The Potential of Stem Cells as Treatment for Ocular Surface Diseases

AbstractPurpose of ReviewIn this article, we review recent studies that examine stem cells as a potential treatment for ocular surface diseases.Recent FindingsMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from non-ocular surface tissues were effective in treating limbal stem cell deficiency and corneal endothelial dysfunction. In dry eye, limbal stem cells reduced ocular symptoms, while MSCs improved tear secretion and tear quality and reduced symptoms and inflammatory cytokine expression. There were no clinically significant adverse effects associated with stem cell treatment.SummaryWhile available evidence supports stem cells as a potential treatment for ocular surface diseases, the applicability of these therapies in humans has yet to be fully established, given that over 80% of studies evaluating stem cell treatments have been carried out in animal models and non-human subjects. Future studies examining the safety and efficacy of stem cell therapies for ocular surface diseases in humans are thus warranted.
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research