Researchers found a way to cure blindness through contact lenses cultured with stem cells. Three patients had their sight restored in less than one month after undergoing the procedure. Stem cells were extracted from their good eye, cultured them in contact lenses for ten days, and were given to the patients. After using the cultured contact lenses for 10 to 14 days, the stem cells began recolonizing and repairing the cornea.

Of the three patients, two were legally blind but can now read the big letters on an eye chart, while the third, who could previously read the top few rows of the chart, is now able to pass the vision test for a driver’s license. The research team isn’t getting over excited, still remaining unsure as to whether the correction will remain stable, but the fact that the three test patients have been enjoying restored sight for the last 18 months is definitely encouraging. The simplicity and low cost of the technique also means that it could be carried out in poorer countries.

The procedure also works in patients who have had both eyes damaged. “One of our patients had aniridia, a congenital condition affecting both eyes,” said Dr Di Girolamo. “In that case, instead of taking the stem cells from the other cornea, we took them from another part of the eye altogether – the conjunctiva – which also harbors stem cells.”

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