Vision is one of the most vital human senses, significantly affecting daily life. However, millions of people worldwide suffer from visual impairments, and many eye diseases still lack definitive treatments. Conventional therapies typically focus on alleviating symptoms and are not capable of regenerating damaged ocular tissues. Recent scientific advancements in the field of tissue engineering have sparked new hope for the treatment of these conditions.
Dr. Leila Rezakhani, Assistant Professor of Tissue Engineering at Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, has explored innovative approaches in this field in her recent review article titled "Tissue Engineering Strategies for Ocular Regeneration."
In an interview with Fars News Agency, Dr. Rezakhani explained that tissue engineering is a branch of medicine that utilizes stem cells, biological scaffolds, and growth factors to restore damaged tissues. In this technique, bio-scaffolds serve as a platform for cell growth, allowing ocular cells to proliferate and eventually form healthy tissue.
She further discussed the applications of tissue engineering in ophthalmology, particularly in corneal repair, retinal disease treatment, and optic nerve regeneration. According to her, examples include the use of collagen-based scaffolds to aid in corneal regeneration, the development of scaffolds to replace damaged retinal cells—potentially treating conditions such as macular degeneration—and research into using scaffolds for the regeneration of optic nerve cells.
Dr. Rezakhani highlighted several advantages of this method, including a reduced risk of transplant rejection, faster recovery compared to traditional methods, and the possibility of customizing bio-scaffolds for individual patients. Since the patient's own cells are used, the risk of immune rejection is significantly lowered.
Alongside the benefits, she also acknowledged the challenges associated with this approach. Some scaffolds may cause inflammation or immune responses, while others may not integrate well with the body’s tissues. Additionally, the high cost and complexity of producing bio-scaffolds remain significant hurdles.
Can Science Eliminate Blindness?
Dr. Rezakhani noted that while these methods have so far been tested in animal models and a limited number of patients, there is hope that, in the near future, they could lead to definitive treatments for eye diseases, potentially reducing the need for corneal transplants and complex surgeries.
In conclusion, she emphasized that tissue engineering offers a promising and innovative pathway for treating ocular diseases. Continued advancements in this field may help restore vision and improve quality of life for countless patients. Perhaps in the not-so-distant future, no one will suffer blindness due to eye disease.