Stem cells help grow a new retina
If the problem is caused by more than one gene or by injury, this can be repaired by means of stem cells, which reconstruct the damaged part of the retina.
Connective tissue cells 1 from the patient's skin are extracted and placed in a culture dish with nutrients. The cells are supplied 2 with growth factors, making them convert into thespecial iPSC stem cells. Other substances 3 reprogramme the stem cells to produce an unbroken layer of retina cells. The new piece of 4 retina is inserted into the eye to replace the damaged retina.