California Institute of Technology researchers have developed a contact lens which may help diabetics’ sight by providing more light to the eye’s rod cells in dark conditions. Rod cells help humans see in low light but consume more oxygen in dark conditions.
Because damage to the retina begins with an insufficient supply of oxygen, researchers say it should be possible to stave off further eyesight loss by reducing the retina's oxygen demands. The new glow-in-the-dark lenses employ embedded vials of tritium, which emits electrons as it decays. Initial results showed the lenses reduced rod cell activity by up to 90% in the dark.
Cook hopes his contact lenses will offer a solution that patients will be more willing to try because the effort involved is minimal, as are the side effects. Existing treatments, though effective, are painful and invasive, involving lasers and injections into the eyeball.
Further testing will determine if the lenses actually help prevent diabetic retinopathy. If so, the study will progress to clinical trials.
