Breakthrough Gene Therapy Reverses Blindness in Clinical Trial

Medical science has achieved what was once thought impossible: restoring sight to the blind. A new gene therapy treatment has allowed patients with inherited retinal diseases to see again after a single treatment.

The therapy works by delivering a functional copy of the defective gene directly to the cells of the retina. Within weeks, patients report dramatic improvements in vision, with some going from legally blind to near-normal sight.

"I saw my grandchildren's faces for the first time," said trial participant Robert Martinez, 67. "There are no words to describe that moment."

The treatment has received breakthrough therapy designation from the FDA, fast-tracking it toward approval. Researchers are now exploring whether similar approaches could help patients with other forms of blindness.