A study using human stem cells for degenerative eye diseases has proved to be safe and effective in animal studies
By Gabe Perna
The notion of curing blindness has always seemed like an impossible dream. Yet, these days various technologies have given the blind a fighter's chance. In May, we reported on the ScyFIX 700 . Now only a month later, another technology, may prove to be the be-all end-all solution to cure blindness. Stem cells.
Scientists and researchers from New South Wales University in Australia were able to culture corneal stem cells from healthy eyes on extended wear contact lenses. Following this they cleaned the corneas and the contact lenses inserted into three people who were legally blind or had limited vision. In approximately 10 to 14 days the stem cells began to re-colonize and repair the cornea. Basically - the stem cells from the healthy eyes made it possible for the blind people to see.
"The procedure is totally simple and cheap. Unlike other techniques, it requires no foreign human or animal products, only the patient’s own serum, and is completely non-invasive," stated Dr Nick Di Girolamo of UNSW.
The results were astounding. The patients could read the top line of an eye vision chart. The limited vision patient could pass an eye exam for a driver's license. There are some questions about the procedure and whether it can sustain over the long term. Yet despite these concerns, Dr. Di Girolamo believes the technique is promising and holds hope to patients with damage to both eyes.
"One of our patients had aniridia, a congenital condition affecting both eyes. In that case, instead of taking the stem cells from the other cornea, we took them from another part of the eye altogether – the conjunctiva – which also harbors stem cells," stated Dr. Di Girolamo.