May 22, 2012
Connie K. Ho for RedOrbit.com
Scottish specialists were recently able to transplant stem cells into the eyes of two corneal blindness patients in an attempt to restore their sight. Doctors will be able to know the effects of the procedure within a few months. It is thought to be the first treatment of its kind in the United Kingdom.
The operation, corneal epithelial stem cell transplantation, is part of a new group of regenerative therapies. Stem cells are grown from deceased donors and transplanted to the patients cornea. Before the transplant occurs, scarred and damaged parts of the cornea are taken out.
If proves to be successful, we could see many more people benefit as a result, stated Scotlands Health Secretary Nicola in a BBC article.
The first person to receive the surgery was Sylvia Paton, a 50-year-old short-sighted female from Edinburgh.
My vision is deteriorating as I get older, much the same as other peoples. However, I already only have around 10% of the vision of sighted people. Until now theres really nothing that could be done to combat the effects of this type of blindness, stated Paton in an article by the Independent.
Paton suffers from aniridia, which causes incomplete formation of the iris and affects both eyes. Environmental settings, space, colors, time of day, among other factors can affect her vision. On a daily basis, she has to wear dark glasses to protect her eyes. She decided to complete the three-hour operation in hopes that it could improve her quality of life and contribute to medical research.
It has the potential to save vision, protect and give back vision to people like me, Paton told the Independents Christine Lavelle. Even if only a little of my vision is restored, it would be better than nothing. Plus, it means that the team has gained valuable experience.
Paton spoke to Scottish Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon about the procedure following the operation.
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Stem Cell Operation Attempts To Heal Corneal Blindness