Stem Cells Cure Blindness
Submitted by Simone Biow on Mon, 11/20/2006 - 9:11pm.
The Controversy
Earlier this November, scientists from the University College London Institutes of Ophthalmology and Child Health and Moorfields Eye Hospital were able to restore vision to blind lab mice. This scientific breakthrough signifies that millions of people with optical conditions such as macular degeneration (loss of sight experienced by the elderly), diabetic retinopathy, and a variety of other forms of blindness could be able to regain sight through a remarkably simple procedure. However, the fact that the procedure requires stem cells from foetuses—currently viewed as a highly controversial method by many politicians—has prevented this procedure from becoming more publicized in the U.S. (1).
The Breakthrough
Researchers have identified certain cells on the margin of adult retinas that are similar to stem cells. Additionally, retinal cell replacement may be the most effective method of "cell transplant therapy because photoreceptor loss initially leaves the rest of the wiring to the brain intact” (1). In other words, major surgical reconstruction is not necessary. Any surgical procedure would only involve the superficial layer of the retina and not the particularly sensitive optic nerve wiring at the back of the eye. However, in order to attain human retinal cells at the necessary stage of development, stem cells would need to be extracted from a foetus during the second trimester of pregnancy (1). Because stem cells are able to proliferate and develop into many other types of cells within the human body, they can be extracted from any part of the foetus. However, the timing is imperative if the procedure is to work.
Three Blind Mice… See How the Procedure Works...
1. Early stage retinal stem cells were extracted from a 3 to 5 day old newborn mouse (1).
2. The retinal cells were transplanted onto the retinal surface of a blind mouse whose condition was genetically programmed to resemble the gradual loss of sight characteristic to the human disease retinitis pigmentosa or age-related macular degeneration (1).
3. The cells embed themselves and connected with other cells on the retina of blind mouse. Within 30 minutes the photoreceptors from the retinal stem cells implanted themselves and fused electrical connections with the animals' existing retinal nerve cells (3). As a result, the formerly blind mice's pupils began to respond to light and there was activity in the optic nerve (indicating that the eye was transmitting signals to the brain) (1).
Anatomy & Physiology of the Eye: Photoreceptors
The retina (around 0.5 mm thick) lines the back of the eye. It is lined with a network vascular blood vessels and neurons that gradually channel towards the optic nerve which contains the ganglion cell axons that connect the ganglion cells to the brain. The ganglion cells—the neurons of the retina that transmit images to the brain—are located in the innermost region of the retina and extend toward the lens, or anterior portion of the eye (2). The photoreceptors—the rod and cone shaped cells—are situated toward the outermost portion of the retina and are closer to the back of the eye (5). As a result, light must penetrate the nerve cells within the retina before reaching and activating the rods and cones. Once reached, the rods and cones absorb photons through their visual pigments and translate the photons into a biochemical message and then into an electrical message that stimulates all of the succeeding neurons of the retina. Consequently, “the retinal message concerning the photic input and some preliminary organization of the visual image into several forms of sensation are transmitted to the brain [by] the spiking discharge pattern of the ganglion cells” (2). From then on the brain is responsible for identifying, processing and interpreting the visual image (2).
Candidates for retinal cell replacement surgery must have some retinal cone and rod photoreceptors intact (1) . The retinal cell replacement surgery primarily serves to repair the nerve synapses in the retina, the macula lutea, and the fovea. The surgery cannot generate new photoreceptors.
The surgery mainly repairs the macula and the fovea. The macula functions as a short wavelength filter while the fovea, characterized by a dark circular area towards the back of the eye, is considered to be the most vital portion of the retina. Like the lens, it functions as “a protective mechanisms for avoiding bright light and especially ultraviolet irradiation damage” (2). The fovea is entirely composed of a mosaic cone photoreceptors that are arranged in a hexagonal structure. Outside of the foveal pit, the density of cone photoreceptors becomes increasingly more balanced with that of rod photoreceptors. There is a peak in the density of rod photoreceptors at about 4.5mm (or 18 degrees) from the foveal pit where the rod photoreceptors arrange themselves in a ring around the fovea (5). (Naturally, the optic nerve (the blindspot) is entirely free of photoreceptors) (5). If the macula or fovea cones are damaged (as happens gradually over many years), instant blindness results (2). However, macular degeneration could be easily remedied since stem cells take only about half an hour to develop into photoreceptors.
