Vision loss and CRISPR: A cure for blindness?

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• June 16, 2022

Insight summary

Recent experiments with CRISPR gene-editing technology have shown promise in treating specific types of hereditary blindness. By targeting and modifying a particular problematic gene, a small study managed to temporarily enhance vision in some patients, although the treatment isn't permanent due to current technological limitations. This leap in gene therapy, if further developed, could significantly alter eye care industries, lessen the demand for some vision-related services, and improve life quality and economic productivity by enabling many to regain or improve their sight.

Vision loss and CRISPR context

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that at least 2.2 billion people suffer from impaired vision. Furthermore, around 200,000 people in the US suffer from hereditary retinal disease disorders for which there is no solution. In 2021, data from a study that sought to treat hereditary eye conditions was released to the public for the first time. Its initial results were highly promising, according to some industry commentators.

The study began in 2019 and was operated by Editas Medicine in the United States and Allergan in Ireland. The study experimented with the use of CRISPR gene-editing technology to target a specific mutation in a gene associated with congenital blindness. The mutation impairs the functioning of the retina, the light-sensing compartment of the eye, and results in the loss of light-sensing cells.

The gene targeted explicitly for editing by the study is known as CEP290, with the gene sometimes referred to as Leber congenital amaurosis Type 10. In total, six patients received the treatment via a subretinal injection in one eye with no serious side effects recorded after the treatment was administered. A few patients were affected by mild, treatment-linked inflammation that could be controlled by administering steroids. Four of the patients did experience eye pain due to the treatment. However, the treatment administered by the study was not a permanent solution due to the absence of technology capable of repairing the altered genetic code in the patient's DNA.

Disruptive impact

The optometry industry may change significantly if new treatments such as CRISPR-based gene editing further develop and become available for public use. Optometry and ophthalmologist training colleges may need to update their course materials to incorporate the discoveries and tools changing the field. Likewise, tertiary institutions may seek to partner with technology companies to access these technologies for instruction purposes.

In future decades, when blindness becomes curable—either from the use of gene therapies or electronic retinal implants—the quality of life of millions of people worldwide would improve significantly. These individuals would gain greater independence, as well as gain the ability to reenter or advance more easily in the workforce. 

Meanwhile, various vision-associated support services could be adversely affected over time. For example, the need for family and professional caregivers would decline, reducing national healthcare costs. Guide dog associations and charities dedicated to the blind may need to change their focus. Manufacturers of eyeglasses may observe reduced demand. Medical facilities that offer laser eye surgery to patients with distorted vision could receive fewer requests from eligible patients. 

Implications of CRISPR-supported technologies curing blindness and distorted vision

Wider implications of gene-editing technologies providing new treatments for hereditary eye conditions may include: 

• Curing previously untreatable eye diseases.


• Changing demand patterns for other eye condition treatments, negatively affecting the workforces that affect these industries.


• People being able to study for and perform jobs that they may have been restricted from performing or applying for due to their poor eyesight. 


• Population-scale improvements in economic productivity, as well as reductions in national healthcare expenditures.


• Gradual reductions in the rates of different forms of impaired vision-related accidents.


• Greater public pressure on governments and insurance companies to fully cover treatments that cure various forms of blindness and vision impairments.

Questions to consider

• If given the option to use CRISPR-based eye treatments, would you use it? 


• How may the optometry field change if gene-editing treatments can eliminate certain eye conditions? 


• What other industries or businesses may be impacted by population-scale improvements to vision?