Scientists Use Stem Cells To Restore Sight In Blind Rabbits, Human Trials Are Next
Scientists have successfully restored the sight of blind rabbits using lab-grown eye tissue made from human stem cells in a breakthrough study.
Researchers from Cardiff University and Osaka University in Japan developed a new technique that can grow the various tissues that make up the eyeball, including the retina, cornea and lens.
Published in the journal Nature, the study showed that the scientists were able to grow rabbit corneas - the transparent layer at the front of the eye.
These were used to restore the eyesight of rabbits born without fully grown corneas.
While the study has so far been limited to bunnies, human trials are next on the list. If successful, the technique could eventually be used to restore human eyesight.
At present, operations to replace corneas in humans currently rely on organ donations, but it is hoped that the technique could help boost the number of cornea grafts performed each year, and potentially lower the cost.
Rather than relying on organ donations, new corneas and other parts of the eye could effectively be cultured using cells from the patient’s own body.
It is hoped that human trials will begin within the next three years.
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