A 58-year-old blind man has been able to experience partial recovery of vision in one eye with the help of a breakthrough treatment using genetic engineering and light-activated therapy.
The patient, who is based in France, was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a neurodegenerative eye disease that affects the retina at the back of the eye and stops it from working, almost 40 years ago.
Several months after the treatment, however, he was was able to recognise, count, locate and touch different objects with the treated eye while wearing a pair of light-stimulating goggles.
The researchers said that while their findings, published in the journal Nature Medicine, are still in its early stages, their work could be seen as a stepping stone for new targeted treatments for those with RP.
RP is a condition where the cells in the retina that are receptive to light are broken down which can lead to complete blindness.
It is the most common inherited eye condition, affecting about one in 4,000 people in the UK.
There is no approved treatment for RP, except for a gene-replacement therapy that only works on an early-onset form of the disease.
The researchers used a technique, known as optogenetics, to genetically alter cells in the retina so that they produce light-sensitive proteins called channelrhodopsins.
The treatment, delivered using an injection in one eye, enabled gene coding for a channelrhodopsin protein called ChrimsonR, which senses amber light.
The team also developed specialised goggles fitted with a camera that captures and projects visual images on to the retina at amber light wavelengths.
The patient was then trained for several months as the genetically-altered cells began to stabilise.
Seven months later, he started to show signs of visual improvement, the researchers said.
First experience
The team said their patient was “very excited” following his first experience of partial vision when he observed the white stripes of a pedestrian crossing while out on the street.
With the aid of the light-stimulating goggles, the patient was able to locate, recognise, touch and count objects such as notebooks, staple boxes and glass tumblers on a white table placed in front of him.
The researchers also took readings of his brain activity using a technique known as electroencephalography.
A tumbler was alternately taken on or off the table, and the patient had to press a button indicating whether it was present or absent.
Results from the experiments showed he could tell with 78 per cent accuracy if the tumbler was present or not.
Botond Roska, founding director at the Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel and professor at the University of Basel, Switzerland, said: "The findings provide proof of concept that using optogenetic therapy to partially restore vision is possible."
The researchers said that while this type of optogenetic therapy may be beneficial in restoring visual function in people with RP-related blindness, further results from this trial are needed for a clearer picture of the safety and efficacy of this approach.
José-Alain Sahel, distinguished professor and chairman of ophthalmology at the University of Pittsburgh, United States, said: “Importantly, blind patients with different kinds of neurodegenerative photoreceptor disease and a functional optic nerve will potentially be eligible for the treatment.
“However, it will take time until this therapy can be offered to patients.” – PA