Eur Eye Res. 2021; 1(1): 37-42 | DOI: 10.14744/eer.2021.98608

Stem cells in degenerative retinal diseases

Ali Devebacak, Filiz Afrashi
Departmant of Ophthalmology, Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey

Degenerative retinal diseases are very common and can be encountered in all age groups. They are a major cause of blindness and result in significant morbidity. Treatment options are either very limited or not available. Therefore, it raises the need for regenerative treatments. Clinical studies have been conducted with different stem cell types and different application methods. Especially in retinal pigment epithelium replacement and studies utilizing neurotrophic effects of stem cells, significant evidence has been obtained in efficacy and safety. In this review, clinical trials were evaluated and case reports in the literature were investigated to collect clues about current knowledge, possible complications and issues that may cause concern.

Keywords: Age-related macular degeneration, bone marrow stem cell; embryonic stem cell; hematopoietic stem cell; induced pluripotent stem cell; mesenchymal stem cell; retina; retinal degeneration; retinitis pigmentosa; stem cell transplantation; stem cell.

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