Stem Cell Therapy for Corneal Regeneration of the Eye
Stem cell therapy has been used for a number of conditions over the last several years. Although research and clinical trials are ongoing, new treatments using stem cells are being discovered every day. One of the latest uses of stem cells is in the treatment of the cornea of the eye. Here’s what you need to know about this latest use of stem cells.
Damage to the Cornea
Damage to the cornea can occur for a number of reasons. Injury to the eye is the most common reason for damage to the cornea. The cornea can also be damaged due to chemicals in or near the eye, which sometimes occurs in the course of job duties in some industries. Damage to the cornea can also be related to genetics and other lifestyle factors. Up until now, damage to the cornea could not be easily treated other than with laser surgery.
How Stem Cell Therapy Works
To treat a damaged cornea, limbal stem cells are taken from the patient and injected into the affected eye. Recent clinical trials have shown that this is an effective treatment to heal the cornea and restore sight. This treatment has been approved by regulatory authorities and is now in full practice in Europe. The treatment is now being brought to America.
Words of Caution
Not everyone will be able to get effective results with cornea regeneration using stem cells. If the damage to the cornea is too severe, it may not be able to heal in this fashion. Patients should have some undamaged limbal stem cells remaining in one of their eyes for extraction and injection into the damaged eye. If both corneas are affected, the treatment may not be feasible.
Contact us today to learn more about how stem cells can treat eye conditions or to get in touch with a doctor that is offering this unique treatment.
