Stem Cell Therapies for Blindness due to Corneal, Lens, and Retinal Diseases: A Review
Journal Title: Journal of Regenerative Biology and Medicine - Year 2019, Vol 1, Issue 2
Abstract
Stem cell therapies are continuing to be researched and implemented to treat a wide range of disorders that result in blindness. Major structures of the eye most prevalently tied to blindness are the cornea, lens, and retina, and specific conditions resulting in blindness includes corneal disease, stromal scarring, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. This review covers a detailed description of the structures of the eye, the causes and corresponding disease pathways of each form of corneal, lens, and retinal dysfunction that results in blindness, and the current stem cell sources being researched and implemented, through animal models and clinical trials, to treat blindness. The review evaluates the progress of stem cell research and trials and presents the obstacles that remain to be overcome before stem cell sources to treat blindness can become standard clinical practice.
Authors and Affiliations
Grace D'Egidio and Vincent Gallicchio*
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