# EyeCyte — all answers EyeCyte provides educational and scientific information and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Emerging regenerative and biologic technologies discussed on this website may be experimental, investigational, unapproved, or supported only by preclinical evidence. Patients should discuss medical decisions with appropriately licensed healthcare professionals. Research-Use-Only (RUO) materials referenced on EyeCyte are for laboratory research by qualified professionals only. They are not drugs, biologics or devices approved for human use, are not intended for administration to people, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate or prevent any disease. ## Age-Related Macular Degeneration ### What is age-related macular degeneration? Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed central vision. It is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. AMD is usually described as dry (atrophic) — including its advanced form, geographic atrophy — or wet (neovascular), in which abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/macular-degeneration · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/what-is-age-related-macular-degeneration ### What causes age-related macular degeneration? AMD develops from a combination of age, genetics and environmental factors such as smoking. Researchers study the roles of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), the complement system, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress and abnormal blood-vessel growth. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/macular-degeneration · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/what-causes-age-related-macular-degeneration ### How is age-related macular degeneration currently treated? Regular monitoring by an eye-care professional, including home monitoring of central vision when advised. For intermediate AMD, specific nutritional supplement formulations studied by the National Eye Institute (AREDS/AREDS2) may be recommended by a clinician. For wet AMD, intravitreal anti-VEGF injections are established care. Low-vision rehabilitation and assistive devices. EyeCyte is educational; treatment decisions belong with a licensed eye-care professional. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/macular-degeneration · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/how-is-age-related-macular-degeneration-currently-treated ### Is any stem cell or exosome product FDA approved for age-related macular degeneration? No stem cell, MSC, exosome or Wharton’s jelly product is FDA-approved to treat AMD, to our knowledge as of our last review. Confirm current status on the FDA's list of approved cellular and gene therapy products. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/macular-degeneration · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/is-any-stem-cell-or-exosome-product-fda-approved-for-age-related-macular-degeneration ### What has not been proven about regenerative medicine for age-related macular degeneration? That any cell or biologic approach improves vision in people with AMD. The long-term safety and durability of transplanted RPE cells. That exosome or extracellular-vesicle products have any benefit in AMD. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/macular-degeneration · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/what-has-not-been-proven-about-regenerative-medicine-for-age-related-macular-degeneration ### Are stem cells being studied for macular degeneration? Yes. Early-phase human studies have tested laboratory-grown RPE cells, mostly to assess safety. This is research, not an established treatment. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/macular-degeneration · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/are-stem-cells-being-studied-for-macular-degeneration ### Is any stem cell treatment FDA approved for macular degeneration? Not to our knowledge as of our last review. Established care includes anti-VEGF injections for wet AMD and, since 2023, approved complement inhibitors for geographic atrophy. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/macular-degeneration · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/is-any-stem-cell-treatment-fda-approved-for-macular-degeneration ### What is the difference between a clinical trial and a clinic offering stem cells? A legitimate trial is registered, overseen by an ethics board and regulators, and does not typically charge participants for the investigational product. Clinics selling unapproved procedures may not have these protections. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/macular-degeneration · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/what-is-the-difference-between-a-clinical-trial-and-a-clinic-offering-stem-cells ## Stargardt Disease ### What is stargardt disease? Stargardt disease is an inherited macular dystrophy, most often caused by variants in the ABCA4 gene. It typically begins in childhood or early adulthood and causes progressive loss of central vision. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/stargardt-disease · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/what-is-stargardt-disease ### What causes stargardt disease? Most cases are inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. Researchers study how the accumulation of byproducts of the visual cycle damages RPE cells and photoreceptors. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/stargardt-disease · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/what-causes-stargardt-disease ### How is stargardt disease currently treated? Diagnosis and genetic testing through a retina or inherited-retinal-disease specialist. Protection from bright light and avoidance of vitamin A supplements unless a clinician advises otherwise. Low-vision rehabilitation. EyeCyte is educational; treatment decisions belong with a licensed eye-care professional. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/stargardt-disease · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/how-is-stargardt-disease-currently-treated ### Is any stem cell or exosome product FDA approved for stargardt disease? We are not aware of any FDA-approved treatment for Stargardt disease as of our last review, and no cell or biologic product is approved for it. Confirm current status with a specialist. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/stargardt-disease · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/is-any-stem-cell-or-exosome-product-fda-approved-for-stargardt-disease ### What has not been proven about regenerative medicine for stargardt disease? That cell transplantation improves or preserves vision in Stargardt disease. