Adult Stem Cell Research and AMD

There are several layers that support the retina including the choroid, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), Bruch's membrane and photoreceptor cells. The RPE is responsible for nourishing and supporting the health of the photoreceptor cells- cells that convert light into electrical messages and allow us to see.

It is when the RPE cells degenerate or die that the health of the photoreceptor cells also decline which in turn leads to vision changes and losses

Regenerate Or Replace the RPE

Researchers are investigating ways to regenerate or replace the RPE layer to see if it will protect and nourish the photoreceptor cells and prevent subsequent loss of vision.



One new study being conducted by the National Eye Institute will program a patient's own blood cells to become induced pluripotent stem cells that can then be coaxed into becoming retinal pigment epithelial cells.

“The protocol, which prevented blindness in animal models, is the first clinical trial in the U.S. to use replacement tissues from patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC),” said Kapil Bharti, Ph.D., a senior investigator and head of the NEI Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research Section.

Find out more about this study and watch an informative video explaining how this regenerative medicine can potentially help treat macular degeneration....

Adult Stem Cells and Macular Degeneration


Leslie Degner, RN, BSN

Better Health for Better Vision

www.WebRN-MacularDegeneration.com