Lakeside Eye Care

According to recent articles put out by American Optometry Association News and Review of Optometry magazines, science stands on the brink of offering treatment and possibly even cures for those people suffering from various retinal diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and other conditions. By harvesting stem cells derived from adult skin or even bone marrow, scientists have been able to convert these cells into what are called "pluripotent stem cells," and ultimately into retinal neurons. Theoretically this would allow for retinal reconstruction and vision restoration. In addition, because these cells can be manipulated to resemble embryonic stem cells, the political and ethical issues that have always surrounded this area of science can be side-stepped.

One study performed on mice showed that within six weeks, transplanted stem cells had begun to reside in the appropriate area of the retina and form into healthy looking tissue. Further experimentation showed detection of light and increased electrical activity, meaning the new photoreceptor cells were making connections with the neurons of the retina. The experiements have not gone without complications- more serious ones have included retinal detachment and tumor formation. Regardless, the results of these studies remain promising.

The next step will be to bring this new technology into larger animal test groups, and eventually human trials. In October 2011, the World Stem Cell Summit will meet with government representitives, ethicists, investors, scientists, and patients to discuss how this groundbreaking technology can be transformed into vision-saving treatments. Though actual cures may be in the distant future, it seems likely that life-changing advancements in vision restoration are just on the horizon!