Innovative Eye Healing: Cross-Eye Stem Cells Offer New Therapeutic Avenues

In 2017, Phil Durst suffered a traumatic accident where a chemical from a commercial dishwashing machine splashed into his eyes, causing intense pain and leaving him blinded in his left eye. The incident led to severe headaches and light intolerance.

However, an experimental procedure involving stem cells from his healthy eye transformed his situation. This procedure, which aims to treat severe eye injuries using stem cells from the opposite eye, restored Durst’s vision enough to drive and significantly improved his quality of life.

This technique targets “limbal stem cell deficiency,” a condition arising from corneal injuries, preventing traditional corneal transplants.

Dr. Ula Jurkunas, the principal investigator of the study, described the process, involving taking a small biopsy of healthy eye stem cells, growing them in a lab, and transplanting them into the injured eye. Durst was the first patient to undergo this groundbreaking surgery. The method eliminates the need for donor tissue, reducing the risk of rejection.

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Potential Revolution: Stem Cell Approach Offers Promising Results

 

The study, published in the journal Science Advances, showcased positive results for all patients, with corneal surfaces restored. Durst and another patient underwent artificial corneal transplants after the stem cell procedure, while two others experienced significantly improved vision without additional transplants.

The success has inspired optimism, with Dr. Jurkunas estimating around 1,000 individuals per year in the U.S. who could benefit from this approach.

The research team is preparing for the next phase of the clinical trial involving 15 patients. One participant, Nick Kharufeh, injured his left eye in 2020 from a spark hitting his eyeball. The stem cell treatment has remarkably improved his vision, even allowing him to fly a small plane.

Despite relinquishing plans of becoming a commercial pilot, Kharufeh expresses gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the trial, acknowledging the significant positive impact it has had on his life.

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Source: AP News