Embryonic Stem Cells May Combat Blindness

Human embryonic stem cells can partly restore vision in blinded rats and may offer a source of transplants for people with certain eye diseases, such as macular degeneration, researchers from Advanced Cell Technology Inc. in Worcester, Mass., reported Wednesday.

The team induced embryonic stem cells to mature into retinal cells, then implanted them in rats genetically engineered to go blind. Soon the rats were able to follow lights with their eyes. They had about 70% of the spatial acuity of a normal, healthy rat, the team reported.