Stem cell therapy has become a hot topic of late, as it offers the potential for treating various diseases, including numerous eye conditions. If you’re considering stem cell therapy for eye disease, there are a few important questions that you should consider and ask before making your decision about stem cell eye regeneration.
Four Questions to Ask Before Stem Cell Treatment
The FDA has not approved any stem cell products for eye disease at this time. If you’re interested in stem cell therapy, consider speaking to your ophthalmologist about enrolling in a clinical trial.
- What type of stem cells will be used?
The type of stem cells used in the therapy can play a role in its effectiveness. Some clinics use adult stem cells, which are derived from either the patient’s own tissue or from a donor’s tissue. Other clinics, however, use embryonic stem cells, which are derived from donated embryos and have the potential to correct different types of eye conditions. It’s important to ask about the type of stem cells being used and to consider the potential risks associated with each.
- How is the therapy administered?
The method of delivery plays an important role in the success of the treatment. Different types of stem cell therapy may be administered either orally, through injection, through topical application, or by other means. Depending on the type of therapy, the doctor may need to access the back of the eye or use other precise techniques to ensure optimal delivery of the stem cells.
- Is the stem cell treatment covered by your health insurance?
Whether or not stem cell treatments are covered by health insurance depends on the insurance provider and the treatment being sought. Most insurance companies do not cover experimental treatments or unproven treatments, but some may cover approved treatments. To be sure, you should contact your insurance provider for complete information.
- Is the stem cell treatment approved by the FDA?
Each stem cell treatment must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine safety and efficacy. There are clinical trials of stem cell treatments that are being conducted, but they are not yet approved for general use or widespread clinical application.
Facing potential vision loss is both deeply frustrating and frightening. However, it is important to remember that opting to receive stem cell eye regeneration treatment from a licensed clinic carries great results for your vision and wellbeing.
