Concise Review: Using Stem Cells to Prevent the Progression of Myopia-A Concept

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Regenerative Medicine
• Genetics

Background:

• Myopia prevalence is increasing globally, particularly in Asia, reaching pandemic levels.
• Early-onset myopia progresses rapidly, leading to sight-threatening complications and complicating adult eye disease treatment.
• Current treatments cannot prevent myopia progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the potential of stem cell therapy for myopia treatment.
• To investigate scleral reinforcement using mesenchymal stem cells.
• To examine dopamine production via stem cells for myopia management.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on myopia and stem cell applications.
• Analysis of scleral weakness in myopia and potential for mesenchymal stem cell intervention.
• Exploration of dopamine's role in myopia and potential for engineered stem cell therapy.

Main Results:

• Mesenchymal stem cell transplantation is a potential strategy for scleral reinforcement in myopia.
• Stem cells engineered for dopamine production may offer a novel therapeutic approach for myopia.
• Sunlight exposure's protective effect is linked to ocular dopamine production.

Conclusions:

• Stem cell therapy presents a promising, potentially universal approach to treating myopia.
• Targeting scleral weakness and dopamine deficiency are key strategies for myopia intervention.
• Further research into stem cell applications could revolutionize myopia treatment and prevention.