swiss medicaLosing vision can be a distressing experience and may occur for various reasons, including a condition called optic atrophy. One particular form of it, known as optic atrophy type 1, affects about 1 in every 35,000 people worldwide. It’s rare, but still very real for those who face it.
One potential therapy is optic nerve atrophy stem cell treatment, which involves the administration of stem cells to the optic nerve area. As an innovative approach, it naturally raises many questions from patients: can stem cells cure optic nerve damage? Can stem cells repair optic nerve damage?
On this page, you will find a detailed explanation of what stem cell treatment can do.
What Is Optic Nerve Atrophy?
The optic nerve is responsible for carrying visual information to the brain. It does this by converting this data into electrical impulses that travel along the nerve to the visual cortex, where the information is then processed.
Optic nerve atrophy occurs when the optic nerve cells die or get damaged, or when nerve fibers are replaced by connective tissue.
What causes optic nerve atrophy?
Optic nerve atrophy has a number of causes, including:
- Insufficient blood supply to the optic nerve
- Genetic disorders
- Swelling of the optic nerve
- Ophthalmic diseases, such as myopia and glaucoma
- Eye injury or head trauma
- Infections such as meningitis or tuberculosis
- Gliomas, meningiomas, neurofibromas
- Diabetic neuropathy
How does optic nerve atrophy affect vision?
The condition affects the optic nerve’s ability to send signals to the brain. It comes with several symptoms, including:
- Reduced sharpness in vision
- Loss of central or side vision
- Trouble seeing colors
- Blurry vision
- Loss of eyesight, either partial or total
While it is not possible to cure this particular pathology, there are treatments that can help manage symptoms and potentially slow down the progression of vision loss.
Optic Nerve Atrophy Stem Cell Treatment vs. Traditional Treatments
Traditional therapies often focus on managing symptoms rather than repairing the optic nerve itself. Medications, visual aids, and therapies may help improve the quality of life for patients, but they do not address the underlying nerve damage.
Meanwhile, optic nerve atrophy stem cell treatment supports the repair of damaged tissue and promotes healing, offering something that traditional treatments currently cannot.
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If traditional treatments haven’t helped with optic nerve atrophy, stem cell therapy may offer a new way to explore and support your vision health. Fill out the form to speak with a specialist and discuss your options.
Medical Advisor, Swiss Medica doctor
How It Works: Stem Cells for Optic Nerve Damage
Even though stem cell therapy doesn’t cure optic nerve atrophy, it can help slow down the disease and allow those who suffer from it to live normal lives. This is the key reason why a lot of people resort to stem cell therapy.
During stem cell therapy for optic nerve regeneration, stem cells are injected into the retrobulbar region of the eye, near the optic nerve. These cells have regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties, which help prevent further damage. They also promote the growth of new blood vessels and thus rejuvenate other cells in the body.
Curious about the full procedure?
Check out our detailed article to learn more about the entire stem cell therapy process.
Benefits of Stem Cell Therapy for Optic Nerve Regeneration
Stem cell optic nerve regeneration has a range of benefits for patients:
Improvement of optic nerve function
Studies have demonstrated that optic nerve atrophy stem cell treatment can help improve how well the optic nerve functions.
A study published in Neural Regeneration Research found that stem cells prevent retinal ganglion cell (RGC) damage. The same study showed that practitioners can also use stem cells for the reproduction of healthy RGCs and the regeneration of damaged RGC axons.RGCs are the neurons responsible for transmitting data from the retina to the brain and so are crucial to optic nerve function. Restoring these optic nerve stem cells and preventing further damage to them is, therefore, an essential part of improving optic nerve function.
Potential slowing of disease progression
The study we mentioned above highlighted how optic nerve atrophy stem cell treatment can help protect RGCs from damage and reduce the progression of the disease.
Using stem cell therapy for optic nerve regeneration can also regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation in the optic nerve and the surrounding tissue.
Also, optic nerve stem cell therapy boosts blood flow to the area by encouraging the production of healthy blood cells. It prevents cells from dying due to lack of oxygen and helps manage optic nerve atrophy.
Low risk of complications and minimally invasive nature of the procedure
At Swiss Medica, we only use adult multipotential mesenchymal stromal cells in our stem cell optic nerve regeneration therapies, strictly avoiding embryonic cells. This isn’t just due to ethical concerns about using embryos—adult MSCs are also safer. Embryonic stem cells can cause immune reactions, rejection, or even tumor growth, while adult MSCs don’t have these risks.
Optic nerve stem cell therapy is also minimally invasive—it requires a simple injection into the affected area. The procedure generally takes between twenty minutes and an hour and is performed under general anesthesia.
Would like to learn more about the stem cells used in therapy and their differences?
Find the answers in the link below.
Can Optic Nerve Atrophy Stem Cell Treatment Fully Restore Vision in Patients?
Research into stem cell therapy for optic nerve damage shows improvements in various aspects, such as:
- Clarity of vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Color perception
- Distance judgment
- Field of vision
- Low-light vision
In fact, up to 83% of patients experienced improvements after stem cell transplantation, with positive changes in both eyes.
So, can stem cells cure optic nerve damage? Some clinical results are exciting and seem extraordinary for conditions usually linked to permanent neurological damage. While it is not possible to cure this particular pathology, stem cell treatment can potentially slow down the progression of vision loss. However, results vary, and success is not guaranteed.
Are There Any Risks or Side Effects with Stem Cell Therapy for Optic Nerve Atrophy?
Traditional treatments for optic atrophy often involve medications that help with the condition but may also have a range of side effects that affect overall health. In contrast, optic nerve stem cell therapy usually has milder side effects.
