Humans rely heavily on their senses to help them make their way through life. Yet we never really give props to our hearing, touch, smell, or eyesight until something is wrong and we can’t use those senses the way we once did. While it is normal for these senses to diminish as we age, it is also possible to add longevity to them through proper diet and exercise, adequate intervention and prevention, and now, thanks to continued research and development, treatment of blindness or loss of sight may be possible through stem cell treatment.

Where We Stand

Currently, there are limited opportunities to treat and cure vision problems with traditional treatment methods; however, thanks to advancements in the stem cell communities, some researchers are successfully repairing and restoring sight in patients who have dysfunctional or damaged corneas. Using synthesized stem cells, doctors are able to place stem cells into the areas of the eye that are lacking the cells needed to provide support and structure to the cornea.

At present, such transplants are only successful if patients have some stem cells left in their eye. The cells in question and being used are called Limbal stem cells and contribute to the function of the cornea. But the possibilities are endless.

Prevention is Key Where Vision is Concerned

Like many other conditions, finding a way not only to cure but prevent vision loss remains a priority amongst the scientific community. Macular degeneration is heavily studied, and breakthroughs are being made in the prevention of age-related macular degeneration related to stem cell treatments. Currently, they are in their infant stages, but the possibility of treatment remains. Transplanting epithelial cells may prevent such vision loss in the future.

This is Just the Beginning

As with many new developments in the medical industry, we are just starting to scratch the surface. What is needed to propel research and development forward is time and increased access to such treatments. Moving toward a future where patients have more time with their eyesight and increased access to the treatments that can give them that time is important to SCI and the work it is doing. But it is just a small part of what is possible because of stem cell research.

SCI is Moving Research Forward

Part of SCI’s mandate is to make stem cell research and development more readily accessible and available. Using a blockchain-based platform, SCI will provide a link between the patients who could benefit from vision-saving treatments using stem cells and the specialists who can perform such a surgery. Access continues to be a significant struggle for people who could benefit from such treatments, but soon, the question of accessibility will be no more, thanks to the work and dedication of SCI.

For more information about how SCI is helping to contribute to stem cell research and development, visit www.scia.io