Stem Cells to Make Lasik Obsolete

Researchers at University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have successful restored the vision of mice with corneal defects using stem cells treatments. The stem cells were injected directly into the cornea of the mice. Upon completion of the stem cell treatment the eyes of the mice are reported to look no different than the undamaged eyes of other mice.

Further the musculus subjects of this corneal stem cell experiment displayed no signs of immune system rejection, even when human stem cells were used during the test. This suggests that the immune system may not discriminate against stromal stem cells in the eye even when they are not harvested from the same species.

The main argument against stem cell research has historically been voiced by those who disagree with the destruction of human embryos for the sole purpose of stem cell harvesting. However, the research at University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine may have found a way to side step the issue. At least as far as our eyes are concerned. If mice, with one of the most robust immune systems in existence, do not reject human stem cells injected into their corneas, then it stands to reason that humans, who have a much less proactive immune system, would have no problem accepting injections of rodent stem cells.

While for many of us having rat-eyes might not be the most appealing thought, the benefits surely outweigh the gross factor. Unlike dangerous corneal replacement surgery and Lasik (laser surgery), both of which are temporary solutions which eventually degrade, corneal stem cell therapy appears to be a permanent solution. Add the reduced risk of immune system rejection, and a near endless supply of non-morally ambiguous stem cells and we may be witnessing the end of Lasik.

Similar work with stem cells at the Institute of Ophthalmology at University College London and Moorfields eye hospital has also yielded promising results. Using embryonic stem cells the researchers claim to have cured all signs of age related corneal damage in both rats and pigs. Their successful stem cell experiments have led the major pharmaceutical company Pfizer to lend its financial might to the project. With the financial backing of one of the world largest pharmaceutical companies, the researchers at Institute of Ophthalmology at University College London and Moorfields expect their stem cell research to reach the clinical trial stage within two years, and to have their stem cell treatment in six or seven years time.

Whether it comes from mouse stem cells from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine or embryonic cells developed at the Institute of Ophthalmology at University College London and Moorfields and backed by Pfizer it is clear that for many sufferers of age related blindness and corneal damage from infection and trauma a cure is now in sight.

Dr. Yiqin Du, Stem Cells Repair Corneal Damage in Mice, Modern Medicine
Sarah-Kate Templeton, Blind to be Cured with Stem Cells, Times Online UK