The therapeutic management of dry age-related macular degeneration (dry AMD) is difficult. It is one of the main reasons for progressive blindness, depriving millions of people over 65 of their central vision, and it frequently makes it difficult for patients to read, drive, and recognize the faces of their loved ones. Although vitamin-based supplements might halt the disease’s development, none currently exist. A novel surgical technique might offer some relief.
A group of medical professionals and researchers recognized a chance in this scenario to develop and lead the way for a novel treatment strategy for patients with dry AMD. Theirs was an impressive display of medical and scientific skill. Their perseverance and creativity over the past ten years have produced what may be the first FDA-approved treatment that will change the chances for millions of patients to regain their eyesight. For individuals with dry AMD, the team created a stem cell-based retinal implant and corresponding surgical technique to aid in vision restoration.
The team completed a remarkable multi-step task that called for creativity at every stage, beginning with creating the innovative retinal implant. The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), a solitary layer of cells, degenerates due to dry AMD. The group decided to grow RPE tissue from stem cells in the lab to implant those cells in patients’ eyes to delay or reverse the damage.
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