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/stargardt-disease · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/what-has-not-been-proven-about-regenerative-medicine-for-stargardt-disease ### Has stem cell research been done in Stargardt disease? Yes — small, early-phase studies focused on safety. These do not establish a treatment. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/stargardt-disease · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/has-stem-cell-research-been-done-in-stargardt-disease ## Retinitis Pigmentosa & Inherited Retinal Diseases ### What is retinitis pigmentosa & inherited retinal diseases? Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited retinal diseases in which photoreceptors gradually degenerate, typically starting with night vision and peripheral vision. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/retinitis-pigmentosa · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/what-is-retinitis-pigmentosa-inherited-retinal-diseases ### What causes retinitis pigmentosa & inherited retinal diseases? Variants in many different genes can cause RP; the gene involved affects the pattern of inheritance and progression. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/retinitis-pigmentosa · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/what-causes-retinitis-pigmentosa-inherited-retinal-diseases ### How is retinitis pigmentosa & inherited retinal diseases currently treated? Diagnosis, genetic testing and counseling with an inherited-retinal-disease specialist. Low-vision rehabilitation and orientation and mobility services. EyeCyte is educational; treatment decisions belong with a licensed eye-care professional. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/retinitis-pigmentosa · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/how-is-retinitis-pigmentosa-inherited-retinal-diseases-currently-treated ### Is any stem cell or exosome product FDA approved for retinitis pigmentosa & inherited retinal diseases? No stem cell, MSC, exosome or Wharton’s jelly product is FDA-approved for retinitis pigmentosa, to our knowledge as of our last review. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/retinitis-pigmentosa · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/is-any-stem-cell-or-exosome-product-fda-approved-for-retinitis-pigmentosa-inherited-retina ### What has not been proven about regenerative medicine for retinitis pigmentosa & inherited retinal diseases? That any cell therapy restores vision in retinitis pigmentosa. Which genetic forms, if any, might benefit from cell-based approaches. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/retinitis-pigmentosa · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/what-has-not-been-proven-about-regenerative-medicine-for-retinitis-pigmentosa-inherited-re ### Is there an approved therapy for retinitis pigmentosa? One gene therapy is approved for a specific genetic cause (biallelic RPE65 variants). No stem cell therapy is approved for RP to our knowledge. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/retinitis-pigmentosa · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/is-there-an-approved-therapy-for-retinitis-pigmentosa ## Diabetic Retinopathy & Diabetic Macular Edema ### What is diabetic retinopathy & diabetic macular edema? Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the retina's blood vessels caused by diabetes. Diabetic macular edema (DME) is swelling of the macula from leaking vessels and is a common cause of vision loss in people with diabetes. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/diabetic-retinopathy · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/what-is-diabetic-retinopathy-diabetic-macular-edema ### What causes diabetic retinopathy & diabetic macular edema? Long-term high blood sugar damages small blood vessels; researchers study vascular leakage, inflammation, abnormal vessel growth and neural damage. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/diabetic-retinopathy · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/what-causes-diabetic-retinopathy-diabetic-macular-edema ### How is diabetic retinopathy & diabetic macular edema currently treated? Control of blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol with a physician. Regular dilated eye exams. For DME, anti-VEGF injections and, in some cases, corticosteroid implants or laser. Laser and surgery (vitrectomy) for advanced disease. EyeCyte is educational; treatment decisions belong with a licensed eye-care professional. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/diabetic-retinopathy · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/how-is-diabetic-retinopathy-diabetic-macular-edema-currently-treated ### Is any stem cell or exosome product FDA approved for diabetic retinopathy & diabetic macular edema? No cell, exosome or Wharton’s jelly product is FDA-approved for diabetic retinopathy, to our knowledge as of our last review. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/diabetic-retinopathy · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/is-any-stem-cell-or-exosome-product-fda-approved-for-diabetic-retinopathy-diabetic-macular ### What has not been proven about regenerative medicine for diabetic retinopathy & diabetic macular edema? That any cell or vesicle approach slows or reverses diabetic retinopathy in people. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/diabetic-retinopathy · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/what-has-not-been-proven-about-regenerative-medicine-for-diabetic-retinopathy-diabetic-mac ### Are exosomes being studied for diabetic retinopathy? In the laboratory and in animal models. There is no established human evidence, and no exosome product is approved for this use. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/diabetic-retinopathy · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/are-exosomes-being-studied-for-diabetic-retinopathy ## Glaucoma ### What is glaucoma? Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve, often — but not always — associated with elevated eye pressure. Vision loss usually begins in the periphery and is permanent. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/glaucoma · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/what-is-glaucoma ### What causes glaucoma? Risk factors include elevated intraocular pressure, age, family history and certain ethnic backgrounds. Researchers study the survival of retinal ganglion cells, whose axons form the optic nerve. