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. For those dealing with this issue, the hope for restoring vision is a powerful motivator, especially with new research on optic nerve regeneration.

Stem cell treatment for glaucoma is gaining attention. These cells can transform into different types of cells, potentially replacing damaged RGCs. Plus, certain stem cells, like mesenchymal stem cells, have protective qualities that might help keep existing nerve cells safe.

So, can stem cells cure glaucoma? Let’s explore this important question.

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 not treated, 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 potentially repair that damage.

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 replacement, 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 don’t slow the disease’s progression or provide noticeable symptom relief. As a result, patients find themselves caught in a cycle of relying on ongoing medication or invasive procedures.

Stem cell therapy 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 treatment for glaucoma is also:

• Minimally invasive
• Safe and well-tolerated
• Provides potential long-term benefits
• Customized to individual needs
• Can be combined with other treatments for better outcomes

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

The process of a stem cell transplant for glaucoma starts with detailed diagnostics like lab tests, ultrasounds, and MRIs to get a clear picture of the patient’s eye health and overall well-being. The doctor reviews the results, creates a custom treatment plan, and selects the most suitable type of stem cell.

For some patients, it’s possible to use their own stem cells, but it takes about 3-4 weeks to prepare. However, if treatment needs to start sooner or if it’s not practical to use the patient’s cells, donor stem cells are an alternative. These donor cells are ready to go and can be used right away.

Before treatment, the patient undergoes routine blood and urine tests to make sure there are no underlying issues. If needed, the doctor will prescribe medications to prevent complications.

Once the treatment starts, stem cells are introduced into the body using different methods, depending on the patient’s specific needs. For glaucoma, the most common method is intravenous, where the stem cells are delivered through a drip. Throughout the procedure, the medical team closely monitors the patient’s vital signs to make sure everything runs smoothly.

Get a free online consultation

Contact us to learn about the expected results of the treatment, its cost and duration.

Dr. Aleksandra Fetyukhina, MD

Medical Advisor, Swiss Medica doctor

Your Name Please fill out this field Phone Please fill out this field E-mail Please fill out this field

I agree to the Terms of Use, Privacy Policy and Notice Swiss Medica

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 5,200 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.

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

Using stem cell treatment for glaucoma, especially mesenchymal stem cells, is a promising option and is generally safe when done under proper medical supervision. MSCs have a lower chance of being rejected by the body’s immune system.

It’s important to note that there can be some risks and side effects. 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 procedure. These effects can be concerning, but they are typically manageable and monitored closely.

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.

One major benefit is that in Serbia, the costs are much 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

Some studies have looked into treating glaucoma with stem cells by potentially replacing retinal ganglion cells through cell transplants. But this area is still developing and has its challenges. A team of researchers at the Schepens Eye Research Institute has found a promising new method for treating glaucoma. They figured out how to change the environment inside the eye so that they could turn blood stem cells into RGCs that can move and survive in the retina.

In their experiments with adult mouse retinas, the researchers tested different signaling molecules called chemokines to guide these new neurons to the right spots. After analyzing many molecules, they identified 12 that are unique to RGCs. Among these, stromal-derived factor 1 proved to be the best at helping the cells move and integrate into the retina.

Dr. Petr Baranov, the senior author of the study, said that using chemokines to direct cell movement offers an exciting way towards advanced treatments for glaucoma with stem cells. The techniques they developed could also be useful for treating other neurodegenerative diseases.

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. 

Meanwhile, there are promising developments in other retinal diseases. In 2014, a trial in Japan successfully transplanted stem cell-derived tissue into the eye for age-related macular degeneration. More recent trials (1 and 2) with human embryonic stem cells for Stargardt disease and age-related macular degeneration have shown many patients gaining better vision without serious complications.

Success Stories: How Stem Cell Glaucoma Treatment Helped Patients

There’s limited literature on embryonic stem cells and glaucoma, but there are some success stories. 

For example, a study published in Science Advances highlights a new procedure called cultivated autologous limbal epithelial cell transplantation, which is safe for treating chemical burns in the eye. Researchers took stem cells from the healthy eye of four patients, grew them in a lab for two to three weeks, and then transplanted them into the damaged eye.

The researchers monitored the patients for a year, and they reported a significant reduction in pain along with improved vision after the transplant.

Best Clinic for Stem Cell Glaucoma Treatment

At Swiss Medica, advanced treatments for glaucoma with stem cells start with a free online consultation. Our experts share important information and discuss the costs and how long the therapy will take.

After the treatment plan is set, patients undergo thorough examinations, including lab tests and imaging, to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Once the treatment is complete, our caring medical team continues to provide support, with daily check-ins from specialists to monitor progress. Patients benefit from an all-inclusive package that covers travel assistance, comfortable accommodations, translation services, and meals prepared by our chefs.

Why Choose Swiss Medica for Stem Cell Treatment for Glaucoma?

We focus on delivering exceptional stem cell treatment in a world-class environment:

• Cutting-edge facilities — Located just 15 minutes from the airport, our modern hospital in Belgrade spans 10,000 square meters across five buildings.
• State-of-the-art lab — 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.
• Diverse treatment options — Offering around 31 unique cell and biomedical products tailored to your specific needs.
• Around-the-clock care — With 24/7 medical support, our skilled team of over 250 dedicated professionals ensures you’re always in good hands.

At Swiss Medica, your experience won’t feel like a hospital. It will be more like a hotel, with a warm and home-like atmosphere.

FAQ: Stem Cell Therapy for Glaucoma

Send a request

Contact us to learn about the expected results of the treatment, its cost and duration.

Dr. Aleksandra Fetyukhina, MD

Medical Advisor, Swiss Medica doctor

Your Name Please fill out this field Phone Please fill out this field E-mail Please fill out this field

I agree to the Terms of Use, Privacy Policy and Notice Swiss Medica

Alex Hitch Author

Dr. Lana Reviewer

MD, Pediatrician, Regenerative Medicine Specialist