In a clinical trial at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, researchers from The University of Pennsylvania have used gene therapy to safely restore vision to a significant degree in three young adults with a rare, inherited blinding disease, Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA). The LCA gene therapy performed through a surgical procedure reflected no signs of causing inflammation in the retina or other toxic side effects. The innovative treatment might be effective in treating possibly other congenial retinal diseases.

The Schepens Eye Research Institute have discovered a chemical in the eye that triggers non-neuronal cells to turn into progenitor cells, a stem-like cell that can generate new retinal cells. The research is published in the Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science journal, and offers hope for patients with damaged retinas due to diseases such as macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa.

According to the recommendations published in the Journal of Perinatal Medicine, the formula for infant feed should contain DHA omega-3 and AA omega-6 to ensure the proper development of the eyes and brain. Breastfeeding is still the preferred feeding option, since breast milk already contains DHA and AA. The recommendation is for children who are not being breast-fed for some reason.

 Photo by Imnop88a

Data from a Phase I study of sirolimus (rapamycin), MacuSight’s treatment for wet age-related macular edema (AMD), suggests its safety in all doses tested in two ways of administration. The study was randomized and open label and there was no indication of increased intraocular pressure, inflammatory response to treatment or indication of progression of cataracts. Patients reported an improvement in visual acuity, despite extended exposure to the disease.