British researchers successfully restore the eyesight of six blind individuals with the help of an innovative stem cell transplant.

According to a report presented at a conference on regenerative medicine, Moorfields Eye Hospital researchers have used limbal stem cell therapy to treat patients who had lost their sight due to chemical accidents or a rare genetic disease.

Limbal cells, which are located under the eyelids and are responsible for maintaining the transparent layer on the outside of the cornea, are injured following chemical burns or in aniridia sufferers.

British scientists claimed that following limbal stem cells transplantation, the opaque cornea begins to clear up as healthy transparent layer cells replace affected ones.

The findings of the study showed that patients who were barely able to recognize a waving hand in front of their face, were finally able to read three to four lines down the eye chart following the operation.

PKH/HGH