This technology can improve the eyesight of the visually impaired. Here’s how
17 Nov 2021
- Mark McCordWriter, Formative Content
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- Gene-editing technology was tested on seven volunteers to see if it could treat severe visual impairment.
- Some experienced a marked improvement in their eyesight, enabling them to see colours for the first time in years.
- Scientists developed a way of using CRISPR gene-editing technology to remove a genetic mutation without removing cells from a patient’s body.
More evidence for the efficacy of a groundbreaking new gene-editing medical procedure has emerged, deepening hope it will provide one-shot treatments or even cures for cancer, sickle cell anaemia and other conditions.
Some people suffering from a rare severe visual disorder were able to see more clearly after being treated using the gene-editing technology known as CRISPR, according to reports.
For the first time, CRISPR gene-editing tools were injected directly into the human body, in this case to tackle the leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) condition that made it difficult for the volunteers to navigate their surroundings or see colours.
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