A recent study in the United States has found that injecting gold into the eye may provide a solution for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other ocular issues.
### Treatment Mechanism
The treatment involves the incorporation of nanoscale gold particles, which are many times thinner than a human hair, combined with antibodies targeting specific cells in the eye. These particles are then injected into the vitreous chamber, which is filled with gel, located between the retina and the lens.
A small infrared laser device is subsequently used to activate these nanoscale particles, stimulating the targeted cells in a manner similar to how light-sensitive cells operate.
### Experiment Results
According to a report by Sky News Arabia, tests conducted on mice, which had induced retinal disorders to assess the therapy’s effects, demonstrated that it was effective at least partially in restoring vision (comprehensive vision tests on mice are challenging). This information was highlighted by the scientific platform Science Alert.
### Expert Insights
Biomolecular engineer Giarui Ni from Brown University in Rhode Island commented, “We believe this technology could represent a significant advancement in the treatment of retinal degeneration conditions.