This scientific study focused on exploring a potential non-invasive treatment for presbyopia, a common age-related vision disorder that impairs a person's ability to focus on nearby objects. This condition impacts a significant portion of the world's population, particularly in developing countries where access to diagnosis and affordable treatments is often limited.
The study explored the potential benefits of applying a deglycating enzyme called fructosyl-amino acid oxidase (FAOD) topically, or directly onto the eye. This is based on the theory that presbyopia is linked to the buildup of compounds known as advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in the eye's lens as a result of ageing. AGEs are formed through a complex series of non-enzymatic chemical reactions known as the Maillard reaction. The buildup of AGEs contributes to the ageing and stiffening of the eye's lens, leading to vision problems such as presbyopia and cataracts.
In this study, the researchers treated human lenses ex vivo (outside the body) with FAOD. The results showed that this treatment led to a notable improvement in lens power, roughly equivalent to the correction provided by most reading glasses. Additionally, the treatment improved lens opacity, or clarity, indicating an improvement in overall lens quality.
The study suggests that FAOD could break down the AGEs, as evidenced by several techniques including gel permeation chromatography and a reduction in autofluorescence. Moreover, the younger the lens, the more pronounced the effects, possibly due to less advanced cross-linking, which allows the FAOD enzyme to diffuse into the lens more easily.
In summary, the study suggests that topical application of the deglycating enzyme FAOD could potentially serve as a non-invasive treatment for presbyopia. However, more research is needed, particularly in vivo studies (performed inside the body) to further validate these findings and to understand any potential side effects.
Research by Ghent University published in International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