A recent meta-analysis of high-quality studies found no significant publication bias or serious adverse events in stem cell optic nerve regeneration. The analysis indicated that using MSCs is generally safe, with only mild and short-term side effects reported, including temporary fever, minor injection site issues, fatigue, and trouble sleeping.
Best Stem Cell Clinic for Optic Nerve Transplant Stem Cell Procedures
Selecting the right clinic for stem cell therapy requires careful consideration of expertise, treatment options, and technology.
Swiss Medica specializes in advanced stem cell therapies. We use over 30 types of cell products, including multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MMSCs), which allow us to tailor optic nerve stem cell therapy to each patient. With two clinics, two labs, and a dedicated team of over 250 professionals, we provide more than 50 rehabilitation methods.
Our labs can grow and store both your own cells and donor cells, including placental cells. We offer various administration methods, like intravenous and local injections, to boost treatment effectiveness.
Why Choose Swiss Medica for Optic Nerve Repair with Stem Cells?
If you’re looking for optic nerve atrophy stem cell treatment, Swiss Medica offers advanced expertise and personalized care.
- Modern Facility in Belgrade—Our hospital spans 10,000 square meters across five buildings and is just 15 minutes from the airport.
- Affordable Care—Operating in Serbia allows us to offer MSC therapy at more affordable prices than in many other countries, making it accessible to more patients.
- Advanced Technology—Our clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art medical tools, and our doctors and nurses are available around the clock to assist you.
- Comfortable Environment—We provide 24/7 medical support to ensure your well-being and offer cozy rooms that feel like home. Family or friends are welcome to accompany you during your treatment.
For an even more personalized experience, explore our exclusive VIP treatment options, designed to offer extra comfort and attention during your stay.
Discover VIP treatmentSuccess Rate of Stem Cell Therapy for Optic Nerve Atrophy at Swiss Medica
Since 2011, we’ve proudly supported over 10,000 patients in boosting their quality of life, and about 80% have experienced positive changes. If you want to hear some inspiring success stories from our patients, be sure to visit our testimonials page.
Cost of Stem Cell Therapy for Optic Nerve Regeneration
The price of stem cell treatment varies based on the type of stem cells used, the specific medical condition being treated, and the source of the cells. For comparison, stem cell treatment for optic nerve atrophy in the USA can cost up to $50,000.
Swiss Medica’s affordable prices attract people from all over the world and offer effective care at a reasonable cost, varying. Most patients pay between €7,000 and €31,000* for 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.
Stem Cell Research for Optic Nerve Damage
A recent meta-analysis reviewed stem cell research for optic nerve damage in more than 60 patients, with an average age of 53.2 years. Results showed that patients had improvements in visual acuity after treatment.
Specifically, using mesenchymal stem cells for optic nerve damage supports healing by improving the environment for cells. They release helpful components and enable communication with other stem cells to promote healing.
Optic Nerve Stem Cell Clinical Trial
Recent studies have explored the impact of stem cell therapy for optic nerve damage:
- Kahramanet et al. investigated patients who received umbilical cord stem cell implants. They noted improvements in visual acuity and visual fields after a year.
- Limoli et al. found significant improvements in visual performance among patients with glaucoma-related optic nerve damage after six months of treatment.
- In another optic nerve stem cell clinical trial, patients with optic neuropathy reported better visual acuity.
Optic Nerve Repair with Stem Cells: Success Stories with Real Patients
Here are optimistic results from optic nerve atrophy stem cell treatment in cases of dominant optic atrophy. The numbers show best-corrected visual acuity, where 20/20 is normal vision. The first number indicates how far away (in feet) a person can see compared to what someone with normal vision can see at that distance:
| Patient’s age | Vision before stem cell treatment | Vision after stem cell treatment |
| 62-year-old man | 20/80 and 20/100 | 20/40 both eyes after 18 months |
| 39-year-old woman | 20/60 and 20/80 | – 20/40 in both eyes after 4 months – 20/50 and 20/40 after one year |
| 54-year-old woman | 20/200 and 20/400 | – 20/150 after 2 months – 20/100 after 6 months |
| 40-year-old woman | 20/200 in both eyes | – 20/150 and 20/80 after one month – 20/100 in both eyes after one year |
| 43-year-old man | 20/200 and 20/400 | – 20/80 and 20/100 after one month – 20/80 and 20/150 after 4 months |
FAQ: Optic Nerve Transplant Stem Cell Procedures
1. Can stem cells cure optic nerve damage?
Currently, stem cells cannot fully cure optic nerve damage, but they show potential in improving vision in some cases by promoting tissue repair, reducing further damage, and supporting the regeneration of damaged cells. While results can vary, ongoing research holds promise for enhancing vision in patients with optic nerve conditions.
2. Can stem cells repair optic nerve damage?
Stem cells have the potential to repair optic nerve damage by stimulating healing and regeneration of damaged tissues. They work by encouraging the growth of new cells, reducing inflammation, and supporting the recovery of nerve function. However, the outcomes of stem cell therapy can vary depending on the severity of the damage and individual patient factors.
3. Is stem cell treatment for optic nerve atrophy in the USA more expensive?
Yes, stem cell treatments in the USA tend to be more expensive than those in Serbia due to higher healthcare costs and regulatory factors. In contrast, Serbia offers more affordable treatment options while maintaining high standards of care, making it an attractive alternative for patients seeking stem cell therapy.
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Optic nerve atrophy can be challenging, but treatment options may be available. Stem cell therapy could be one of them. Fill out the form to consult a specialist today.
Medical Advisor, Swiss Medica doctor
MD, Pediatrician, Regenerative Medicine Specialist
