Stem Cell Treatment for Glaucoma

Optic nerve damage is a common cause of vision loss for many people worldwide. It often results in irreversible problems, mainly due to the loss of retinal ganglion cells. The WHO reports that 105 million people worldwide have glaucoma, and 5.2 million of them are completely blind. 

Lately, stem cell treatment for glaucoma is gaining attention. Certain stem cells, like mesenchymal stem cells, have protective properties that may help prevent further damage to existing cells.

So, can stem cells cure glaucoma? Let’s explore this question in the article.

What Is Glaucoma, and How Does It Affect Your Vision?

Glaucoma is a condition that damages the optic nerve, which is crucial for sending visual signals from your eyes to your brain. This damage is often linked to high eye pressure, but glaucoma can also occur with normal pressure.

As glaucoma progresses, it can create small blind spots, typically at the edges of vision. Many people don’t notice these spots until significant damage has already occurred. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to complete vision loss.

Anyone can develop glaucoma, but it’s more common in older adults, especially those over 60, and is one of the leading causes of blindness in this age group.

How Stem Cell Glaucoma Therapy Works

In the case of glaucoma disease, stem cell therapy addresses the damage caused to the optic nerve and retinal cells. The goal is to protect and support the repair.

The efficacy of MSCs is manifested through several mechanisms:

• Hemorheological
• Antioxidative
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antiapoptotic
• Neurotrophic
• Cytoprotective

Also, MSCs have the ability to modulate the immune system, meaning they can reduce harmful inflammation and prevent further damage caused by the body’s immune response. This combination of cell protection and immune regulation makes stem cell therapy a promising option for those dealing with the effects of glaucoma.

Benefits of Stem Cell Therapy for Glaucoma Patients

For many glaucoma patients, traditional treatments like medications and surgery can be disappointing. These methods sometimes fail to slow the disease’s progression or provide noticeable relief from symptoms. As a result, patients find themselves caught in a cycle of relying on ongoing medication or invasive procedures.

Stem cell treatment for glaucoma offers a hopeful alternative. By providing timely treatment with stem cells, patients may experience improvements in their symptoms and potentially delay the onset of disability. While we can’t promise a complete cure, this innovative approach can help slow down the progression of glaucoma. 

Stem cell glaucoma therapy vs. traditional glaucoma treatments

Here’s a comparison table to make the differences clear:

Choosing between stem cell therapy and existing glaucoma treatments is not necessary. Stem cells can complement ongoing treatments, helping to slow disease progression and preserve remaining vision, potentially leading to better outcomes when used together.

Procedure: What to Expect From Stem Cell Treatment for Glaucoma

Here is a brief overview of what may happen during the process.

1. Before the procedure, the doctor reviews the results and ensures this type of treatment suits the patient, creates a custom treatment plan, and selects the most suitable type of stem cell.
2. Stem cell transplants for glaucoma can be created from the patient’s own stem cells, which take about 3–4 weeks to prepare, or from donor stem cells, which can be used right away.
3. Once the treatment starts, stem cells are introduced into the body. For glaucoma, the most common method is intravenous, where the stem cells are delivered through a drip, as well as intrabulbar injection, where the cells are directly injected into the eye.
4. Throughout the procedure, the medical team closely monitors the patient’s vital signs to make sure everything runs smoothly. After the treatment, doctors monitor the patient’s progress.

Are There Any Risks or Side Effects of Stem Cell Treatment for Glaucoma?

The use of embryonic stem cells and glaucoma treatment raises ethical concerns, which is why we do not use them. Instead, we focus on adult stem cells, which are both ethically sourced and safer, minimizing risks like immune rejection and tumor formation. 

Patients might experience mild, short-term issues such as localized pain, inflammation, or a slight fever. Some may also notice a temporary increase in eye pressure after the stem cell treatment for glaucoma. These effects are typically manageable and resolve quickly.

Finding the Best Clinic for Stem Cell Glaucoma Treatment

The best clinics may not always be nearby, so it’s essential to explore a wider range of options and choose one with proven expertise in stem cell therapy. Prioritize clinics with experienced medical professionals specializing in regenerative medicine, ensuring they follow strict safety standards and regulatory guidelines. Consider the total cost of treatment, including consultations and follow-up care, and make sure the clinic provides ongoing support to monitor progress and address any side effects.

Why Choose Swiss Medica for Stem Cell Treatment for Glaucoma?

