At the Foundation Fighting Blindness, we are always looking forward. Our scientists are continually focused on achieving the next sight-saving breakthrough, and our donors and volunteers are always looking for new opportunities to raise more money to drive the research.
But for a moment, as we put the wraps on 2012, it is very inspiring to look back on the past year and reflect on the many exciting advancements that have been made in our quest for treatments and cures.
Thanks to the scientific community and everyone else working to bring an end to retinal diseases, our strides have been incredible. Thanks to our success, we have more momentum than ever before as we move into 2013.
Here is my alphabetical list of the Top 12 Retinal Research Advances for 2012:
- Argus II “Bionic Retina” Receives Recommendation for FDA Approval
- Choroideremia, RP Gene Therapies Perform Well in Early Clinical Trials
- Foundation Commits $2 Million to Develop MitoChem’s Cross-Cutting Drug
- Gene Therapies for Stargardt Disease and Wet AMD Safe Thus Far in Clinical Trials
- Omega-3 Rich Diet Combined with Vitamin A Slows Visual Acuity Decline in RP
- Patients’ Skin Cells Help Researchers Move Closer to Treatments for Best Disease
- Positive Results for Second Eyes Treatment in LCA Gene Therapy Clinical Trial
- ProgStar: Natural History Study for Stargardt Disease to Help Prepare for Clinical Trials
- QLT’s Drug for RP and LCA Performs Well in Clinical Trials
- StemCells, Inc. Launches Clinical Trial for Dry AMD
- Two Participants in ACT’s Stem Cell Clinical Trial Show Improved Vision
- Usher Syndrome Gene Therapy Clinical Trial Begins, Safe Thus Far in Three Patients
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that these amazing advancements were made possible by donations from charitable individuals and organizations focused on finding treatments and cures for blinding diseases. In the spirit of the holidays, and as part of our end-of-year “Light the Way to a Cure” campaign, an FFB benefactor is matching every dollar donated to the Foundation during the month of December. Your support — this month in particular — will help to ensure that we have a similar list of accomplishments to report this time next year. I wish you a safe and joyful holiday season, and I look forward to working with everyone associated with the Foundation to make 2013 an even brighter year in our drive for sight-saving treatments and cures.
Steve is highly respected for his expertise and tireless commitment to finding treatments and cures for vision-robbing retinal diseases. 
As the Foundation's senior science writer, Ben writes science and research articles for the Foundation’s website, newsletters and Eye on the Cure blog. 
As the Foundation's senior writer, Rich writes and edits content for all of the Foundation’s print and online publications, including its blog, Eye on the Cure. 
My son aged 20 yrs is suffering from day blindness problem(cant face sunlight or bright light,tends to squeez his eyes).His vision is also very poor & has nystagmus(unstable eyeball).Is there any treatment for that?If not,any reasearch work for such problems?
Farrukh, It is important for your son to get a diagnosis, if that hasn’t occurred yet. A retinal specialist familiar with your son’s condition would be the most qualified to suggest a treatment for his symptoms. You can contact the Foundation at 1-800-683-5555 or info@fightblindness.org for help in finding a retinal specialist who treats people with inherited retinal diseases in your area.
There is an emerging gene therapy moving toward a clinical trial for achromatopsia which is a form of day blindness. The company AGTC is developing it, and plans to start the clinical trial in about 2-3 years. The company Neurotech is evaluating its encapsulated cell technology in a clinical trial for people with achromatopisa. That device is designed to slow or halt progression of the disease. Both of these options are directed at saving and/or restoring vision.