Stem Cells Cure Eye Burns

Experts have used 'miracle' stem cells to restore the vision of scores of people who had lost their sight to severe chemical burns. Researchers used stem cells from the patients bodies to generate healthy corneal tissue that could successfully replace badly damaged eye tissue. Some patients who are now able to see for the first time in over 60 years have dubbed the results as near miraculous.

Researchers at the University of Modena have pioneered the treatment which could now be used to replace donor tissue transplants. Experts explain that as the stem-cell treatment uses the patient's own tissue, the new eye cells are less likely to be rejected by the body, unlike a donor transplant.

However, the treatment could not be used to help people who are blind in both eyes - as some healthy tissue has to be harvested from at least one eye.

26th June 2010

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