A genetic variation has been discovered that could one day lead to a treatment for one of the most common causes of blindness in the developed world.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in Americans aged 60 and over, according to the National Eye Institute. Sometimes, the vision problems progress so slowly that people do not even notice that their central vision is deteriorating.

Now, scientists from the University of Southampton in the U.K. say they have identified a gene that plays a role in the development of AMD.

Variations in the SERPING1 gene – which produces proteins to help remove foreign objects and infection from the eye – were found to be more frequent in patients suffering from AMD.

“Our findings add to the growing understanding of the genetics of age-related macular degeneration, which should ultimately lead to novel treatments for this common and devastating disease,” researchers Sarah Ennis and Andrew Lotery wrote.

Those who are looking for alternative health resources to address minor eyesight problems may be interested in natural vision correction, which uses a series of eye exercises to strengthen vision.