FAQ's

In this section we aim to answer some of your most frequently asked questions.

Q: What is the project?

A: The London Project to Cure Blindness aims to deliver the world's first stem-cell treatment for dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) within a five year timescale. A team of researchers and clinicians has been assembled for the project, which will develop the use of human embryonic stem cells to repair damaged retinas.
 
Around a quarter of people over the age of 60 in the UK have some degree of vision loss caused by AMD. In Europe as a whole, an estimated 14 million people suffer blindness because of the condition.

Q: What is AMD?

A: There are two types of AMD, "wet" and "dry". While much progress has been made in tackling wet AMD, which is characterised by leaking blood vessels, no treatment is currently available for dry AMD.

Dry AMD is the most common form and occurs in 9 of every 10 cases. In this type the cells in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) of the macula gradually become thin and degenerate. This layer of cells is crucial for the function of the rods and cones (the 'seeing cells') which then also degenerate and die. Typically, dry AMD is a very gradual process as the number of cells affected increases. It usually takes several years for vision to become seriously affected.

Q: What will the project hope to achieve?

A: The project aims to generate RPE cells from human embryonic stem cells in the laboratory and transplant them into the eyes of patients.

Stem cells are immature, dormant cells with the ability to turn into different cell types. Embryonic stem cells, among the most potent, are obtained from early stage embryos the size of a pinhead.

Q: How is it funded and who is involved?

A: The project will use a £4 million donation from a US private donor to fund the research and attract leading experts from around the world. Scientists from UCL's Institute of Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, and the University of Sheffield are involved the research.

Lead clinician and consultant ophthalmic surgeon at Moorfields, Lyndon Da Cruz, said: "Given AMD could affect up to one third of people in their eighties and that the bulk of these will have dry AMD, the potential to create a treatment strategy for this condition is critical and may have a major impact on vision loss in the community."

Q: Is it available now?

A: No. The project launched on 5th June 2007.  It is expected that clinical trials will take place within five years from the initiation of the programme of research.

Q: Can I be added to a waiting list?

A: Due to the timescale of at least five years until the clinical trial stage, we are not coordinating any waiting lists at present.