STEM CELL TREATMENT IN DEGENERATIVE RETINAL AND OPTIC NERVE DISEASES

Abstract

Use of stem cells in the treatment of retinal diseases is a new and popular topic in ophthalmology. Embryonic and bone marrow derived stem cells can be used for treatment. Age-related macular degeneration, Stargardt’s macular dystrophy and retinitis pigmentosa are common encountered retinal diseases causing progressive vision loss. The researches therefore mostly focus on these diseases which have no curative treatment modality in order to evaluate the efficacy of stem cell therapy. In this review, we aimed to present the results of the phase 1/2 clinical studies about stem cell treatments in eye diseases. Stem cell therapies are the rising trends in treatment of retinal diseases. Further clinical studies are required for standardization of the therapy and obtaining long-term data about the results and complications.

Keywords

• optic nerve diseases
• retinal diseases
• stem cell therapy