Press Release

 

CLEVER Eye Institute Publishes Paper on Vitamin B Therapy for Diabetic Retinopathy

 

SLIDELL, Louisiana, September 1, 2013 - The CLEVER Eye Institute of Slidell, Louisiana recently published a research article in the July, 2013 edition of the journal Clinical Ophthalmology (Dove Press, Vol. 7, pp. 1451-58) entitled, "Intervention with Vitamins in Patients with Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: A Pilot Study." Authors of the paper were Michael K. Smolek, PhD, FARVO; Neil F. Notaroberto, MD; Arley G. Jaramillo, MD; and Lisa R. Pradillo, OD of the CLEVER Eye Institute. Drs. Notaroberto, Jaramillo, and Pradillo are also clinicians associated with EyeCare 20/20 in the New Orleans metropolitan area.

 

According to Dr. Smolek, Director of Research at CLEVER, "This is the first study in human subjects that indicates that biologically-active forms of vitamin B6, B9, and B12 can significantly improve light sensitivity in eyes damaged by early diabetic retinopathy, as well as reduce the retinal swelling caused by diabetic macular edema." Biologically active vitamin B compounds are available only by prescription from a physician. Over-the-counter vitamin B compounds do not have the same molecular structure as bio-active vitamins, and are therefore unlikely to have a significant therapeutic effect on a diseased retina. Funding for the study was provided by Pamlab of Covington, Louisiana which produces bio-active vitamin B for diabetic neuropathy.

 

The CLEVER Eye Institute was recently nominated as a Finalist for the 2013 Euretina Innovation Award in Science & Medicine for this study. "We now wish to follow-up our pilot study with a clinical trial to further understand these results, and determine the optimum clinical protocol for treatment with bio-active vitamins" stated Dr. Notaroberto, Medical Director for CLEVER.

 

Founded in 2011, the mission of the CLEVER Eye Institute is to investigate innovative and overlooked approaches to improve vision and to end blindness. For additional information about our mission, visit the CLEVER Eye Institute website at www.clevereyeinstitute.com.