At this point, in order to provide gene therapy for eye conditions affecting the retina, doctors have to insert the genes behind the retina because there are no viruses that are strong enough to get to all of the photo receptor cells that will need fixing. This procedure can be very dangerous. This may soon no longer be a concern though. A team of researchers at UC Berkley have created a virus that will effectively deliver the virus to the photo receptor cells and the needle does not have to go to the back of the eye. This will likely make the therapy more effective. Human trials are in the works. Via UC Berkeley
Source: Go to sourceCategory: Health/Personal Care
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For the past three years Alena has been a feature writer for the online magazine Matilda Ziegler. She has also been a contractor for the Oregon Commission for the Blind, helping blind adults learn to use adaptive technology. She is studying to be a teacher of the visually impaired at Portland State. You might also recognize her from the Serotalk podcast Triple Click Home.
