The eye can be affected by a wide variety of diseases and injuries that impair vision. The most common include retinal degeneration, glaucoma and corneal damage. To help preserve vision, scientists have developed various cell therapies. In preclinical and clinical studies, several types of cells, most commonly various stem cells such as embryonic, induced pluripotent, mesenchymal and limbal epithelial stem cells, have been tested for the treatment of eye diseases and injuries. Embryonic stem cells can diferentiate into limbal epithelial cells, making it possible to treat patients with limbal stem cell deficiency. Induced pluripotent stem cells, which are very similar to embryonic stem cells, can also differentiate into corneal and limbal epithelial cells and are used to treat retinal degeneration or retinal pigment epithelium disorders. Limbal epithelial stem cells are used to adress limbal stem cell deficiency. Mesenchymal stem cells are promising candidates for treating limbal stem cell deficiency and various ocular surface injuries. Amniotic membrane, which provides mechanical support and protection for epithelial cells, is most commonly used as a cell carrier for ocular surface reconstruction. Additionally, scientists have explored the use of extracellular vesicles, particularly exosomes, which show promise for treating eye diseases and injuries. Cell therapies represent a significant advancement in the treatment of eye diseases and injuries, offering new possibilities for tissue regeneration and the restoration of visual function.
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