A review and update on the current status of stem cell therapy and the retina J. M. Ong * , and L. da Cruz National Institute of Health Research, Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital, City Road, London EC1V 2PD, UK Introduction or Background: Many diseases of the retina result in irreversible visual loss. Stem cell (SC) therapy is a rapidly developing field and represents a novel approach to replace non-functioning neuro-retinal cells. Sources of data: A systematic computerized literature search was conducted on PubMed (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/). Areas of agreement: The use of stem cells (SCs) in animal models of retinal diseases has resulted in improvement in visual function and performance. SC therapy represents an exciting prospect in restoring vision. Areas of controversy: The use of human embryonic SCs raises ethical concerns. Growing points: Human trials using SCs in retinal diseases have recently been approved. Areas timely for developing research: The success of SCs in retinal therapy depends not only on implanted cell survival, but also on how well SCs migrate, integrate and form synapses. Further research will be needed to overcome these hurdles. Keywords: stem cells/retina/therapy Accepted: April 10, 2012 Introduction Retinal degeneration with the subsequent loss of neuro-retinal cells commonly results in irreversible vision loss. Pharmacological therapies for common conditions that result in visual loss such as age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) and glaucoma only serve to slow down or prevent further deterioration in function but are unable to restore cell populations. 1,2 Despite these treatments, a significant proportion of cases will still develop irreversible loss of sight. Stem cell (SC) therapy is an approach that seeks to repair and replace non-functioning neuro-retinal cells. British Medical Bulletin 2012; 102: 133–146 DOI:10.1093/bmb/lds013 & The Author 2012. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com *Correspondence address. Vitreo-Retinal Service, Moorfields Eye Hospital, City Road, London EC1V 2PD, UK. E-mail: jongmin@doctors.org.uk Published Online May 9, 2012 Downloaded from https://academic.oup.com/bmb/article/102/1/133/312321 by guest on 16 November 2023