Erythropoietin, or EPO, is a hormone best known for its role in making red blood cells. Scientists later found EPO receptors in the eye, and this finding opened a new field of study. Today, teams test erythropoietin for retinal disease in lab models and in small human trials.The early results look hopeful because EPO appears to shield nerve cells under stress. This matters since nerve cell loss in the eye causes lasting vision loss in diabetes, glaucoma, and blocked blood vessels. A drug able to protect these cells would help many patients.
