Gene Therapy Helping Blind People See

Scientists can now partially restore vision in some blind people thanks to a new treatment. A new gene therapy is helping blind people see, particularly those suffering from retinitis pigmentosa.

New research published in Nature Medicine describes how a man, who was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa more than 40 years ago, could now recognize shapes thanks to optogenetic therapies and special goggles. Four other patients have also had success with a similar treatment that allowed them to detect light and motion.

The gene therapy injection improves the light sensitivity of cells in the retina. The goggles magnify light to boost the ability of retina cells to send electrical signals to the brain.

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“Scientists make dramatic progress toward miracle of helping blind people see”