Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hello science expert,

I was doing some research to see whether I could do anything with regards to genetic modifications or stem cell treatment to treat diabetes but that had already been done as well.
I was doing some more research on diabetes and I came across diabetic retinopathy which is one of the chronic effects caused by diabetes due to hyperglycemia. As you may know, this condition is associated with damage to the tiny blood vessels in the retina which ultimately leads to hemorrhage (bleed), distorting vision. In its most advanced stage, new abnormal blood vessels proliferate (increase in number) on the surface of the retina, which can lead to scarring and cell loss in the retina. I was wondering whether I can develop some form of lens that can convert ultraviolet radiation to kill some of the proliferative leaking blood vessels which can be equivalent to laser eye surgery, one or the current methods of treating this disease.
Is there any research that has been done on this?
If not, can you help me with my research for this science fair project?
Once again, I would like to convey my heartfelt thanks for being my mentor and guiding me through this project

Regards,
Hareshan

Hi Hareshan,

Welcome back to the forums! I saw your previous post, and I apologize I have not responded sooner. I was going to ask if you could make a separate thread for this project since it is a different topic.

I'm not currently aware of any research like the one you're proposing to treat diabetic retinopathy, but I'm wondering if a laser treatment to ablate some of the vessels may actually cause further damage. My thinking is that perhaps if you damaged the vessels in an effort to destroy them, the fluids within the vessels will leak out and may increase pressure within the eye. What other treatment methods have you found out thus far?

Best,
Pharma