Amniotic membrane derived stem cell transplants show benefit in retinal diseases

(c) Cell Transplantation

A team of researchers at the CHA University in South Korea has successfully transplanted mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) derived from human amniotic membranes of the placenta (AMSCs) into laboratory mice modeled with oxygen-induced retinopathy, which is used to simulate many retinal diseases. The treatment aimed at suppressing abnormal angiogenesis (blood vessel growth) which is recognized as the cause of many eye diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. The researchers reported that the AMSCs successfully migrated to the retinas of the test animals and, because of the growth factors secreted by the cells, were able to suppress retinal neovascularization.

Telemedicine in premature babies with ROP

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) continues to be an ongoing challenge for both ophthalmologists and neonatologists and remains a significant threat to vision for extremely premature infants despite the availability of therapeutic modalities. It remains a leading cause of morbidity despite, (and interestingly) as well as because of, advances in neonatal care, which have improved survival rates of at-risk infants born prematurely. Many controlled clinical trials have shown that application of therapies at the appropriate time is essential to successful outcomes in premature infants affected by ROP.

Will the brain be able to fully adapt to treatment of blindness?

A partial restoration of sight is possible in individuals blind from birth, thanks to the most recent advances in research. However, a group of researchers of the Mind/Brain Center of the University of Trento and of the University of Montréal in Canada have discovered that the functional reorganization of the brain happens in individuals who, for a long period, experienced a long sense deprivation, which could potentially impede complete sight restoration.

Portable retinal imaging system approved for sale in European Union and in USA

from d-eyecare.com

Si14 has announced that its D-EYE Portable Retinal Imaging System, a phone-case-sized add-on that turns an iPhone or Android smartphone into a fundus camera capable of taking high-definition video and still images of the eye for health screening and evaluation, is now registered with both the United States Food and Drug Administration and the European CE authority.

New treatment potential for babies with Retinopathy of Prematurity

A gene known to play a major role in constricting blood vessels also appears to be a major player in the aberrant blood vessel growth that can destroy the vision of premature babies such as in Retinopathy of Prematurity and possibly in Diabetic Retinopathy.