Swiss Medica, with its state-of-the-art facilities in Serbia, offers advanced stem cell treatments, personalized care, and an all-inclusive experience, making it a strong option to consider. We focus on delivering advanced treatments for glaucoma with stem cells in a welcoming and relaxing environment.

• We offer a no-obligation online consultation after which our experts evaluate examinations and lab tests, and create personalized treatment plans.
• With 24/7 medical support, our skilled team of over 250 dedicated professionals ensures you’re always in good hands.
• All-inclusive package covers comfortable accommodations, translation services, and meals prepared by our chefs.
• Diverse treatment options include around 31 unique cell and biomedical products tailored to your specific needs.
• Located just 15 minutes from the airport, our modern hospital in Belgrade spans 10,000 square meters across five buildings.
• Our laboratory specializes in producing and storing high-quality stem cells for innovative treatments. We also have a dedicated cryobank to securely preserve your stem cells for future use.

Success Rate of Stem Cell Therapy for Glaucoma at Swiss Medica

At Swiss Medica, we’re proud of our strong success rate, which comes from the hard work and commitment of our skilled team of stem cell experts and medical professionals. We’ve had the privilege of helping over 10,000 patients improve their quality of life since 2011, with around 80% reporting positive results. 

If you’d like to hear more about our patients’ experiences and success stories, follow this link.

Patrick, a patient from Singapore

“Now my eyes are in very good condition—my retina and macula are intact, and my eye pressure has stabilized from 40-57 down to 14-15. Without this treatment, I would have had big challenges traveling alone on the plane or even moving around in Singapore.”

Improvements:

• Vision enhancement: improved ability to see objects, brighter lights, and greater detail.
• Increased mobility and independence: gained confidence to cross streets, move around easily, and travel solo.
• Eye pressure stabilization: reduced from a dangerous 40-57 to a stable 14-15.
• Better overall health: systematic improvement in organ function (lungs, heart, kidney, liver).
• Higher physical endurance: gained the ability to train for and complete a marathon (42 km in under 6 hours).

Get a free online consultation

After hearing about our patients’ success stories, you might be wondering if stem cell therapy for glaucoma could work for you too. If you’re ready to take the next step, fill out the form for a free online consultation with one of our regenerative medicine experts.

Dr. Aleksandra Fetyukhina, MD

Medical Advisor, Swiss Medica doctor

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Cost of Stem Cell Therapy for Glaucoma Treatment

The price of regenerative stem cell therapy depends on the type of stem cells used and their source. Generally, our patients spend between €7,000 and €31,000* for their treatment.

*The prices mentioned are indicative and subject to change based on individual factors, including the condition’s severity and the number of stem cells needed. Prices are valid as of January 2025.

One major benefit is that in Serbia, the costs are lower than in countries like the UK, Switzerland, or the USA. For example, stem cell treatment for glaucoma in the UK can go over £40,000. What is more, consultations in the UK can be pricey, often costing more than £300 just for a private appointment.

Research Into Stem Cells and Vision Restoration in Glaucoma

Treating glaucoma with stem cells is a promising breakthrough in vision restoration, offering hope for patients with optic nerve damage. Researchers have made significant progress in developing methods to replace retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and protect existing ones from further degeneration. However, key challenges remain, including ensuring successful transplantation, preventing immune rejection, and promoting the integration of new cells into the eye and brain’s visual pathways.

Ongoing clinical trials are crucial in evaluating the safety and effectiveness of these treatments. If successful, advanced treatments for glaucoma with stem cells could go beyond slowing glaucoma’s progression—potentially restoring lost vision and transforming care for millions affected by this disease.

Stem Cell Transplant for Glaucoma: Clinical Trials

In 2022, a trial began to test the safety and effectiveness of umbilical cord-derived stem cells (UC-MSCs) for eye diseases. Funded by patients, this trial will use 100 million cells, with evaluations at various points over four years, ending in 2026. For severe cases, the mesenchymal stem cells and glaucoma trial will also use activated lymphocytes from patients’ own cells.

FAQ: Stem Cell Therapy for Glaucoma

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Fill out the form for a free online consultation with a regenerative medicine expert and get answers to your questions about potential treatments to restore and preserve your vision.

Dr. Aleksandra Fetyukhina, MD

Medical Advisor, Swiss Medica doctor

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Alex Hitch Author

Dr. Lana Reviewer

MD, Pediatrician, Regenerative Medicine Specialist