How are stem cells used for treating eye disorders?
All eye disorders cannot be treated with stem cells; only the front part of the eye can be treated. The eye’s outer surface is exposed to the environment, and has a constant turnover of cells to maintain the optical transparency of the cornea. These cells are regenerated from reserve stem cells, known as limbal stem cells, which are found in an area called the limbus. The limbus is a transition zone separating the central transparent cornea and the peripheral area (See diagram of the eye showing the limbus). The function of limbal stem cells is to regenerate the epithelial (surface) cells of the cornea, while also serving as a barrier to ensure that the conjunctival cells do not grow over the cornea and mar its transparency. Limbal stem cells help regenerate the surface of the cornea when there is any decay or damage. However, in cases of chemical burns, allergic reactions to drugs and auto-immune diseases, the limbal stem cells may become damaged and lose their ability to regenerate n
