UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD , OXFORD, UK. Researchers have successfully proven that blind mice can see once more after they have transplanted developing cells into its eyes. They have also found out that they could actually re-form the retina’s entire light-sensitive layer. This method will be the best solution to treat patients who are suffering from retinitis pigmentosa. Patients with retinitis pigmentosa go blind after the light-sensing cells in their retina dies.

For the research, they had to use mice that got blind because of complete loss of the light-sensing photoreceptor cells in their retinas. That way, the mice used for the study will be closely similar to human patients who are blind from retinitis pigmentosa.

A couple of weeks after the cell transplant, the researchers found out that a full light-detecting layer on the retina had re-formed. Out of the 12 mice that were transplanted with the cell, 10 of them actually showed improved pupil in response to light which means that they were able to sense the light once again.

Professor Robert MacLaren led the study, together with Dr. Mandeep Singh. They are claiming that if there are enough cells transplanted together, they could also regenerate connections needed for vision. Although the possibility is still being studied, they said that the progress of their research only proves that they are taking the right steps into discovering ways to restore vision in the near future.