Researchers at Stanford University and the University of Illinois at Chicago are utilizing factors secreted from stem cells to repair severe corneal damage and scarring, which causes severe side effects, including blindness. This study utilizes a novel approach that delivers the treatment directly to the site of the injury compared to conventional treatments. Typically, corneal damage is treated with lubricating drops, steroids and patching the injury site, but this novel treatment approach seeks to treat the symptoms of the injury and repair the scar tissue completely. The treatment involves using repair factors secreted by mesenchymal stem cells, along with a biological gel made of hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate which promote the regeneration of the cornea membrane.
