Optogenetics for retinal disease
Allen C. Ho, MD, Director of Retina Research at Wills Eye Hospital, discusses how optogenetics, a mutation-agnostic gene therapy approach offers new possibilities for patients with advanced retinal disease. Optogenetics uses gene therapy strategies to introduce light-sensitive transmembrane proteins called opsins into the retina. Unlike gene replacement therapies targeting specific genetic mutations, optogenetics is both mutation- and disease-agnostic. Optogenetic strategies use remaining retinal cells (eg, bipolar and ganglion cells) to regain light sensitivity and restore a degree of functional vision,9 opening new possibilities for individuals with severe vision loss and potentially transforming the management of conditions such as RP and Stargardt disease.