New Stem Cell Research Pioneered


Scientists are currently perfecting a radical stem cell therapy that could see stem cell generated tissue be used to replace damaged retinal tissue in order to restore vision in the eyes of children who have been blinded by the photoreceptor destroying, congenital eye disease Leber Congenital Amaurosis.

Funded by the Medical Research Council, researcher at University College London's Institutes of Child Health and Ophthalmology have successfully implanted cells, engineered to replace the retina's damaged cones and photoreceptors, into the eyes of mice with the eye disease.

Lead researcher. Dr Jane Snowden, explains that the research is a world first – having shown, for the first time, that it is possible to transplant healthy photoreceptors into established retinal tissue – and believes that the success seen in animal trials could be replicated in humans.

The team will now work to establish whether self-renewing embryonic stem cells can be used to repair or replace damaged photoreceptors in human children. Over 3,000 British children are affected by Leber Congential Amaurosis, with a further 200,000 thought to be affected worldwide.

25th September 2010

<<<more eye health news


Laser Eye Surgery Enquiry Form

Complete this form if you would like information about laser eye surgery including costs & suitablity.