Regeneration of trabecular meshwork in primary open angle glaucoma by stem cell therapy: a new treatment approach

Enzo Maria Vingolo, Ayoub Chabib, Federico Anselmucci Department of Sense Organs, U.O.C. Ophthalmology, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy Abstract: Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is a worldwide disease with IOP being an important risk factor for the disease. Pharmacological and surgical treatments have been mainly targeted on lowering IOP by decreasing aqueous humor production or increasing aqueous humor outflow. Stem cell therapies may open new frontiers in regenerative ophthalmology branch. In POAG there is a strong association with pathologic degeneration of the trabecular meshwork (TM) and regenerative cell-therapy approaches have been focused mainly on modulation of the degeneration. Many different adult stem cell types have been discovered in different parts of the eye such as the corneal endothelium (CE) and anterior non-filtering portion of the TM called Schwalbe’s ring region. These stem cells may supply new cells for the TM and may regenerate the TM structure thus reducing IOP and restore the homeostatic function of the eye. In this paper, we report the studies’ latest findings and present our perspective on approaches that seem promising in the management of POAG. Keywords: glaucoma, trabecular meshwork, stem cell therapy, POAG, iPSC &nbsp

Low vision rehabilitation: current perspectives

Enzo Maria Vingolo, Vittoria De Rosa, Daniela Domanico, Federico Anselmucci  Department of Ophthalmology, University La Sapienza of Rome, Terracina, Italy Abstract: Quality of life in low vision patients is deeply conditioned by their visual ability, and increased rates of depression, domestic injury, and need for caregiver assistance can be expected as a result of low performance. Much effort have been made recently in order to develop new tools and aids for rehabilitation of low vision, and this research has led to better knowledge of visual function and increased the likelihood of new therapies in the future. Modern low vision rehabilitation is the result of recent advances in science and technology, and will soon have an important role in people with vision impairment, numbers of whom are likely to increase, give the increasing age of the population. This review outlines scientific developments in low vision rehabilitation based on a search of the literature, covers the role of digital technology and advances in neurofunctional rehabilitation, and the possibility of restoring vision by use of retinal prostheses and cellular therapy. Keywords: AMD, retinal dystrophy, biofeedback training, retinal prosthesis, stem cell

The use of x-ray tomography to investigate soil deformation around growing roots

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