Restoring Vision: Where are We with Stem Cells?

Photoreceptor degeneration leads to permanent visual loss due to the lack of regenerative mechanisms in the mammalian retina. This can occur due to defects in the photoreceptors as seen in certain forms of retinitis pigmentosa or secondary to retinal pigment epithelium defects as seen in certain forms of Leber congenital amaurosis and age-related macular degeneration. In this short review, we will cover some recent work on promoting retinal repair either by using endogenous cells in the retina or through cell replacement therapy.