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Stem cells could renew sight in blind patients

Posted at 6:27 PM, Sep 14, 2012
and last updated 2012-09-14 18:27:41-04

(CBS) -   A first of its kind experiment underway  could restore sight to the blind.

Doctors in Scotland are using stem cells in an experimental treatment to reverse the damage caused by a condition called Aniridia   

Some patients with the condition lose their sight over time, because their eyes have no way to control the light that comes through, damaging the cornea.

Doctors hope transplanting stem cells in patients  will protect the cornea and repair the damage.

Until now, a full cornea tissue transplant was the only treatment for Aniridia. It will be months before doctors know if the experimental treatment worked.