Based on the above results, it may be concluded that curcumin may have potential benefits in the prevention of retinopathy in diabetic patients.

Glaucoma, the second leading cause of blindness, is characterized by changes in the optic disc and visual field defects. The elevated intraocular pressure was considered the prime factor responsible for the glaucomatous optic neuropathy involving death of retinal ganglion cells and their axons. Extensive investigations into the pathophysiology of glaucoma now reveal the role of multiple factors in the development of retinal ganglion cell death. A better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the onset and progression of glaucomatous optic neuropathy is crucial in the development of better therapeutic options. This review is an effort to summarize the current concepts in the pathophysiology of glaucoma so that newer therapeutic targets can be recognized.The literature available in the National Medical Library and online Pubmed search engine was used for literature review.

An ab initio study of the electronic structure of the one-dimensional quantum-confined H-passivated crystalline ultrathin Si in large thickness range of 2.7–27.0 Å has been made, employing a self-consistent full potential linear muffin-tin orbital (FPLMTO) method along with the density functional theory in local approximation. Calculations have been performed for a quite big unit cell with sufficient separation between the unit cells to avoid interference effects between the two surfaces of a unit cell as well as between the two successive unit cells. The present results show the absence of overlocalized states in quantum-confined systems and the occurrence of the extended states responsible for the luminescence observed in quantum-confined nanostructures. The presently calculated values of the band gap show an exponential rise with a decrease in the quantum-confined size in the ultrathin film region. The present results have been obtained for a more extended film thickness region as compared to earlier ab initio calculations.

Cataractous-opacification of the lens is one of the leading causes of blindness in India. The situation can be managed by surgical removal of the cataractous lens. Various pharmacological strategies have been proposed for the prevention and treatment of cataract. Information on possible benefits of putative anticataract agents comes from a variety of approaches, ranging from laboratory experiments, both in vitro and in vivo, to epidemiological studies in patients. This review deals with the various mechanisms, and possible pharmacological interventions for the prevention of cataract. The article also reviews research on potential anticataractous agents, including aldose reductase inhibitors, glutathione boosters, antiglycating agents, vitamins and various drugs from indigenous sources.