City scientists stem cell research could lead to blindness cure

SOUTHAMPTON scientists have presented ground-breaking research that they believe could cure blindness.

Researchers from the University of Southampton believe cells found on the eye itself could be used to reverse the effects of some blinding eye conditions.

As previously reported by the Daily Echo, the team, led by Professor Andrew Lotery, have discovered that under the right conditions particular cells, harvested from a gap between the cornea and the white of the eye, could be made to behave like different cells which are needed to see light.

It is thought these cells could be used to treat age-related macular degeneration.

His work has now been published after the research was funded by the National Eye Research Centre (NERC), Rosetrees Trust, T.F.C. Frost Charity and the Gift of Sight Appeal.

Prof Lotery, consultant ophthalmologist at Southampton General Hospital, said: More research is now needed to develop this approach.

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City scientists stem cell research could lead to blindness cure