Repairing the Cornea
In August of 2003, Mike May, a Californian man who had been left blind for 40 years as the result of an accident that happened when he was three years old had his vision restored. Though the vision in his left eye was permanently lost, he could still sense light with his right eye. Researchers implanted corneal and limbal stem cells into his right eye. Five months after the surgery, May was able to sense movements and recognize simple shapes. After two years, he was able to see forms, color, and motion nearly accurately. His 3D perception and face and object recognition remained impaired, though his ability to sense motion was the best restored visual faculty (4).
Like photoreceptors, the cornea is responsible for channelling light through the eye's surface. The corneal surface refracts to provide 2/3 of the eye's focusing power. he corneal surface is entirely transparent and not lined with blood vessels, so the uniformity of cells may contribute to its ability to regenerate more rapidly than other cells in the human body. On the other hand, it is extremely sensitive. There are more nerve endings on the cornea than anywhere else on the human body (6). The cells that compose the layers of the cornea are found to regenerate at a rapid pace, though less rapid than photoreceptor cells. Again, a simple surgical procedure, most of which is processed by human mechanisms, could restore sight to millions of people if only the procedure were to be legalized.
courtesy of U.S. National Library of Medicine
(1) "Cell transplants 'restore sight.'" BBC International News Online. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6120664.stm)
(2) Simple Anatomy of the Retina. (http://webvision.med.utah.edu/sretina.html)
(3) "Cell Transplants Restore Vision in Mice." Live Science. (http://www.livescience.com/healthday/535968.html)
(4) "Cell Transplant Restores Vision." BBC International News Online. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3171993.stm)
(5) Photoreceptors. (http://webvision.med.utah.edu/photo1.html)
(6) "Cornea." Eye Anatomy. (http://www.stlukeseye.com/anatomy/Cornea.asp)
Can Stem Cells cure blindness from Glaucoma?
Hey there. I am being watched as a glaucoma suspect.(0.6 Optic nerve cupping and IOP ranging from 10 -19. No visual field defects yet however). My question is, sometime in the future wil this implanation of stem cells return vision to the people that have lost it from Glaucoma? Thanks.
Bottsie
Eye low vision due to optical nerve atrophy
Dear Sir/Mme,
I'm a father of a 10 year old daughter that after chemeotherapy and radiation treatment for lefkemia, she's experiencing both eye's low vision.
I was wondering, if cell treatment could in future help my daughter.
Thank you.
Treatment for macular dystrophy
Have heard a lot about macular dystrophy and I have been constantly checking on the net on the development of cure for macular dystrophy. Some say that there is no cure for MD. Came to know recently about this stem cell replacement in the macular area. Is there any treatment available to cure macular dystrophy? Can stem cell replacement cure MD. If so, whom do I get in touch with to get more information. Can somebody help me with information and relieve me of the tension I'm going through.
These findings do not
These findings do not necessarily mean that photoreceptor transplantation will work as successfully in humans as it did in mice, scientists caution. MacLaren says the research shows that “photoreceptor transplantation is feasible,” but it is not yet clear where the retinal stem cells will come from.
Blindness caused by optical nerve damage
Hi Sir/Mme,
I am a Mother of a 3 yr old little girl that lost her eye vision, due to a growth of a tumor that put pressure on her optical nerve and caused
damage to it. So my question is, in this research found is it possible to repair an optical nerve, after such damaged caused by such
circumstances? If so may I have more information as to how this can work and why? Please get back to me.
Thank you.
QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Greetings,
I saw all of your questions, and first I would like to extend my sympathies and blessings. I'm a doctor as well, and have been a patient as well in the past, so I speak from experience on both sides of the "looking glass."
In regards to stem cell therapies, you will hear alot of negative reactions, mostly from idiots who have no scientific background training, or from those who fail to read and learn. The bottom line is, stem cell therapies work. We just need to refine them. And we will, and quickly. Unfortunately, because certain gov't officials in the developed world have less brain cells than the average individual, and attempt to hinder the development of this "blessing" in therapy, we will have to rely on "relocated" clinics that operate in countries who tolerate this. The doctor in China who helped develop the stem cell treatment for Parkinson's did a wonderful job with fabulous results. There are treatments already for damaged heart tissue, autism, Parkinsons, stroke, type II diabetes, etc.. see www.cellmedicine.com for some of the newer treatments you can have in Costa Rica and Mexico.
