Contraceptive pill linked to sight loss prevention

SCIENTISTS at UCC have shown that a component in a contraceptive pill prevents the loss of sight in mice which have degenerative eye conditions that normally lead to blindness.

Although researchers are unsure as to whether the drug will work on humans, it is hoped that the research may help in the fight to find a cure for blindness.

The research, which will be published in the September issue of The Journal of Neurochemistry, found that a component (Norgestrel) of the contraceptive “Mini Pill” helped stop mice with degenerative eye conditions losing their sight.