Trials of an experimental drug which helps slow down the loss of vision caused by diabetes have had very optimistic results.
Diabetic retinopathy is recognized as the leading cause of blindness in the working aged population and results in enormous human and financial costs; at present laser treatments are used to treat the disease.
It is a relatively common complication associated with diabetes and can lead to a sudden and debilitating impact on vision.
In the United States, an estimated 4.1 million adults aged 40 and older have diabetic retinopathy and in 899,000 their vision is threatened.
Even mild vision loss can lead to difficulties in reading, driving, employment, and mobility as well as an increased risk of accidental injuries.
According to Lloyd Paul Aiello, MD, PhD, lead investigator of the study, the new drug ruboxistaurin, promises to be the first oral therapy to specifically reduce the risk of vision loss caused by diabetic retinopathy.