Stem cells have the capability of repairing the damage from glaucoma, optic nerve damage, tissue removal due to tumour surgery, etc. Keep in touch, and I will let you know as soon as I find out about any stem cell therapy related to your query.
Keep an optimistic outlook, because this is a field that NO gov't can stop forever.. Why? Because another gov't somewhere else will allow it, and scientists and their investors will relocate there, so that some progress can be made and money as well. These motivations as strange as may sound, advance medicine.. they always have and always will..
For the affected and afflicted, let us thank God there is finally hope. For the pessimistic: well, if you are so against stem cell therapy, fine...WHEN YOU NEED SOME BODY PART OR TISSUE REPLACEMENT AND YOU OR YOUR LOVED ONE ARE ON THEIR DEATHBED AND A STEM CELL CURE IS AVAILABLE, JUST SAY NO SINCE YOU'RE SUCH A BEING OF PRINCIPLE. BUT LEAVE US OUT OF IT... THANK YOU
Dr Ken James
macular dystrophy
hello sir/madam(Dr Ken James)
really felt nice to see your concern for people in need for such concern and breakthrough
i am, 20 yr old, suffering from macular dystrophy, though i am not sure because my parents have always tried to hide the reality
what i know is:-
etc.
any piece of advise or information regarding the same, that you have, please share with me.. i would be very grateful to you
thanks
rp
i am suffering about retins pgmentosa give me a direction for a remeady
Damage to optic nerve due to eye stroke
My father is 82 years old and about 5 or 6 years ago he had a stroke in the left eye that left him permanently blind in that eye. A year or so later he had one in the right eye that left him with only 20% visison in that eye. He had adjusted to it and was able to watch some tv, scratch a lottery ticket, etc. but in January of this year he had quadruple heart bypass and somehow it affected the vision that was left and now he can barely make out shapes. He's getting very depressed over it and I pray every night that that small bit of vision will return. Why would surgery affect the eye and is there anything anyone can do to
bring it back?
Thank you.
eye stroke
Just wondering if you received any information. My father-in-law recently suffered an eye stroke in is right eye and has lost vision. This occurred on the day he retired, so he is relatively young. Would love to hear any information you receive.
curing blindness
I NOTICED THIS WEB SITE IS FROM 2006--I HAVE A FRIEND WHO HAS RETINAL DYSTROPHY AND IS DESPERATE FOR A STEM CELL TRANSPLANT--COULD YOU PROVIDE US WITH UPDATED INFORMATION--HE WILL TRAVEL ANYWHERE TO GET EVEN PARTIAL SIGHT BACK.
THANK YOU
MARIA BAUER
NF
Stem Cell for Epilepsy
Is there anything out there for Epilepsy, our son has had uncontrolled seizures for 10 years and had brain surgery in 04 which only made things worse, he has tried all meds.
stem cell therapy for retinitis pigmentosa
Dear Dr. James:
Thank you so much for your article about stem cell therapy. I feel the same as you do re: stem cell therapy and its miraculous ability to cure so many horrible diseases. My precious daughter, Amy,has cerebral palsy and also lost her vision at age 27 years old due to retinitis pigmentosa. She is in chronic pain and her right eye is basically shutting down we are told by her doctor at Wilmer Eye Institute in Baltimore, MD.
I have been frantically searching for stem cell therapies to help save my daughter's right eye and hopefully, help restore her vision. Unfortunately, due to our government regulations and the FDA not approving stem cell therapy in the US, we are struggling to find the financial assistance to help pay for the stem cell therapy since it is not covered under our insurance. Do you have any suggestions for us re: where my daughter could receive the treatment for her retinitis pigmentosa and cerebral palsy that is a legitimate treatment and at a reasonable cost?
We are looking forward to hearing from you and God bless.
