Color Blindness treatments might aid Macular Degeneration therapy

Researchers at The Vision Centre and The University of Sydney have discovered that color blindness is not caused by faulty wiring between the eyes and the brain. Animal research has shown that the brain wiring is the same between those who are color blind and those who are not. This discovery reveals that the difference between normal and abnormal color vision lies in the first stage of sight which indicates faulty cones. These faulty cones have either not developed properly or they are picking up abnormal wavelengths. With this revelation, scientists can now concentrate on fixing the faulty cones which are controlled by genes. Researchers have already seen promising results from gene therapy in color blind monkeys. In addition, it is hoped that this discovery will lead to new treatments for macular degeneration.