Stem Cells for the Blind

The use of stem cells to treat blindness is still a question of considerable debate with those born blind considered unlikely to benefit from any treatments currently under development. Eye disease, injury, and other conditions which occur during life may be able to be addressed using stem cell therapies designed to reeducate, restore, or replace dysfunctional or absent cells forming the structures of the eye. One are where a significant degree of progress has occurred is in addressing damage and disease of the cornea which can cause visual deficits and blindness by creating an opaque screen across the surface of the eye.

Getting the Terminology Right

One of the issues that has recently been addressed by the medical community investigating stem cells for sight restoration is the confusion over language employed to describe the procedures and techniques. Many operations which were dissimilar were being described using the same terms whereas other stem cell procedures that were almost identical sounded like very different protocols. A paper published last year with much collaboration from those working in the field aims to clear up this confusion and establish a consensus on nomenclature. Daya, et al (2011), identified three main areas of debate: the source of transplanted tissue (conjunctival, keratolimbal, or mucosal); the allogeneic or autologous nature of the stem cells; and cell culture techniques.

In creating a consensus on the vocabulary used to describe treatment those working in this field are better able to discuss their findings, repeat experiments and trials where desirable, and rapidly progress research into stem cell treatment for blindness.

Read On –> Stem Cells for Sight – Development