Warmest Regards,
Mary and Amy McFarland
whom it may concern
HEllo,
My name is cecilia castleberry my daughter was diagonosed with GBS menegitious, when she was a month and three days old. It caused her to have brain damage, diebeties insipidous,optic nerve atrophy, and etc. This happened in August 2002 she stayed in the hospital until october 2002. The next year we started niticing her eye sight was going away now she is what they called legally blind with optic nerve atrophy and i knowthatshe can shee a little.
My question to you is there a surgury for this, a medicine that she can take to help correct it. could she have a eye replacement for this. What is it that i can do about this please let me know
thanks, cecilia castleberry
Hello, my 2 yr old daughter
Hello, my 2 yr old daughter is goin through the same thing. Did u get any help or anything. Cause im looking for some help. She lost her eyes site when she was 17 months old a week before she turned 18 months. She has neuroblastoma which is a rare childhood cancer. She had 2 tumors one by her abdomen and the other putting a lot of pressure on her optic nerves. They tired all the could to get the pressure off fast like radiation but i dont think it really helped. they couldnt get it out because it would be to complicated. Right now she is doin fine, i juss wish she could see again. I have been looking for some answers for ever and nobody can do nothing. and when i seen that you have the same problem i had to reach out to yea. please help.
Nerves Atrophy
My husband was operate by an craniopharingioma and now has optical nerves atrophy.
Please if somebody can tell me if exist the transplant with cell stem for him.
I'm from Romania
Thank you
Hi there My husband also has
Hi there
My husband also has a craniophrayngioma and optic nerve atrophy - did you get any useful answers to your question?
Thanks
ONH
Hello, I have a 11 month old who has ONH a disorder in whic the optical nerve did not develop properly in utero. Please if anyone has any information as to how I can access the stem cell transplant surgery I would be very greatful. Her father and I are even willing to give up sight in one of our eyes if it would help my baby, we say one eye bcause we still need sught to care for our other child who is perfectly fine.
We are in Columbus, Ohio where we are supposed to have a high tech childrens hospital who told me when she was four months old " she's blind there is nothing you can do about it, no glasses or contacts will help, bring her back in one year for a check up" in those exact words, I reported the physician because I didn't care for his lack of interest and empathy.
Any info please post
Sincerely,
Sad, depressed mom
Cone Rod Dystrophy
My friend has cone rod dystrophy. I would like to know as much as possible about this disease. More specifically, I would like to stay current on all the treatment and possible cures. Can you put me on a mailing list? Thank you Dr. Ken James, you gave us hope.
hi i have cone rod dystrophy
hi i have cone rod dystrophy if you have heard anything on possibles cures and such i would really appreciate it since you may know alot more than i do due to your research on the matter thanks for your time
Artery Replacement
My Grandfather lost his vision recently. We have gone dotor to doctor, we were told it was due to the arteries behind his eyes. If they could be regrown he would be able to get his vision back. Is there anything that could be done for this to happen????
damaged retina and nerves
My partner became blind in his right eye at the age of 9 years due to an accident with a toy bow and arrow. He is now 36years old. He was told many years ago that the damage was irrepairable due to the fact that it was his Retina that was damaged and also the nerve which attaches it to the brain I beleive. Would the Stem Cell procedure work for him? Are there any other advances that might help him? Thank you
Central retinal arterial occlusion
I suffer from blindness in my right eye due to a Central Retinal Arterial Occlusion which occurred in 2004. Are there any techniques available (or possible) to rectify this damage?
We hear of stem cell research but no-one - that I have seen - mentions if it is possible in this sort of case.
I also have a cataract forming in my 'good' eye so this is very worrying...
Thank you for any comments.
Hemianopsia
I suffered a TBI in a car accident and have homonymous hemianopsia to my right side. Will stem cell research be able to regenerate the optic nerve to cure this condition?
Describe the process of learning to see again
I am writing a book where a character is blinded by a gunshot in the head. Twenty years later, he regains sight through surgery and stem cell implants to repair the damaged optic nerve. Can someone describe the process of learning to see again to make my story evocative and plausible.
Thank you very much
Maybe you can focus on
Maybe you can focus on philosophic part of this process. Something like this for inspiration: ("The Blind Learning To See") http://www.ralphmag.org/CO/blind.html
Good luck with your book!
pls do help me
hi..
