Reversing Blindness

Scientists have figured out a way to reverse blindness in mice by growing light sensing cells (the kind found in the retina) from scratch in a lab and transplanting them into the eyes of the mice. These cells then matured and connected themselves to nerves that send visual signals to the brain. If this can be done successfully with human embryonic stem cells researchers believe that most forms of blindness (in humans) can be cured. Trials are being conducted in Marlborough Massachusetts by a company that specializes in stem cell trials, Advanced Cell Technology and though there are still technical issues being addressed, I am hopeful. Because of these studies done with mice researchers now believe photo-receptor loss (now considered irreversible) can be reversed, and this means blindness can be reversed in the future, even within my lifetime.