Published date: Jul 23 2023

Journal Title: Journal of Ophthalmic and Vision Research

Issue title: July–September 2023, Volume 18, Issue 3

Pages: 318–327

DOI: 10.18502/jovr.v18i3.13780

Atousa Moghadam FardEye Research Center, The Five Senses Health Institute, Rassoul Akram Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Reza MirshahiEye Research Center, The Five Senses Health Institute, Rassoul Akram Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Masood NaseripourStem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Khalil Ghasemi FalavarjaniStem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

This article aimed to review current literature on the safety and efficacy of stem cell therapy in Stargardt disease. A comprehensive literature search was performed, and two animal and eleven human clinical trials were retrieved. These studies utilized different kinds of stem cells, including human or mouse embryonic stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, bone marrow mononuclear fraction, and autologous bone marrow-derived stem cells. In addition, different injection techniques including subretinal, intravitreal, and suprachoroidal space injections have been evaluated. Although stem cell therapy holds promise in improving visual function in patients with Stargardt disease, further investigation is needed to determine the long-term benefits, safety, and efficacy in determining the best delivery method and selecting the most appropriate stem cell type.

Keywords: Juvenile-Onset Macular Degeneration; Juvenile-Onset Macular Dystrophy; Stargardt Disease; Stem Cell; Stem Cell Therapy

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