Scientists have discovered they can use stem cells to repair the lens in the human eye and treat cataracts. The remarkable breakthrough involves coaxing the stem cells already present in the eye to regenerate the lens.
The clinical trial showed that scientists can use stem cells to grow a new lens in as little as 12 weeks. This breakthrough study involved 12 infants who were born with congenital cataracts. The researchers removed the patient’s damaged lenses and coaxed stem cells to repair the damage to the eye, forming a new lens.
Dr. Dusko Ilic of King’s College in London described the findings as “one of the finest achievements in the field of regenerative medicine until now.”
The research could restore eye sight for millions of people around the world who have cataracts or another degenerative eye condition.
Currently, cataracts are treated using a plastic lens that is inserted into the eye. This procedure has a variety of potential side effects including inflammation, infections and visual distortions. It can be difficult to insert a plastic lens inside the eye of a baby because they are still rapidly growing.
When doctors use stem cells to grow a new lens it is far less invasive and can be used on patients of any age. The trial was performed by scientists at the University of California, in San Diego. The next step for researchers is testing the procedure on older people who have age-related cataracts.
Dr. Kang Zhang, the founding director of the Institute for Genomic Medicine at UC San Diego School of Medicine, describes the goals of the research saying: “An ultimate goal of stem cell research is to turn on the regenerative potential of one’s own stem cells for tissue and organ repair and disease therapy.”
Dr. Kang continued: “The success of this work represents a new approach in how new human tissue or organ can be regenerated and human disease can be treated, and may have a broad impact on regenerative therapies by harnessing the regenerative power of our own body.”
It is a truly exciting breakthrough that could result in stem cells helping millions of people to see clearly again!
Source: Cure for cataracts: scientists use stem cells to grow ‘living lens’ in eye
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