Optogenetics restored light sensitivity in about half of patients — STAT News

In a small study, an optogenetic approach helped approximately half of patients with retinitis pigmentosa regain light sensitivity, STAT News reports. The results of the study were published on Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Results of the small study

Optogenetics is being studied for its safety and clinical potential for people who have lost part of their vision due to retinitis pigmentosa. The technology involves genetically modifying certain cells to increase their sensitivity to light. According to the publication, this approach may offer hope to patients with this condition.

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What is known about the disease

Retinitis pigmentosa is a genetic disease in which the light-sensitive cells of the retina degenerate. It is usually diagnosed in childhood or early adolescence. Patients gradually lose peripheral and night vision and often become legally blind at a young age.

There is currently no cure for this disease. At the same time, some patients with a certain genetic mutation can be treated with gene therapy. In other cases, measures aimed at slowing degeneration and preserving residual vision are used.