Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is an eye disorder that results in damage to the macula or center of the retina, which makes it difficult to see fine details. About 90% of sufferers have what is called “dry macular degeneration” which refers to a form of the disorder in which the macula is damaged when underlying blood vessels become thin and brittle. This leads to the deposition of small yellow deposits called drusen under the macula. As these deposits increase in number and accumulate, they give rise to a blurred, dim spot in the central vision of the eye.

There is no cure for macular degeneration. Researchers and eye doctors have found that certain antioxidants can slow progression in some sufferers. In addition, laser surgery has been found useful in terms of destroying abnormal blood vessels and there are also certain drugs that appear to stabilize the condition.

What, if anything, can stem cells do for macular degeneration? Actually a great deal. Pioneering doctor and stem cell medicine expert, Dr. David Steenblock, has had great success in turning the tables on age-related macular degeneration by use of patient’s own stem cell rich bone marrow. One such case is showcased in this video clip:

In the first part of the video, artist Sam Smith discusses how his ability to see had been undermined by age-related macular degeneration (AMD.)  This brought him to Dr. Steenblock, who harvested Sam’s own bone marrow and gave it back to him by IV drip. The video then picks up six weeks later with Sam discussing how he could discern improvements in his vision within the first ten days following his treatment. Specifically, the vision in his left eye had improved while that in his right eye had returned to normal!