Stem cell therapy uses cells with the capacity to self‑renew and differentiate to repair or replace damaged tissues. In eye care, it focuses on retinal, optic nerve, and ocular surface diseases.
Ophthalmic Applications
Approved or advanced approaches include limbal stem cell transplantation for corneal surface failure and experimental trials for retinal pigment epithelium or photoreceptor replacement. Cells may come from autologous, donor, or pluripotent sources.
- Delivery methods include subretinal injections or surface grafts
- Key issues are controlled differentiation, integration, and tumour risk
- Unregulated clinics offering unproven injections have caused serious harm
- Patients should only consider therapies within regulated clinical trials
Current Status
While early results are promising in some areas, most retinal stem cell therapies remain experimental. Long‑term efficacy and safety data are still being gathered.
- Regulatory oversight and peer‑reviewed evidence are essential safeguards
- Patients should seek advice from recognised academic or hospital centres
- Supportive and low‑vision care remain central to current management
- Combination with gene or neuroprotective therapies may shape future practice
