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Written By: Editorial Team | Updated : March 5, 2016 8:35 PM IST
Researchers have created a new approach to develop personalised gene therapies for patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a leading cause of vision loss. The approach, the first of its kind, takes advantage of induced pluripotent stem cell technology to transform skin cells into retinal cells, which are then used as a patient-specific model for disease study and preclinical testing. (Read: Health tips for regular spectacle-wearers)
Using this approach, researchers from Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC) showed that a form of RP caused by mutations to the gene MFRP (membrane frizzled-related protein) disrupts the protein that gives retinal cells their structural integrity. They also showed that the effects of these mutations can be reversed with gene therapy. The approach could potentially be used to create personalised therapies for other forms of RP, as well as other genetic diseases. (Read: How can I minimize eye strain during my work hours?)
Here are some exercises to improve your eyesight
Stimulate your eye muscles:
This exercise is simple, but must be done every morning. On waking up, wash your face with water (preferably cool or a little cold water). Then fill your mouth with water, close your eyes and splash cold water onto your eyes.
This exercise helps stimulate the muscles of the eyes, due to the pressure exerted by the water filled in your mouth. The splash of cold water on your face helps enliven the nerve endings and rejuvenates the skin.
Wash your eyes
Ayurvedic practitioners say that one must avoid splashing water directly into the eyes; instead you can use a tridoshic eyewash. To make this eyewash, soak triphla churna in water over night. In the morning strain the liquid and wash your eyes with it twice a day. This eyewash helps relax and relieve stress in the eyes.
Massage over worked eyes:
This is a great exercise for people who work for long hours in front of computers. Hold your eyebrows between your thumb and index finger, in such a way that the thumb is above the eyebrow and index finger below. Now, gently press and straighten your eyebrows, exerting gentle pressure on all the points. Then, take your thumb and gently roll it around your eye ball, i.e. along your eye socket. Do this exercise every three to four hours to improve the circulation around your eyes. This exercise improves circulation around the eyes helping them recover from the fatigue of constantly looking at a computer screen. Read more about computer vision syndrome.
Exercise the muscles around your eyes
This exercise is done to stimulate the muscles around your eyeballs (that are present within the eye socket). Rotate your eyeballs, first to the right and left, then upwards and downwards. Do this in the clockwise and anti-clockwise direction for about three to four repetitions. Read more about Are there any home remedies to improve eyesight?
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