Visual sensitivity commonly decreases with age but what most people don’t know is that this age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of blindness. As the world’s population ages blindness is becoming increasingly common.
Though some vitamins contained in yellow, orange and red vegetables can prevent degeneration, these vegetables alone won’t offer you a permanent solution.
The good news is: British scientists have found a way to cure blindness. By using stem cell technology, scientists have been able to replicate eye cells, which can then be installed in the back of the retina. This treatment can be performed within an hour, and is soon to become a simple day surgery. Surgeons hope it will be readily obtainable within seven years.
This big step forward in medical science has the potential to give 14 million people across Europe a chance to regain their sight.
Irene is a middle-school student currently interning at beijingkids. For internship inquiries please contact imogenkandel@beijing-kids.com
