Scientists treat 'untreatable' eye condition for the first time

Scientists treated an ‘untreatable’ eye condition, the Global Ocean Treaty entered force, and the US murder rate plummeted, plus more good news

Scientists treated an ‘untreatable’ eye condition, the Global Ocean Treaty entered force, and the US murder rate plummeted, plus more good news

In a small but significant breakthrough, an eye condition that can cause blindness has been successfully treated for the first time, scientists said this week. Hypotony is characterised by low eye pressure, which alters the eye’s shape and structure. Hitherto there has been no treatment, but that changed this week as Moorfields Eye Hospital in London announced that ocular injections of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose had showed promise. In a trial , the jabs increased the size and pressure of affected eyes in seven out of eight patients, one of who was Nicki Guy (pictured). “My sight has slowly returned,” she said. “The progress I’ve made feels extraordinary, especially knowing that patients before me have faced irreversible sight loss.” Moorfields consultant ophthalmologist Harry Petrushkin commented: “We are excited that this simple treatment has proved so effective. This is the start of a process of understanding more about the balance of fluid inside the eye, leading to improved care for our patients.” The development comes just months after Moorfield doctors trialled a revolutionary eye implant, which allowed people with age-related macular degeneration to read again . Image: Moorfields Eye Hospital

In a small but significant breakthrough, an eye condition that can cause blindness has been successfully treated for the first time, scientists said this week.

Hypotony is characterised by low eye pressure, which alters the eye’s shape and structure. Hitherto there has been no treatment, but that changed this week as Moorfields Eye Hospital in London announced that ocular injections of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose had showed promise.

In a trial , the jabs increased the size and pressure of affected eyes in seven out of eight patients, one of who was Nicki Guy (pictured).

“My sight has slowly returned,” she said. “The progress I’ve made feels extraordinary, especially knowing that patients before me have faced irreversible sight loss.”

Moorfields consultant ophthalmologist Harry Petrushkin commented: “We are excited that this simple treatment has proved so effective. This is the start of a process of understanding more about the balance of fluid inside the eye, leading to improved care for our patients.”

The development comes just months after Moorfield doctors trialled a revolutionary eye implant, which allowed people with age-related macular degeneration to read again .

For the first time in two years, humanitarian aid has provided Gazans with enough food to fulfil minimum nutritional needs, the United Nations reported this week. However, the body warned that Israeli’s new ban on dozens of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including those which deliver aid, threatened to impede critical assistance. Israel said that the NGOs had not met the requirements of new registration rules. Ten countries, including Canada, France and the UK, condemned the move. The entry of aid into Gaza was a cornerstone of the ceasefire and hostage release deal agreed by Israel and Hamas in October. Despite violations, the ceasefire has broadly held. Image: iStock

For the first time in two years, humanitarian aid has provided Gazans with enough food to fulfil minimum nutritional needs, the United Nations reported this week.

However, the body warned that Israeli’s new ban on dozens of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including those which deliver aid, threatened to impede critical assistance. Israel said that the NGOs had not met the requirements of new registration rules. Ten countries, including Canada, France and the UK, condemned the move.