KnowLASIK

News has been released through Reuters in an article by Ben Hirshler that British scientists are planning to use embryonic stem cells to cure age related macular degeneration, a common form of blindness. They are hoping to have the first patients receive test treatments within five years. This could be a major improvement in the methods of treating this common form of eye blindness that is experienced by millions of individuals throughout the world. Embryonic research could lead to treatments in other forms of blindness as well, such as corneal transplants and keratoconus.

There are also thoughts that perhaps embryonic stem cell research could lead to improvements in cataract surgery allowing patients to focus through a natural lens and see at both distance and near. Such an improvement would rejuvenate the vision of older patients and could conceivably be used as an alternative to LASIK eye surgery, replacing the need to reshape a person’s eye using an excimer laser.

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