Scientists have found that an inexpensive light therapy can prevent a disease that strikes children born prematurely, causing loss of vision. Researchers at Australia’s Vision Centre found that retinopathy of prematurity, a leading cause of infant blindness in developed countries, can be treated with near-infrared light therapy. “As our sight develops, blood vessels grow at the back of our eyes to provide nutrients and oxygen to the retinas,” said Dr Krisztina Valter of the Vision Centre and the Australian National University. “However, in premature babies, these retinal vessels are not fully developed, and when these babies are placed under oxygen therapy to support their immature lungs, the high levels of oxygen can release free radicals in the retina, causing damage in the tissue,” Valter said. The current treatment for the disease is surgery or using a laser to seal off the bad vessels but these treatments are expensive and often have side effects, Dr Riccardo Natoli of the VC and Australian National University said.
