A compound in marijuana has been found to offer protection against diabetic retinopathy, an eye related complication, seen in diabetic individuals Retina represents a light sensitive tissue behind the eye. Diabetes damages tiny blood vessels in the retina, eventually leading to blindness. Diabetic retinopathy that affects more than 16 million Americans is one of the leading causes of blindness in working-age adults.
Gregory I. Liou and other researchers of molecular biology at the Medical College of Georgia studied the role of cannabinoid receptors and said the compound they had found could defend against diabetic retinopathy.Liou studied the compound in diabetic animal models and found that it works to interrupt essentially all destructive points of action that cause vision loss in a diabetic patient, reported the science portal EurekAlert.
He hoped the compound in marijuana may one day be given along with insulin to stop the early changes that set the stage for damaged or destroyed vision.
--Edited IANS
