Our Summary

Researchers have been studying the possibility of using regenerative strategies to treat diseases that cause degeneration of the retina, the part of the eye that senses light. These treatments involve using different types of cells, which could come from embryonic stem cells, bone marrow, or umbilical cord tissue, among other sources. This research has been going on for decades, mainly in animal models, but now several clinical trials on humans are underway. The diseases being targeted include age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, and Stargardt’s disease. The initial results from these trials show that these treatments are safe, at least in the short term. However, more time and testing is needed to see if they are effective at treating these diseases.

FAQs

  1. What types of cells are being researched for use in regenerative treatments for retinal diseases?
  2. What diseases are the focus of these regenerative strategies for retinal degeneration?
  3. What have the initial results from clinical trials on humans shown about the safety of these regenerative treatments?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about retinal surgery is to carefully follow all post-operative instructions provided by your healthcare team. This may include wearing an eye patch, using prescribed eye drops, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments. By following these instructions, you can help ensure a successful recovery and optimize the outcome of your retinal surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for retinal surgery include those with:

  1. Age-related macular degeneration: a common eye condition that can cause central vision loss.

  2. Retinitis pigmentosa: a group of genetic disorders that cause the breakdown and loss of cells in the retina.

  3. Stargardt’s disease: an inherited form of macular degeneration that affects children and young adults.

  4. Diabetic retinopathy: a complication of diabetes that can cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina.

  5. Retinal detachment: when the retina pulls away from the back of the eye, leading to vision loss.

  6. Macular hole or macular pucker: conditions that can cause distortion or blurriness in central vision.

Patients with these conditions may benefit from retinal surgery to repair damage, improve vision, or prevent further deterioration. It is important for patients to consult with an eye care specialist to determine if retinal surgery is the best treatment option for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before retinal surgery:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with a retinal disease such as age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, or Stargardt’s disease.
  2. Patient undergoes various tests and evaluations to determine the extent of the disease and the best course of treatment.
  3. Patient discusses treatment options with their ophthalmologist, including the possibility of retinal surgery.
  4. Patient prepares for surgery by following pre-operative instructions from their healthcare provider.

After retinal surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes retinal surgery to repair or replace damaged retina cells.
  2. Patient may experience some discomfort or vision changes in the days following surgery.
  3. Patient follows post-operative care instructions, which may include using eye drops, wearing an eye patch, or avoiding certain activities.
  4. Patient attends follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process and assess the success of the surgery.
  5. Over time, patient’s vision may improve as the retina heals and regenerates, leading to better visual function and quality of life.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific type of retinal surgery do I need?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. How successful is this type of surgery in improving vision for patients with my condition?
  4. What is the recovery process like after retinal surgery?
  5. How long will it take to see improvement in my vision after the surgery?
  6. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies available for my condition?
  7. What should I expect in terms of follow-up appointments and ongoing care after the surgery?
  8. How experienced are you in performing this type of surgery?
  9. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after the surgery to protect my vision?
  10. Are there any clinical trials or new treatments available that I should consider for my condition?

Reference

Authors: Klassen H. Journal: Expert Opin Biol Ther. 2016;16(1):7-14. doi: 10.1517/14712598.2016.1093110. Epub 2015 Sep 28. PMID: 26414165