Stem Cell Therapies for Intraocular Disease.

Irreversible blindness resulting from retinal or optic nerve diseases continues to devastate patients. The use of stem cell technology to reverse blindness promises great individual and societal benefit. Stem cell therapies seek to replace or enhance the function of damaged tissues. Currently, there are no FDA approved and commercially available products in this arena. Numerous clinical trials are underway, but as of today, we are still awaiting rigorous study data. Meanwhile, physicians and patients are desperate to restore vision and are lured to clinics claiming success. It remains our duty to vet these claims and guide our patients with their best interests in mind.