A new type of Gene Therapy demonstrates the potential to treat Blindness

(c) Veronique Juvin, Sciartwork

Doctors have been able to use a form of gene therapy described as optogenetics for the first time to restore partial vision in a blind person. The research team genetically altered retinal ganglion cells to become light-sensitive in a man whose vision was destroyed by retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic disorder that breaks down cells that absorb and convert light into brain signals.

Evidence of Retinal damage may indicate increased risk of Stroke and Dementia

(c) Progress in Retinal & Eye Research

Pictures of the retina may someday provide early warning signs that a person is at an increased risk of stroke and dementia, making it possible to take preventive measures, according to preliminary research to be presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2021. 

New Study links Alzheimer's disease to Age-related Macular Degeneration

(c) Cells [link below]

Newly published research has revealed a close link between proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease and age-related sight loss. The findings could open the way to new treatments for patients with deteriorating vision and through this study, the scientists believe they could reduce the need for using animals in future research into blinding conditions.

New therapeutic approach to treating Age-related Macular Degeneration

Scientists have found that inhibition of Runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1), which has been linked to retinal neovascularization and the development of abnormal blood vessels resulting in vision loss, presents a new therapeutic approach in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Their results are reported in The American Journal of Pathology.

Metformin may help in reducing the risk for Macular Degeneration

In a large case-control study using a national database of patients, metformin use was associated with reduced odds of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This association was dose dependent, with the greatest benefit at low to moderate doses. When looking only at patients with diabetes, the authors note preservation of the dose-dependent decrease in the odds of patients developing AMD. Metformin does not appear to be protective in patients with diabetes and coexisting diabetic retinopathy. This study suggests that metformin may be useful as a preventive therapy for AMD and provides the basis for potential prospective clinical trials.