Vitamin A drug 'could save eyesight'

Doctors believe that fenretinide can halt the advance of macular degeneration - a disease for which there is currently no cure.

Researchers have discovered that the drug can help stop "dry" AMD which is caused by the destruction of cells in macula, the part of the retina which allows you to see straight ahead.

AMD is the most prevalent form of the disease and leaves a black spot in sufferers' vision.

In a US study Fenretinide, which is derived from vitamin A, was given to 250 people with "dry" AMD. It was found to halt the deterioration of eyesight by protecting healthy cells but not stopping the destruction of of cells that were already damaged.

It gives hope to the 300,000 Britons who suffer from the disease.

Dr Jason Slakter, of New York University School of Medicine, said: "There are currently no effective treatments for dry AMN and the need for finding one is grave.

"Our study wasn't designed to give a final answer. It was designed to see if there was a biological effect and if the drug was working in the way we'd expect and to find out if it was well tolerated by patients.

"I think we answered all of these points favourably."

If further trials are succesful the drug could become available within 5 years. Telegraph