Emerging Advances in Stem Cell Therapy for Retinal Degeneration: Evaluating Safety and Effectiveness

Abstract

Background: Retinal degenerative diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa, pose significant challenges to vision restoration, with limited treatment options. Recent advancements in stem cell therapy provide a promising avenue for retinal repair and functional recovery by replenishing damaged photoreceptors and supporting retinal integrity. However, long-term efficacy and safety of such interventions require careful evaluation.

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy and long-term safety of stem cell therapy in patients with retinal degenerative diseases.

Methods: This prospective study was conducted at Avicenna Medical and Dental College, Lahore, from June 2024 to May 2025. A total of 80 patients diagnosed with retinal degenerative diseases received intravitreal or subretinal stem cell-based therapies. Standardized ophthalmologic examinations, including visual acuity tests, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and electroretinography, were performed. Follow-up assessments were done at 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months to evaluate functional and structural retinal outcomes and adverse effects.

Results: 65% of patients showed measurable improvement in visual acuity, while 20% had stabilization of disease progression. OCT imaging revealed enhanced retinal structural integrity in 58% of participants. Electroretinography responses demonstrated functional gains in 40% of cases. Therapy was well tolerated; mild adverse effects, such as transient intraocular inflammation, occurred in 10% of patients, with no severe or vision-threatening complications observed.

Conclusion: Stem cell therapy showed significant efficacy in improving visual outcomes and preserving retinal structure in patients with degenerative retinal diseases. Treatment appeared safe in the long term, with minimal adverse effects. These results highlight stem cell therapy as a promising therapeutic strategy, warranting further large-scale studies for validation and optimization.