The development of a new treatment is a lengthy process, from early investigation of ideas and principles in the lab, through testing in cell and animal models to the final stages of clinical trials in human patients. The good news is that progress is increasingly rapid.
Inherited sight loss is caused by spelling mistakes in the genetic instructions used to build essential components of the retina and visual system. These faulty genes cause the retinal cells to be abnormal in their structure or function. Some of the treatment options currently being studied rely on addressing the underlying genetic fault while others aim to either protect the retina from further damage, boost remaining function or replace faulty tissue with healthy cells.
