degeneration have been identified. This information may help doctors better modify treatment for individual patients.

A number of studies are looking at how eye diseases affect people in different populations. Researchers hope to determine whether genetic influences play a significant role in the amounts of eye disease in these groups.

Other research includes a project to develop a prosthetic retina. This device shows promise for restoration of vision in patients who have lost their vision to certain types of disease like retinitis pigmentosa. There’s also research to develop better methods for corneal transplants.

Healthy Diet: Omega-3 fatty acids are well known for their heart-health benefits. New search has found that they may play a role in eye health as well. A study suggests that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help delay the progression of AMD. This study is particularly important because diet is one factor people have control over.

Another study examined the impact of a healthy diet on the risk of developing cataracts in women. Cataracts are very common as people age and can lead to blindness. Researchers found that women who ate a proper diet were less likely to develop cataracts than those who did not.

Specialists stress that eating a good diet doesn’t mean you won’t develop cataracts, just that your risk is lower. The take-home message is that we should all eat a healthy diet, not just for reduced cataract risk, but also for all the health benefits that good nutrition provides.

Laser Pointer: One case study investigated eye damage caused by a high-powered laser pointer of the type that are sold illegally on the internet and are sometimes marketed as toys. A teenager had aimed the laser pointer directly at his own eyes while playing with it and suffered burns and other damage to the eye and the retina, affecting his vision.

Researchers stress the need for awareness about the potential dangers of laser pointers as they become more and more available and for people to understand that they can cause long-term injury to the eyes and even loss of vision.

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