My best friend has cone cell dystrophy..pls people out there tel me what are the new steps that has been taken in this field.and also as much as possible details about cone cell dystrophy.Is it possible to cure it?
pls kindly help me details.
homonomous hemianopsia left side
On 11/23/2003 I had a stroke due to a 100% blocked internal right carotid artery. Can stem cell therapy offer me any hope for the future? I'm 58 yrs. old and had the stroke at 53. Until the moment of the stroke I had no symptoms of impending doom.
Sincerly Bob Gerace Phila. Pa.
rod cone distrophy
My 9 year old son has been diagnosed with rod cone distrophy
he had sight, then about 2 years ago suddenly lost it, he has had many tests and they really dont know what caused this.
I am wanting to know what can be done to maybe restore his sight, i have just had a child and kept the blood cord from this child in the hope that it could help my 9 year old son.
where can i go to see what can be done for him, as the doctors say there is nothing they can do
we live in Albury, australia
31 year old with underdeveloped optic nerve
I've been blind in my right eye since birth. I was told that my optic nerve never fully developed. My right eye never fully grew beyond its infant size. My question is, will or can stem cells be used to correct this problem? If it treats the nerve underdevelopment will it also treat the underdeveloped eye?
My son is 24 years old who
My son is 24 years old who had optic nerve damage from a fall, he can see light and dark. Is accident was in 2005 we have been reseaching stem cell in Mexico, Costa Rica and China and we are so confused. Can you tell me is one facilty better than the other. We have been ready to go for the past 2 months and just have so many unanswered questions from each of the facilities, can you give us any feed back on where you feel is the best of the 3. China wants to do 6 injections, Costa Rica 3 injections and Mexico 1 injection why such a diffence and the money is not much different between them all?
Hope you can help us resolve this issue.
SIncerely Eric Hurttgam
Injections in China, Mexico, Costa Rica
My name is Ola Pacyna and I am researching options for treatment for my friend who has optical nerve damaged after a brain tumor growth. I saw that you contacted the facilities in the countries above and had some knowledge about the injections and treatment options. I am at the begining of finding out about this new "hope" and would be very grateful if you could send some info, contact names and numbers of these facilities and your advice based on what you and your son went through. I hope everything went well and he is going to see soon.
Sincerely,
Ola Pacyna
Restoration of central vision due to detachment of macula?
Hello I read this very exciting article and was wondering. I had an accident a
few years back and suffered a retinal detachment with the macula being detached
for a few weeks. My vision is somewhat restored after the 2 surgeries one
including lens replacement. I still can't make out things sharply, clearly, or
more than 10 or 12 ft away. I was wondering if this process could improve my
vision if it is ever allowed to where I could atleast read an eye chart
Thank You
Presumed Histo
I am a forty eight women who has presumed Histo. There has been damage to my retina and the fovea. As a result I am unable to see much from the center of my vision. I understand there are many detila undisclosed, but will this new discovery allow for the repair of tissue, thus the ability to regain some vision.
seven year old son
hello,
my seven year old son was diagnosed with stargardts about a years ago , his doc says that we do not have to worry about it yet,but in yhe last year he has almost completely lost his vision , he has a terrible time in school and has been having several accidents i.e. running into to pole son the playground, tripping over things and running into other pupils .our doctors did some genetic testing and are now saying it is not stargardts but rod cone dystrophy, they also state that there is nothing that can be done and that it will not get any worse, they do not want to see him agaian for a year.His vision is deteriorating very quickly though and no one will give us any answerers , this is very scary to his , it is so sad to see him not being able to recognize his mother or brothers anymore or doing all the kid stuff he used to enjoy.Does any one have any advice for us ,I would give him my eyes if I could .
Stargardts
Hi,
In responce to your sons suspected stargardts condition, my husband is one of 2 siblings with the condition, his older sister was diagnoesed at the age of 4 now 30, and my husband at the age of 17 now 28. At that time they didn't even know what it was, so there were no preventative measures, but now they have seeked treatment from multiple doctors throughout North America. He has seen a Dr. in Farmington CT. Dr. Gerard Nolan of the Nolan Eye institute, where he administers a low-dose eye drop twice a week, and has noticed minimal repair, but a significant amount of prevention. The condition seems to be at a stand still!! The only advice that I can give you as a wife, which too is followed from his mom, is to make him keep as much independance as much as he can, wear protective eye wear, sun is the worst, as well as take Lutein/amino acid rich vegetables (green leafy veggies). My husband can no longer drive, which sadly is his only passion in life!! But keeping your chin up is so hard, but try to remember there is always someone who has things worse!!
