New Surgical Treatment for Corneal Blindness

A new surgical treatment for corneal blindness is currently undergoing clinical trials in Scotland. This revolutionary new treatment uses stem cell transplants to restore vision to patients with corneal blindness.

In the procedure, limbal stem cells are transplanted into the patient's eye to replace damaged cells that cause corneal disease. The transplanted cells are taken from donors who have just died. These donor cells are then developed in a controlled setting until they are fit to be transplanted into a patient's eye.

Ophthalmologists are optimistic that this new procedure will prove widely successful in the treatment of corneal blindness. Approximately 20 patients are participating in the clinical trials in Scotland. If the trials are successful, eye surgeons across the world will soon be utilizing stem cell transplants as part of their treatment methods for corneal blindness.

The study will examine the effectiveness of limbal stem cells as an agent to regenerate damaged corneal surfaces. It will also explore the ability of immunosuppressant drugs to reduce the risk of a patient's immune system rejecting the transplanted stem cells.

Approximately 160 million people around the world suffer from corneal blindness. This new treatment has the potential to bring relief to many people who are currently unable to see.

You can use the links at the bottom of this page to find a qualified eye surgeon in your area.