BLINDNESS can be treated with a simple chemical injection into the eye, research has shown.

Scientists in the US used the approach to restore a level of vision to congenitally blind mice.

They hope an improved version of the compound may help people with inherited and age-related forms of blindness.

The chemical, called AAQ, works by making normally "blind" cells in the retina sensitive to light. Study leader Professor Richard Kramer, from the University of California at Berkeley, said: "The advantage is that it is a simple chemical, which means you can change the dosage.

"You can use it in combination with other therapies or you can discontinue the therapy if you don't like the results."

Co-author Dr Russell Van Gelder, from the University of Washington, added: "This is a major advance in the field of vision restoration."