Study: Stem Cells May Aid Vision in Blind People

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Scientists are reporting hints that embryonic stem cells can ease blindness in some people.

It's the first results from the use of embryonic stem cells in humans.

The research published online Monday in the journal Lancet involved two legally blind patients. They received an injection of cells derived from embryonic stem cells in one eye.

One had the "dry" form of age-related macular degeneration and the other had a rare disease that causes serious vision loss.

After four months, both did better on a standardized eye test.

The work was done by scientists at the University of California, Los Angeles and Advanced Cell Technology in Massachusetts. A third patient in London last week underwent a similar stem cell injection as part of the company's ongoing tests.

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