Advanced Cell Technology Inc., the closely held company that cloned a human embryo in 2001, coaxed embryonic stem cells to develop into the eye's retinal cells, according to a study.

The retina is the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye that focuses images and sends them as electrical signals to the brain. Investigators grew the retinal cells in a laboratory culture, researchers said in this year's third quarterly journal of Cloning and Stem Cells.

Scientists are testing whether the material is safe and performs the functions of retinal cells in animals. Within two years, the cells might be tested in people for retina damage, Robert Lanza, the Worcester, Massachusetts-based company's chief medical officer, said in a phone interview.

``Millions of patients with retinal degeneration could benefit from these cells in the future,'' said Lanza, an author of the study.

The new technique used no animal products, which eliminates one transplant risk of transmitting diseases to people, the company said.

By Bloomberg News

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Question from : Kathy Oliveto

My 19 year old son has had red eyes and they have been very painful for weeks. He has been using Visine AC but wakes up every morning with gunk in his eyes (both). this morning he went to a regular doctor that said that he had allergies and also used some kind of orange drops to look at his eye. I am concerned because there are little bumps on his eye next to his pupil that I can see and am concerned that this may be some kind of STD (he is sexually active and some friends are infected).Thank you for responding quickly as I am very concerned.

Dr. Webber:

He may have an STD, although tests should be done before making that conclusion. He MUST stop the Visine asap, since they may be either causing, making worse or even covering up the real cause of the problem. The redness and discharge would indicate an infection, but an allergy is also possible. In addition, there may be an inflammatory condition like Iritis, Keratitis or Blepheritis. He should stop the drops, and see an eye doctor TODAY. Good luck and let me know how it turns out.

Question from : ben tran

Dear Doctor,2 months ago, after wake up in the morning,the white part of my left eyeball become all blood red, no itchy, no pain, and the redness go away in 4 days. 2 days ago, a lighter but same symtom occured at the same left eye , then this morning, it become more red, almost all the white part become Blood red.I never had this symtom in my life, Im 52 years old now, why it happen, and so frequently, do I need any medical care ? Thanks,regards,Ben

Dr. Webber:

It sounds like a Sub-Conjunctival heme, which is actual blood accumulating under the conjunctiva. It may occur because of sneezing, itching or rubbing. If it keeps reoccurring then it may be due to a systemic problem like Hypertension or diabetes. See your eye doctor and then your regular doctor for a complete exam.

Are you at risk for glaucoma? If so, make sure your doctor checks your cornea when determining treatment.

A recent study from Columbia University in New York shows the thickness of the cornea may be an important factor when determining glaucoma treatment. Incidence of glaucoma is usually determined after measuring the eye's central corneal thickness, which affects the accuracy of the intraocular pressure measurements, or the pressure in the eye. Patients with decreased corneal thickness are at risk for glaucoma.

After examining the corneal thickness of nearly 188 glaucoma patients, researchers found themselves adjusting the treatment they had originally chosen for their glaucoma patients. Sixteen patients had a change in eye drop medication, four had a change in laser therapy, and six had a change in glaucoma surgery.

The study's authors conclude, "…central corneal thickness has a significant effect on the clinical management of patients with glaucoma and suspected glaucoma."

SOURCE: Ophthalmology, 2004;122:1270-1275

Carrots get all the good press, but if you want to protect your vision, broccoli may be the better choice. In trials, Johns Hopkins researchers found that a potent antioxidant in broccoli called sulforaphane may be one of the best nutrients available for protecting the eyes from damaging UV-light rays.

The See Clearly Method, Ocular Nutrition and much more.