swiss medicaLosing your vision can be a terrifying experience, and it can happen for all sorts of reasons, with a condition called optic atrophy being among them. 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.
A popular form of therapy is optic nerve atrophy stem cell treatment, which involves the administration of stem cells to the optic nerve area. It’s promising, so patients naturally have many questions.
Can stem cells cure optic nerve damage? Or 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 visual cortex, where the information is then processed.
Optic nerve atrophy occurs when the cells making up the optic nerve begin to die or are otherwise damaged, or when the nerve fibers are replaced by connective tissue.
What Causes Optic Nerve Atrophy?
Optic nerve atrophy has a number of different 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.
How It Works: Stem Cells for Optic Nerve Damage
Many traditional treatments are unable to slow down the progression of this disease or improve patients’ symptoms. This is the key reason why a lot of people resort to stem cell therapy. Even though this method doesn’t cure optic nerve atrophy, it can help slow down the disease. So, it allows those who suffer from it to live normal lives.
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.
Learn moreBenefits 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 showed that this is achieved by preventing further deterioration of retinal ganglion cells in the optic nerve. 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. This helps reduce the progression of the disease and shows that this therapy works well as a preventative measure.
Using stem cell therapy for optic nerve regeneration can also regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation, not only in the optic nerve but in the surrounding tissue, too.
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 is not only because of ethical concerns around the use of embryos, but also because adult MSCs are safer to use. Embryonic stem cells can trigger an immune response and be rejected by the body. They can also trigger tumor growth in the patient, whereas adult MSCs cannot.
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.
Want to learn more about the stem cells used in therapy and their differences? Find the answers to these questions in the link below.
Learn moreOptic Nerve Atrophy Stem Cell Treatment vs. Traditional Treatments
Once the optic nerve is damaged, traditional medical approaches can’t regenerate the neurons. This limitation makes new therapies, like stem cell treatment, an area of growing interest for the potential to restore vision in ONA patients.
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 works to repair damaged tissue and promote healing, offering something that traditional treatments currently cannot. This innovative approach offers hope for reversing vision loss. However, results vary and success is not guaranteed.
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Medical Advisor, Swiss Medica doctor
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 side effects reported, including temporary fever, minor injection site issues, fatigue, and trouble sleeping.
Success 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.
Can Optic Nerve Atrophy Stem Cell Treatment Fully Restore Vision in Patients?
Research into stem cell therapy optic for nerve damage shows some encouraging outcomes, especially in infants facing these challenges. Studies have noted 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 (same study as above).
So, can stem cells cure optic nerve damage? Some clinical results are exciting and seem extraordinary for conditions usually linked to permanent neurological damage. At the same time, it’s essential to remain cautiously optimistic because individual responses can differ quite a bit.
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. Most patients pay between €7,000 and €31,000* for treatment. At the same time, stem cell treatment for optic nerve atrophy in the USA costs up to $50,000.
Swiss Medica’s affordable prices attract people from all over the world and offer effective care at a reasonable cost.
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 replacing damaged cells directly and improving the environment for surrounding ones. They release helpful components and enable communication with other stem cells to promote healing. Early trials show potential, but the number of patients treated is still small.
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, though there were no significant changes in the thickness of nerve layers.
- Limoli et al. found significant improvements in visual performance among patients with glaucoma-related optic nerve damage after six months of treatment.
- Ayse Oner et al. reported positive results in four patients with optic atrophy who received fat-derived stem cells, showing improvements in visual acuity and changes in their eye scans.
- In another optic nerve stem cell clinical trial, patients with optic neuropathy improved after receiving their own stem cells, with many reporting 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:
- A 62-year-old man improved from 20/80 and 20/100 vision to 20/40 in both eyes after 18 months.
- A 39-year-old woman improved from 20/60 and 20/80 to 20/40 in both eyes after four months and 20/50 and 20/40 after one year.
- A 54-year-old woman improved from 20/200 and 20/400 to 20/150 after two months and 20/100 after six months.
- A 40-year-old woman improved from 20/200 in both eyes to 20/150 and 20/80 after one month and 20/100 in both eyes after one year.
- A 43-year-old man improved from 20/200 and 20/400 to 20/80 and 20/100 after one month, remaining stable at 20/80 and 20/150 by four months.
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.
Best Stem Cell Clinic for Optic Nerve Transplant Stem Cell Procedures
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 is a great choice. Here’s why:
- Modern facility in Belgrade — Our hospital is spread over 10,000 square meters in five buildings, just 15 minutes from the airport.
- Affordable care — By operating in Serbia, we can provide MSC therapy at lower prices than many other countries. This makes it more accessible to patients.
- Advanced technology — Our clinic is equipped with the latest medical tools, and our doctors and nurses are available around the clock to assist you.
- Comfortable environment — We offer 24/7 medical support to keep you well cared for and make your stay comfortable with cozy rooms that feel like home. You can also bring family or friends to support 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 treatmentFAQ: Optic Nerve Transplant Stem Cell Procedures
1. Can stem cells cure optic nerve damage?
Currently, stem cells can’t fully cure optic nerve damage, but they may help improve vision in some cases.
2. Can stem cells repair optic nerve damage?
Stem cells have the potential to repair optic nerve damage by promoting healing and regeneration, but the results vary.
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.
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Medical Advisor, Swiss Medica doctor
MD, Pediatrician, Regenerative Medicine Specialist
