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Citizen scientists investigate night vision drops
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Researchers found that a chlorin e6 solution created an increase in dim light vision, according to a report published by Science for the Masses.
Licina and colleagues also reported that the drops caused no adverse effects.
"Chlorin e6 (Ce6) has been used for many years as a therapy agent in cancer treatment," the authors wrote. "However, in recent years other uses for Ce6 have been found, the most notable in this case being its application into the conjunctival sac of the eye as a means of treating night blindness and improving the dim light vision of those with visual disturbances."
Researchers mixed the drops, which included Ce6 (Frontier Scientific), insulin, sterile saline solution and dimethlysulfoxide (Amresco). The participant in the study received three doses of 50 μL into each eye, which was held open with a small speculum. Black sclera lenses were also placed into both eyes.
Results showed that in testing with the participant and four control participants, the Ce6 participant was able to see symbols and distant figures in a darkened area more often than the controls.
The authors stated: "The Ce6 subject consistently recognized symbols that did not seem to be visible to the controls. The Ce6 subject identified the distant figures 100% of the time, with the controls showing a 33% identification rate."
Researchers also reported that the Ce6 participant regained normal eyesight by the next morning and has experienced no side effects in the 20 days to follow.
"Ce6 administered as described in this paper in the dosages described has so far been without any adverse effects and shows great potential to enhance the vision of healthy adults in dim light situations," the authors concluded. "Further studies should be performed in order to measure the effects of this Ce6 solution objectively."
Reference:
Licina G, et al. A review on night enhancement eye drops using chlorin e6. SfM. http://scienceforthemasses.org/2015/03/25/a-review-on-night-enhancement-eyedrops-using-chlorin-e6/.