Optogenetic therapy partially restores blind man’s vision

A blind patient has partially recovered visual function after receiving optogenetic therapy combined with light-stimulating goggles.

A study published in Nature Medicine detailed it was the first reported case of partial function recovery in a neurodegenerative disease after optogenetic therapy.

The 58-year-old male, who was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa 40 years ago, had a visual acuity limited to light perception.

An intravitreal injection was administered to one eye, light stimulating goggles were used and visual training was undertaken before the patient reported signs of visual improvement.

While wearing the goggles, the patient perceived, located, counted and touched different objects using the treated eye.