Gene therapy offers hope for LCA patients

US scientists have claimed a success in using gene therapy to treat patients with the inherited condition Leber's congenital amaurosis (LCA).

According to a report published on BBC Online, researchers from Pennsylvania University, the University of Florida and Cornell University, injected material using a corrective gene into the eyes of three patients with the condition.

Researchers say all three patients showed signs of 'significant' improvement in their vision, according to findings published in the Journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

They also claim that within three years they could be ready to carry out a similar procedure on patients with age-related macular diseases.