Take Care
retinal dysthropy
i am a single man at 49, diagnosed with retinal dysthropy, almost ten years ago. it is very hard on my part as i am working in IT. thank God, our software now can be resized to its maximum length to be able to read by the afflicted person. Moreover, with new discoveries, like stem cell, i am optimistic that soon our scientists will make our conditions be normal again. but for the meantime, since there is no cure yet, i have to gain/train myself to be independent
Stargardts
I am so sorry to hear about your son as my 35yr. old daughter was diagnosed at the age of 10. Two years before that she was stricken with diabetes. It has been a very hard, long road and her vision is getting worse. We were told the Stargadts would only get to a certain level and not worsen. We were told not to bother with braille. We went to Boston last month & was told she may have another eye disease!! It's too much to take sometimes. We are going for all the testing next month & pray whatever is happening will progress slowly. As I'm sure you are aware the stem cell & gene therapy experimentation is very hopeful and we all must pray for the cure. We need to also vote for a government who will allow stem cell research. If possible, I strongly suggest getting to the Mass eye & ear hospital as they are one of the best in the country. They will not let you leave without answers good or bad. God bless, feel free to e-mail me as I know only the parents of children stricken with these horrible diseases understand the pain.
Ruptured brain anuerysm followed by stroke
Hello -
A yr. ago I had a ruptured brain anuerysm. Following the clipping surgery I suffered a stroke while in the hospital. The stroke has taken away 3/4 vision in each eye. Would this type of surgery work for me?
Thank-you!
Legally Blind
My name is Nicolette, I am a 25 year old woman who developed Pre-eclampsia 3 year's ago while pregnant with twin's. When I awoke the next morning after giving birth the night before, I was blind. The doctor explained that my high blood pressure caused a minor stroke behind my eye's leaving my nerve's damaged.
I am looking for treatment and/or any information that could help me. Please reply.
Thank you,
Nicolette
albinism
hello, my name is nathanael yebgui, i am a 17yr old from london, i have albinism and suffer from nystagmus, im greatly pleased to see that some research is being conducted, during my own research i have found that stem cell resaerch is greatly promicing for my situation, i have read that a man who lost his vision in one eye due to an accident where he had damaged his retina and optic nerves has had his vision restored by stem cell treatment, is there any hope to cure my nystagmus and repair my retina and optic nerves with stem cell treatment? as you may know albinism results in low vision due to an underdevoped retina mainly in the fovea (which is greatly believed to be linked to nystagmus as it is responcible for the fine detail and focusing of the eyes) and misrouting/misshapement of the optic nerves. but could the same be done for an underdevoloped retina?
now that stem cells can be derived from the adult body in fat, muscle and bone marrow, it is almost certain that the stem cells will not be rejected by the body, therefore would it be possible derive stem cells from anyone of those places, then geneticaly engeneer them to repair the albino/nystagmus gene and place the repaired cells where necessary?
thankyou for your time
nathanael yebgui
Spinal cord injuiry
After c4 and c5 repair my brother lost his vision. Can you help to repair his vision or suggest a Doctor to help?
I have optic nerve atrophy but heard it can be cured in China
I have heard that biekel biotech has a new treatment for optic nerve atrophy throught stem cells. I don't know if it will cure my vision or not and it is a huge price to pay to say if it'll work or not. The total cost is $24,000 USD and that is a lot. Is this a Chinese scam or is this for real? The leading person's name is Krishner but I don't know if I trust it or not. I wanted to get some feedback on it from anybody that knows anything. I have optic atrophy in both eyes and I am legally blind because of it, corrected is 20/200 with glasses. If anybody knows anything or would give me any opinion or suggestion then please don't hesitate to contact me
Thank you
I am interested in exploring
I am interested in exploring this too, if only it wasn't so expensive. Please keep me posted Daniel.
