A drug that has already been successfully used to treat acne can be used in ophthalmology to treat a hereditary disease that can lead to loss of vision. It is about the drug Akkutan, whose name has recently been heard because of the possible connection with the increase in the number of suicides, and about the macular degeneration of Stargardt.

This disease affects the yellow spot in which most light-receiving cells of the eye are concentrated. Due to the accumulation of a toxic pigment in this area, mainly central vision is affected. Peripheral can be saved. This disease, according to statistics, affects one in 10,000 people. It is determined by genes. The work was done by researchers from the University of California in Los Angeles. They noted that in mice with a disease similar to Stargardt's disease, there is no lesion of the macula if they grow in total darkness. Accutane is known for causing night blindness.

After testing it on sick mice, scientists noted the stopping of pigment accumulation after two months.

Now we have to prove that such an action Accutane can have and people. It is necessary to select an adequate dose. While people who suffer from Stargardt's disease do not recommend using it on their own. As noted by the researchers, it is also necessary to understand whether the medicine can not be used in other, much more frequent forms of retinal degeneration. The results of the research appeared in the electronic version of the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

medicus. en.