By Stephen Matthews Health Editor For Mailonline
Published: 15:23 BST, 9 April 2019 | Updated: 15:24 BST, 9 April 2019
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They're a gardener's favourite flower - but hyacinths could offer much more than just adding a dash of colour to your garden.
Scientists now believe compounds abundant in the fragrant flower could tackle several causes of blindness.
Tests have found homoisoflavonoids can halt the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the eye.
Scientists now believe compounds abundant in the fragrant flower could tackle several causes of blindness (stock)
The unexpected growth of blood vessel cells in the eyes is linked to blindness caused by both diabetes and old age.
Researchers say they could, in the future, create synthetic versions of the potent compounds to develop sight-saving treatments.
Professor Dulcie Mulholland, from the University of Surrey, said: 'It goes without saying that losing your eyesight is a devastating experience.
'We believe that our results hint at possible future treatments for many degenerative eye conditions and it appears that nature still has many secrets to reveal.'
Dr Sianne Schwikkard, of Kingston University, said: 'The discovery of new and innovative treatments from natural sources for life-altering diseases has huge potential.
Diabetic retinopathy is the most common form of eye disease affecting sufferers of the blood-sugar condition.
It causes around 1,280 new cases of blindness every year in the UK. Nearly 7.7 million people in the US are affected by the condition.
Diabetic retinopathy usually impacts people who have had type 1 or 2 diabetes for several years.
It occurs when changes in
