The genetic eye disease Retinitis Pigmentosa is the target of gene editing research on human embryos by Dr. Dietrich Elgi at Columbia University. National Public Radio reported on this research1 shortly after a Chinese scientist announced he had created the world’s first two gene-edited babies.2 Both scientists use the CRISPR tool to genetically modify human … Continue reading “Retinitis Pigmentosa Gene Editing Studied on Human Embryos”
Current research on genetic eye diseases focuses mostly on genetic therapies. Scientists have learned how to sequence DNA at a relatively low cost. New tools for modifying genetic materials, such as the CRISPR, have opened the door for new treatments and even cures. Certain eye disorders are caused by mutated genes and genetic predispositions. This … Continue reading “Current Genetic Eye Disease Research on Fuch’s, Leber’s and Retinitis Pigmentosa”
Stargardt’s Disease and Retinitis Pigmentosa are genetic eye diseases that involve the metabolism of vitamin A. However vitamin A has a different impact on the course of each disease. A recent study1 examined the total intake of vitamin A in both types of patients. It found that: Stargardt’s patients with high A intake had low visual … Continue reading “Opposite Vitamin A Recommendations for Stargardt’s Disease vs Retinitis Pigmentosa”
An animal study has shown gene therapy to be effective even in the later stages of retinitis pigmentosa, which gives hope to more patients of this often inherited condition. This eye disease affects approximately 1 in 4,000 people. Up to 20% of these patients have X-linked retinitis pigmentosa. These individuals, mostly male, have night blindness … Continue reading “Gene Therapy Effective Even In Intermediate and Advanced Retinitis Pigmentosa”
Experiments on mice show promise for a treatment that expresses a light-sensitive human protein, called rod opsin, on the undamaged retinal cells. These cells are turned into photoreceptors, which allow vision. Retinitis pigmentosa is a group of eye disorders that appear to be genetic. This eye disease is a major cause of vision loss and … Continue reading “Rod Opsin Human Protein May Restore Vision for Retinitis Pigmentosa Patients”
Future treatments for macular degeneration (AMD), Stargardt’s disease, and retinitis pigmentosa may include bone marrow stem cell injections, if a new line of eye research pans out. A preliminary pilot study on six subjects with one of several ischemic eye diseases found that most patients had vision improvement after receiving injections of their own bone … Continue reading “Bone Marrow Stem Cells May Treat AMD, Stargardt’s & Retinitis Pigmentosa”
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is an eye disease that can cause serious vision loss, and it is usually inherited. Its symptoms can begin at any age and include reduced peripheral vision (tunnel vision), night blindness, difficulty adapting to changes in light levels, and eventually, blindness. RP is a type of retinal dystrophy that results in progressive … Continue reading “Natural Eye Care’s Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) Complete Overview”
RetroSense Therapeutics has received Orphan Drug designation from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its lead product, RST-001, to treat retinitis pigmentosa (RP). RP is a rare eye disease in which light receptors in the eye gradually die off, eventually leading to blindness. RP can be due to any one of over a hundred … Continue reading “RST-001 Can Treat Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP)”
Research suggests that individuals with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) may benefit from a dietary iodine supplement. RP patients often experience retinal swelling as a result of Cystoid Macular Edema (CME). A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology showed swelling due to CME to be inversely related to iodine intake. The study was conducted by researchers from Massachusetts … Continue reading “Iodine Supplement May Help Retinitis Pigmentosa Swelling – Cystoid Macular Edema (CME)”
The potential is great for these stem cells to aid in healing damaged and diseased tissues. Not to mention most adults wouldn’t mind giving up a little extra fat for something that could save lives. Stem cells are valued tremendously for their ability to transform into any type of tissue. The capability of the cells … Continue reading “Stem Cells Discovered in Fat May Treat Macular Degeneration, Retinitis Pigmentosa, Stargardt’s”