Gene Therapy Restores Vision

A study conducted on 37 patients with Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) produced some surprising conclusions. A revolutionary gene therapy showed promise on both eyes, even when only one eye was treated. The researchers found that 78 percent of participants had improved vision in both eyes. The gene therapy restores vision in legally blind patients. LHON affects around 1 in every 50,000 people, and the condition can steal one’s vision rapidly.

“As someone who treats these young patients, I get very frustrated about the lack of effective therapies,” said senior investigator Dr. Sahel, a professor of ophthalmology at the University of Pittsburgh. “These patients rapidly lose vision in the course of a few weeks to a couple of months. Our study provides a big hope for treating this blinding disease in young adults.”

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“Gene Therapy Unexpectedly Improves Vision In Both Eyes Of Patients Suffering A Form Of Blindness”