A recent study has shown that two commonly prescribed drugs for high blood pressure could slow the progression of diabetic eye damage.

The research team, led by Dr. Michael Mauer of the University of Minnesota, analyzed data collected from 285 patients for five years. The researchers found that diabetic eye damage slowed down in more than 65 percent of participants involved in the study.

Dr. Michael Mauer said: "The secondary results of this study showed that people taking these antihypertensive medications experienced a substantially positive effect in slowing diabetic eye injury." 

The study subjects were divided into three groups. Two groups were given either of the two antihypertensive medications - losartan or
Enalapril - whereas the last group was given a placebo.

Data analysis showed that retinopathy progressed significantly in 38 percent study subjects in a placebo group, as compared to only 25 percent study subjects who took enalapril and 21 percent who got losartan.

Mauer said more research is needed before the drugs could be routinely given to diabetics who show no signs of kidney or eye problems, especially since they may cause birth defects if given to pregnant women.