Scientists have successfully restored vision in a monkey with a hole in its retina by using human stem cells.
This groundbreaking research could offer new possibilities for treating vision loss in both humans and animals, reports BGR. The study, published in Stem Cell Reports, describes how researchers repaired a macular hole in the monkey’s retina using stem cells.
The scientists sought a way to restore sight without causing additional complications, such as blind spots. Stem cell transplants offer hope in this area, as stem cells can transform into any type of cell in the body. The researchers created a stem cell patch that was applied directly to the damaged retina. They aim to develop a method for repairing retinal damage without affecting other parts of the eye, which is a common issue with current treatments.
While the experiment has so far only been successful in monkeys, it marks an important first step. More testing and clinical trials on humans are still required before this treatment can be widely used. However, the research provides new hope for people with retinal disorders, which are currently difficult to treat without complications.