Scientists have restored vision in patients using stem cells
In a major breakthrough in regenerative medicine, scientists have restored vision in patients using stem cells.
It offers new hope to millions.
A clinical trial in Japan in 2022 has successfully restored vision in multiple patients using a radical stem cell transplant. Researchers at Osaka University Hospital used induced pluripotent stem cells derived from healthy human blood cells to generate corneal epithelial cell sheets.
These sheets were transplanted onto the damaged corneas of four patients suffering from limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), a condition that causes scar tissue buildup and vision loss.
Two years after the procedure, the results show significant improvement, with three patients experiencing clearer vision and more transparent corneas. Unlike traditional transplants, this approach eliminates the need for donor corneas, offering hope to millions suffering from cornea-related blindness.
While the procedure remains experimental, it marks a major milestone in regenerative medicine.
Previous attempts at using stem cells focused on macular degeneration, but this is the first successful application for corneal restoration. Despite promising results, one patient experienced a decline in vision after a year, possibly due to an immune response. Researchers are now planning larger clinical trials to refine the technique and improve its long-term effectiveness.
If successful, this innovative treatment could revolutionize vision restoration, providing a sustainable and scalable alternative to corneal transplants for those in need.
