Stem Cells Could Treat Eye Diseases


Scientists claim that they have been able to develop lab-grown corneal tissue that could be used to treat a number of serious eye diseases. The researchers claim that the corneal tissue is able to refract light and react to drug treatment in the same way as organic corneal tissue. It is hoped that the stem cell cornea tissue can be used to test and develop treatments for a variety of eye problems including corneal blindness.

Researchers at the International Stem Cell Corporation developed the tissue using stem cells created from unfertilized donor eggs. They found that stem cell corneal tissue absorbed drugs in the same way as organic tissue and was able to properly refract light - sparking hope that, with further development, the tissue could be used therapeutically. The researchers claim that the lab grown corneal tissue could be used to successfully replace animal testing.

Researchers hope that further investigation could lead to the tissue being transplanted or otherwise used to treat patients with corneal blindness – a growing global eye health problem.

14th May 2010

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