The treatment of eye diseases has undergone a major transformation in recent years.
For many retinal and nerve-based diseases that cannot be stopped or only partially controlled with classical methods, regenerative medicine approaches now offer hope.

Two prominent methods in this field — stem cell and exosome therapies — aim to support damaged retinal or optic nerve cells, promote tissue regeneration, and slow the progression of vision loss.
Although still in the experimental stage, these procedures are scientifically advancing methods that are seen as among the future of eye treatments.

In which diseases are stem cell and exosome therapies used?

These treatments are applied as supportive options in disease groups that are difficult or limited to treatment with classical methods:

• Congenital retinal diseases (e.g., retinitis pigmentosa, congenital retinal dystrophies)

• Chemical or traumatic eye injuries

• Diseases of the optic nerve (optic neuropathies, atrophy, glaucoma)

• Advanced retinal degenerations (Stargardt disease)

• Permanent vision impairments originating from the macula and RPE (dry and wet types of macular degeneration)

The goal is to slow the progression of the disease and preserve existing visual capacity for as long as possible.

What are stem cells and how are they obtained?

Stem cells are specialized cells in the body that have the capacity to regenerate and replace damaged cells.
Treatment usually involves two different sources:

• Autologous stem cells: These are taken from the person's own fat tissue or bone marrow and purified through special laboratory processes.

• Allogeneic stem cells: Obtained from compatible donors (e.g., umbilical cord blood). Umbilical cord stem cells are much younger and newer than cells from other sources, therefore their regenerative properties are much stronger. In addition to their young age, these cells contribute to balancing the immune system, reduce inflammation, and have a high potential to support the repair and regeneration process in the body, thus leading to more effective results in patients' treatment processes. For this reason, they are preferred, especially in eye diseases.

What are exosomes?

Exosomes are microscopic carriers secreted by stem cells that facilitate intercellular communication.
These tiny structures contain growth factors, RNA, and proteins, and carry signals that trigger cell repair.
Exosomes do not directly infect tissue like stem cells, but they initiate and support the healing process at the cellular level.

How is the treatment administered and how does it work?

The treatment is performed under local anesthesia, usually in a short and painless procedure.
Stem cell or exosome solutions are administered subtenonically around the eye in a controlled manner.
The goal is for these regenerative cells to revitalize the microenvironment surrounding the retina and optic nerve.

These cells and exosomes, thanks to the biological signals they secrete:

• It supports the repair of damaged cells,

• It reduces inflammation.

• It increases cellular energy production and blood flow.

• It strengthens the resilience of nerve cells.

After the procedure, the patient is usually discharged the same day and the recovery process is monitored.

These are reliable methods with no side effects.