Physics researchers at The University of Texas at Arlington have
developed a new platform that uses ultrafast near-infrared lasers to
deliver gene therapy to damaged areas of the retina to enable vision restoration in patients with photo-degenerative diseases.
"Most therapies focus on slowing down or halting degeneration but cannot target already-damaged areas of the retina,"
said Samarenda Mohanty, assistant professor of physics and head of
UTA's Biophysics and Physiology Group, who led the research. "Our
capacity to specifically target these damaged areas cell by cell opens
up a new world of possibilities for vision restoration."
The laser-based method creates a transient sub-mircometer hole that
allows the gene for light-sensitive proteins, or opsins, to permeate
into the damaged retinal cell. The genes are then activated to produce
the opsins, which attach to the cell membrane and convert external light
into the photocurrent signals that are basis of sight.
Age-related macular degeneration is a leading cause of vision loss in the United States, affecting more than 10 million people annually. Individuals aged 50 years old and up are at increased risk for AMD. therapy and macular degeneration treatment should be taken.
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