Macular Degeneration and Stem Cell Therapy
What is Macular Degeneration?:
Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a condition, very common in people over the age of 65, where the macula, a part of the retina responsible for central vision, gradually degenerates and causes the eventual loss of central vision.
Application:
Stem cell advancements are allowing researchers understand how the different cell types in the retina function together, which has led to exploring ways to replace rods, cones, and the supporting retinal pigment epithelial cells cells, which could potentially stop and even undo the vision loss brought on with macular degeneration.
Stem cells are also being used to develop new treatments and drugs.
Healthy retinal pigment epithelial cells can be coerced to produce abnormal cells that show characteristics of macular degeneration. These healthy RPE cells can be grown in the lab and studied to further scientists understanding of how macular degeneration begins and progresses, and this could help with earlier detection, diagnosis, and treatment if the condition.
Video Source: LV-1
Image Source: LI-2
Image Source: LI-1
