Techniques using electrical pulses that could help people with eye diseases are being tested by Fight for Sight funded researchers at the University of York.
Professor Antony Morland, University of York, has undertaken research to see if small electrical currents can stimulate the brain to protect against physical changes related to conditions including AMD.
Professor Morland said: ‘We already know that AMD causes the key area of the brain that processes vision to stop receiving signals from the eye. This can cause specific parts of the brain to shrink meaning they are likely to be less receptive to any potential sight restoration treatments; possibly limiting their success.
‘As medical research allows the development of new treatments to reverse sight loss, this particular study is tracking the shape and size of the changes in the brain to see how it works over time after vision is lost. We’re also testing if these electric currents can work alongside future therapies, like stem cell transplants, to help give sight back effectively.’
The Macular Week campaign took place this week (26 June – 2 July).
Michele Acton, chief executive of Fight for Sight, said: ‘Medical research is vital to stop sight loss. The UK is a leader in this field, but funding is incredibly low. Investing in the lab means finding more effective treatments and cures, saving the eye sight of millions across the globe.’
