New Treatment Could Slow Effects of Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration may affect as many as 15 million Americans and is the leading cause of vision loss in people over age 65. It occurs when the small central portion of the retina, known as the macula, deteriorates. The retina is the light-sensing nerve tissue at the back of the eye.

However, for the first time, there may be a therapy to at least slow the progress of the disease, according to a new study.

An injection of stem cells into the eye may soon slow or even reverse the effects of early-stage age-related macular degeneration, according to new research from scientists at Cedars-Sinai.

Currently there is no treatment that slows the progression of the disease.

“This is the first study to show preservation of vision after a single injection of adult-derived human cells into a rat model with age-related macular degeneration,” said Shaomei Wang, M.D., Ph.D., lead author of the study published in the journal STEM CELLS and a research scientist in the Eye Program at the Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute.

The stem cell injection resulted in 130 days of preserved vision in laboratory rats, which roughly equates to 16 years in humans.

Encouraging news, for sure, for those like you who are suffering with this disease. Even if you do eventually experience some vision loss, that doesn’t mean that you must be forced to leave your home. Check out your local Home Instead Senior Care^® office.

The company provides many services that can help keep seniors independent and at home for as long as possible while helping to maintain their quality of life.

 
To learn more about the research, visit http://www.cedars-sinai.edu/About-Us/News/News-Releases-2015/Stem-Cell-Injection-May-Soon-Reverse-Vision-Loss-Caused-By-Age-Related-Macular-Degeneration.aspx.

Each Home Instead Senior Care^® franchise office is independently owned and operated.