Pill to tackle sight loss caused by eye disease

A new pill might help prevent vision loss in those with inherited eye diseases.

Retinitis pigmentosa is a group of genetically inherited conditions where degeneration of the lightsensitive cells in the retina at the back of the eye leads to vision loss.

It is hoped that the new drug, called nPI-001, will slow the damage, which is caused by oxidative stress — the result of the body not producing enough antioxidants, allowing free-radical molecules to harm tissues.

Animal studies have shown the tablet, which contains an antioxidant, to be effective. Scientists at the Queensland eye Institute in Australia will compare it with a placebo pill in a trial involving 48 patients.