A Drug that Treats Epilepsy May be Able to Treat RP

The great thing about science is that researchers are willing to try anything to solve the problem they're facing. When it comes to treating blindness, researchers are trying everything from artificial retinas, to stem cell therapy, to now drugs that are already approved for other diseases. Valproic Acid is a drug that is used to treat epilepsy, and now researchers believe that it can be used to treat RP.

According to Dr. Kaushal, the leading researcher, valproic acid is known to treat inflammation and cell death, the two main characteristics of RP. Seven patients with early stage RP have already been treated, and 5 of the patients had improved vision with the treatment. Since the first trial was such a success, more trials will now take place.

Everyday I feel like there is light at the end of the tunnel and that I will have my vision restored. At this point I hope they find multiple options so that patients have the option to try something else of the first treatment doesn't work. I ask all of my readers to consider giving to the Foundation Fighting Blindness, the leading organization for blindness research.

To read the full article about this potential new treatment, please visit this link.