Scientists have made an important breakthrough that could save the sight of premature babies. The researchers found that treatment with near-infrared (NIR) light can prevent the development of retinopathy of prematurity, a disease that can cause blindness in children born prematurely. "As our sight develops, blood vessels grow at the back of our eyes to provide nutrients and oxygen to the retinas," says Dr. Krisztina Valter of The Vision Centre and The Australian National University explains.
"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. "Most importantly, the cells that are important for the proper growth of blood vessels are the targets of the damaging free radicals. That…
