Are Stem Cells the Future of Cataract Treatment?

Researchers from China and the University of California San Diego have developed a procedure in which a patient’s own stem cells are used to regenerate the lens of the eye. This technique has successfully been performed on 12 infants born with congenital cataracts, but has not yet been used on patients with age-related or genetic cataracts. However, the success of this less invasive alternative to cataract surgery in infants shows promise for the millions of men and women who develop them every year.

There is no cure for cataracts. Current treatment requires the eye’s natural lens be removed and replaced with an IOL and, while there have been significant advancement in artificial lenses over the past several years, there are still a number of issues that can arise from their placement. This new treatment does not rely on IOLs to replace the lens of the eye, but rather uses stem cells to regenerate the lens after its removal. Because the stem cells come from the patient’s own body, complete regeneration is possible with this method and, along with it, a full restoration of eyesight.

It is important to remember that, despite its initial success, this treatment may not be as effective in adults as it has been in children. More research is needed on older eyes with a slower rate of cell division. Nonetheless, researchers are hopeful that this treatment will prove effective on all types of cataracts and have suggested it may be available for adult patients within the next five years.

Until alternative treatments are available, lens replacement surgery remains the only way to preserve vision after the development of cataracts. The most commonly performed surgical procedure in the United States, lens replacement is a fast, safe, and effective way to prevent a complete loss of vision.

If you are experiencing difficulties with your vision, please contact us to be put in touch with an experienced ophthalmologist in your area.