Anti-inflammatory to protect the eyes

Monday, January 5 2015 | 00 h 00 min | Vision Science

An anti-inflammatory could be used as a weapon against AMD.

A high concentration of oxygen, also called oxidative stress, is suspected of aiding in the development of several diseases, particularly eye diseases such as macular degeneration. Researchers from Florida claim that sulindac, a well-known anti-inflammatory, may protect the eyes against AMD-related oxidation.

In patients diagnosed with AMD, the retinal pigment epithelial cells that feed retinal cells are damaged by oxidative stress. The researchers demonstrated that sulindac protects these cells against such damage. This could be used as an inexpensive and relatively non-toxic therapy for AMD.

For further information: http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2014/11/06/1419576111