Researchers at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London have found that using stem cells they can help recreate parts of the eye. They have been using this awesome tool to help victims from chemical burns or sufferers of the disease aniridia. They have preformed this procedure on nineteen patients. All of whom made it through the surgery. Ten of the nineteen came in for their checkup and gained almost all of their eye sight back, but the other nine haven’t been in yet so we don’t know where they stand at this point of time.
Dr Daniels said,
Their cornea becomes opaque, blood vessels grow across it and their eyes become inflamed and they can’t see anymore. It is very painful.
By replacing the limbal stem cells, the cornea begins to clear up as the cells are replaced with the healthy transparent layer again.
We can’t restore sight completely yet as the material we are growing the stem cells on is slightly opaque, but patients are certainly reporting an improvement.
If more research was funded into stem cell research we could make advances recreating essential body parts for people who have lost them through accident or disease. Join the cause, donate to help them continue research in helping to improve lives.
Comments
This article could stand two more pieces of information: 1. If there was an official study written up, where was it published? 2. What was the source of the stem cells used? Are these cells embryonic, cord blood, adult?
Good questions Diana, I’ll look into that.
Alright, well heres the answers you were looking for.
1. The report was presented at a conference on regenerative medicine.
2. Limbal cells.
Via: presstv
We wish it works effectively but some times some stem cells related claims are unnecessarily hyped.
Ahh yes. Although you cannot pass up an opportunity to cover things such as this because if you don’t and later it becomes something, you might regret covering and spreading the news. But nothing is for sure without research which will come with time. :)