Stem Cell Research For Restoring Vision Or Curing Blindness
Related News: Stem Cells and BlindnessIn West Sussex, U.K. researchers are pioneering the use of stem cells to restore the eyesight of patients.
In a trial carried out at the Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead, 40 people can now see again as a result of the treatment.
This surgical procedure has been under development over the past five years.....
Stem cells taken from the patient or cells from a donor are being used to redevelop the cornea.
Opthalmic surgeon Sheraz Daya said: "Many people who've had injuries to their eyes, or even people born with congenital deficiencies of stem cells, land up having a problem with the top layer of their cornea.
"Even if we do a corneal transplant, that will not stay clear, it'll cloud over and fail.
"So what we need to do is replace those stem cells that are missing."
Posted on May 2, 2005 10:06 PM