Stem Cell Therapy Allows Blind Man to See after 40 Years
In another successful application of stem cell therapy, doctors in India have succeeded in restoring sight in a 58-year-old American who had been legally blind for 40 years due to macular degeneration. Al Purdy chose to travel to India for the treatment after he was excluded from a study in Philadelphia due to a diagnosis of diabetes. After a lifetime of struggles with vision problems and being forced to go on total disability, Al can now look forward to reading to his grandchildren and becoming a productive individual again.
Macular degeneration affects the cone cells in the retina of the eye, resulting in loss of central vision. It affects more than 10 million Americans, more than glaucoma and cataracts combined. In the early stages, there is no effect on vision, and macular degeneration may remain undiagnosed without regular eye exams. In the late stages, macular degeneration results in vision loss which is incurable. People with late-stage age-related macular degeneration have little hope of recovery. Some treatments are available for the wet form of the disease. Regenerative medicine and stem cell research has been focused on finding treatments for dry macular degeneration, which is incurable and accounts for 85-90 percent of cases. Scientists hope that by replacing the cells that have deteriorated, they can restore some degree of sight to these patients.
Al Purdy received the non-invasive treatment at a clinic near New Delhi, India. He was initially able to see objects a little more clearly than before. Later, he was able to correctly read several letters on an eye chart. Gradually, Al began to focus better and see objects at a distance. Finally, he was able to walk in the dark with the help of a flashlight, something that was impossible prior to the treatment.
The doctors in India performed intravitreal and retrobulbar injections of stem cells obtained from Al’s bone marrow and adipose tissue. His vision improved to 6/24 after just three days, a result that is unprecedented, say his doctors. This means that he can now look forward to leading a more productive and independent life.
For the Purdy family, traveling to India for this treatment was a life-changing decision. They are overwhelmed by the many donations they received that helped fund their travel to India. Al’s wife of nearly 40 years, Patti Purdy, says she wishes to personally thank each donor who made this trip possible.
References:
- http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/stem-cell-therapy-treats-58-year-old-american-s-40-years-of-blindness-116100200146_1.html
- https://www.gofundme.com/v7dz9c
- https://www.macular.org/what-macular-degeneration
