Scientists believe they have found help for older people suffering from poor eyesight. The solution is shining a special red light in the eyes for three minutes. Doctors say a three-minute daily dose of the special red light for two weeks could help improve age-related vision problems. However, they say not any red light will help improve eyesight. The co-author of a study into the effects of red light and vision in older people explained why. Professor Glen Jeffery said: "I strongly suggest that people do not just go and buy a red light off the web. They have to produce the right wavelength and be reliable. We are looking for a commercial partner to do this and to price them at under around $20 to $25."
The study was carried out by a team from University College London. Researchers conducted tests on 24 men and women aged between 28 and 72. They said some cells that help us process light had deteriorated in the older people. Doctors say their red light improved the ability of these people to detect different colours, particularly blue. The vision of these older people improved by as much as 22 per cent. Doctor Jeffrey said: "Populations are ageing rapidly and this is going to be a major issue in the future. We need to gear up for this." He added: "If you can't see clearly you can't read or watch TV. You also tend to fall down and break bones. Our lights are a step in this direction."
