An extrapolation of available data suggests that between 3 to 4% of the world’s population is suffering from macular degeneration whereas the prevalence of Retinitis Pigmentosa is not as stark in comparison (an estimated 0.05%). Despite this difference, the consequences are no less devastating and both lead to deterioration of vision and eventually, to blindness. While the market offers many ‘treatment’ options, both conditions have been notorious for their resistance to most therapeutic efforts, and patients are left feeling frustrated at seeing few, if any, results for the substantial cost they are expected to pay.

The ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ may be recent encouraging responses seen in 12 patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa and Macular Degeneration who underwent a new treatment regime involving intravenous laser and indirect percutaneous laser applied in three cycles over 12 months. Eye sight saw improvements of up to 30% measuring the visual field on ordinary Amsler grids. The treatment also appears to impact deeply on visual acuity and colour as a beneficial surplus alongside improvements reported for many other ailments including diabetes, hypertension and arthritis.