A stem cell transplant designed to create a light-sensitive layer of the retina in completely blind mice, has been successful.
Mice transplanted with developing cells into their retina by a research team at Oxford University, were seen to react to light two weeks after the transplant.
The results show that the cell transplants could lead to the growth of a whole light-sensitive layer of cells, and repair the 'visual circuit' that means light signal can be detected by the brain, researchers said.
The researchers say the approach has relevance for treating patients with retinitis pigmentosa, a condition in which the light-sensing cells in the retina gradually die leading to progressive blindness.
Researchers are already trialling human embryonic stem cells, at Moorfields Eye Hospital, in patients with Stargardt's disease. The trials are ongoing.
There are also ongoing trials to implant electronic retina in patients with retinitis pigmentosa at the Oxford Eye Hospital and King's College Hospital in London.
You can read the paper Reversal of end-stage retinal degeneration and restoration of visual function by photreceptor transplantation online.