Pattern Dystrophy
My 25 year old son has recently been diagnosed with Pattern Dystrophy, and given no hope for treatment. Would stem cell transplant be an option, or is there any other help for his vision.
blind as a result of crushed optic nerve (accident)
i want to be able to see again and live a normal life. i was in a car acccident about 7 years ago and doctors say the optic nerve in my left eye was crushed. could stem cell help me?
right homogmous hemianopsia
Hi. My daughter was in a severe car accident with a tramatic brain injury. She has lost vision in the right side of both eyes. Is there anything that can be done to correct or improve the loss vision where she could drive again?
Thanks
optic nerve damage
Hi
my son lost his vission after motorbike accident. his optic nerve is damaged and he is blind i am desprately trying to find out any medical attention that can bring his vision back.
Optic nerve damage caused by pressure
Hello, I have a 2 yr old daugther named Alexis. She is currently blind because of pressure to the optic nerve caused by a tumor. She had neuroblastoma which is a rare childhood cancer. She is doin fine right now. Right now she is undergoing a stem cell transplant would that help her? I would really like some answer. Do you know anything that could help her see again?
I hate looking at my daughter knowing see cant see me!! --- desprite ---
Im not political....
I have someone in my life that is legally blind and have not been able to stop researching optic nerve regeneration...but from what I am gathering, Pres. Bush put a stop to stem cell research years ago.
I remember Hilary talking about it and just checked out her views at http://www.votehillary.org/CMS/node/737, though I dont follow politics, I am sure going to make my way out and vote for her!!!!! I cant believe that our government is hindering the progress of our health and welfare....its a D*& shame.
Just imagine how much further those wonderful researchers at Harvard, Boston and every where else, can go, and just how much it will expedite what we are all looking for here. An answer to our prayers.
peters anomaly
My 6 year old son was born with Peters Anomaly. He had several corneal transplants but due to complications with glaucoma his retinas detached and he is blind in both eyes. Would any of this be helpful to him?
Optic nerve hypoplasia
Dear Ma'am or Sir,
My brother is fourteen years old. He was born with Optic Nerve Hypoplasia. My mother and I have searched everywhere for a cure. When she and I heard about this stem cell thing actually working, we were just absolutely floored. If you have any info. what so ever, feel free to e-mail me.
Thank you!!
Optic Nerve Injury
I lost my right eye vision in a road accident on Feb/08/2008. The eye doctor said that there is an injury in my optic nerve due to the Zygomatic bone fracture. Please let me know if there is any treatment available.
Thanks,
Jos Collin
Foveal hypoplasia, nystagmus and astigmatism
Hello I'm 20 years old and have foveal hypoplasia, nystagmus, astugmatism, and an under developed optic nerve. i have been looking for a way to correct the vision loss I have and had no luck so far. do you think this could help me in some way?
Thanks, Courtney
left homonomous hemianopsia
I was hit by a car when i was 12 resulting in homonomous hemianopsia on the left side. I am now 30 years old. Is there any hope for my vision being restored?
stem cell treatment
my daughter lost her eyesight at 9 through a brain tumour that was treated with radiotherapy, which caused stretched damage to her optic nerve.
would stem cell treatment help her, and if so where would she be able to receive treatment?
i would be obliged if you would reply by e-mail as soon as possible.
thank you for your time
Blindness caused by meningitus
My husband got meningitus in october 2007, this caused him to lose his sight.
We have been told that his eyes and optic nerves are healthy but the meningitus has damaged a part of his brain that sends messages to his eyes to enable him to see. He can see shadows of things but cannot see features of things and says everything is grey and wishes that someone could turn a light on to enable his eyes to see again. does anyone know if anything can be done to restore his sight.
ROD-CONE DYSTROPHY
MY FATHER AND I HAVE BOTH BEEN DIAGONOSED WITH ROD-CONE DYSTROPHY. I JUST RECENTLY FOUND THIS ARTICLE AND WAS CURIOUS TO SEE IF THE STEM CELL REASERCH WOULD BE ABLE TO HELP US ONCE IT IS READY TO BE USED ON HUMANS? WE WERE BORN WITH THE DISEASE AND WERE TOLD IT IS HEREDITARY. I HAVE A DAUGHTER WHO IS 5 BUT SHOWS NO SIGN OF HAVING THE PROBLEM. SINCE I'M ONLY 27 I PRAY DAILY FOR A CURE FOR THIS.
THANKS,
INDIANA
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