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/glaucoma · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/what-causes-glaucoma ### How is glaucoma currently treated? Lowering eye pressure with eye drops, laser procedures or surgery. Regular monitoring of the optic nerve and visual field. EyeCyte is educational; treatment decisions belong with a licensed eye-care professional. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/glaucoma · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/how-is-glaucoma-currently-treated ### Is any stem cell or exosome product FDA approved for glaucoma? No cell or biologic product is FDA-approved to restore vision lost to glaucoma, to our knowledge as of our last review. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/glaucoma · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/is-any-stem-cell-or-exosome-product-fda-approved-for-glaucoma ### What has not been proven about regenerative medicine for glaucoma? That any cell or vesicle approach protects or restores vision in people with glaucoma. That lost optic-nerve function can be restored. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/glaucoma · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/what-has-not-been-proven-about-regenerative-medicine-for-glaucoma ### Can stem cells reverse glaucoma? No cell therapy has been shown to reverse glaucoma vision loss. Research on protecting retinal ganglion cells is ongoing, largely in animal models. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/glaucoma · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/can-stem-cells-reverse-glaucoma ## Optic Nerve Damage & Optic Neuropathy ### What is optic nerve damage & optic neuropathy? Optic neuropathy is damage to the optic nerve, which carries visual information from the eye to the brain. Causes include reduced blood flow (ischemic optic neuropathy), inflammation (optic neuritis), trauma, compression and inherited conditions. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/optic-nerve-damage · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/what-is-optic-nerve-damage-optic-neuropathy ### What causes optic nerve damage & optic neuropathy? Varies by type; the common end point is loss of retinal ganglion cells and their axons. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/optic-nerve-damage · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/what-causes-optic-nerve-damage-optic-neuropathy ### How is optic nerve damage & optic neuropathy currently treated? Evaluation by an ophthalmologist or neuro-ophthalmologist to identify the cause. Treatment of the underlying cause where one exists. EyeCyte is educational; treatment decisions belong with a licensed eye-care professional. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/optic-nerve-damage · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/how-is-optic-nerve-damage-optic-neuropathy-currently-treated ### Is any stem cell or exosome product FDA approved for optic nerve damage & optic neuropathy? No cell or biologic product is FDA-approved to regenerate the optic nerve, to our knowledge as of our last review. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/optic-nerve-damage · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/is-any-stem-cell-or-exosome-product-fda-approved-for-optic-nerve-damage-optic-neuropathy ### What has not been proven about regenerative medicine for optic nerve damage & optic neuropathy? That optic nerve function can be restored in people with any cell or vesicle approach. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/optic-nerve-damage · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/what-has-not-been-proven-about-regenerative-medicine-for-optic-nerve-damage-optic-neuropat ### Is optic nerve regeneration possible today? Not as an established treatment. It remains an active area of laboratory and animal research. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/optic-nerve-damage · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/is-optic-nerve-regeneration-possible-today ## Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency & Corneal Damage ### What is limbal stem cell deficiency & corneal damage? Limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) occurs when the stem cells at the edge of the cornea (the limbus) are damaged or lost, so the corneal surface can no longer renew itself normally. Chemical and thermal burns are common causes. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/limbal-stem-cell-deficiency · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/what-is-limbal-stem-cell-deficiency-corneal-damage ### What causes limbal stem cell deficiency & corneal damage? Chemical or thermal injury, certain inflammatory diseases, contact-lens-related injury, surgery and some genetic conditions. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/limbal-stem-cell-deficiency · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/what-causes-limbal-stem-cell-deficiency-corneal-damage ### How is limbal stem cell deficiency & corneal damage currently treated? Management by a cornea specialist. Depending on severity, surgical approaches that transplant limbal tissue from the healthy eye or a donor. EyeCyte is educational; treatment decisions belong with a licensed eye-care professional. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/limbal-stem-cell-deficiency · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/how-is-limbal-stem-cell-deficiency-corneal-damage-currently-treated ### Is any stem cell or exosome product FDA approved for limbal stem cell deficiency & corneal damage? We are not aware of an FDA-approved cultivated limbal stem cell product as of our last review; confirm current status with a cornea specialist. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/limbal-stem-cell-deficiency · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/is-any-stem-cell-or-exosome-product-fda-approved-for-limbal-stem-cell-deficiency-corneal-d ### What has not been proven about regenerative medicine for limbal stem cell deficiency & corneal damage? That MSC or exosome products are effective for LSCD. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/limbal-stem-cell-deficiency · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/what-has-not-been-proven-about-regenerative-medicine-for-limbal-stem-cell-deficiency-corne ### Is limbal stem cell transplantation the same as a stem cell clinic injection? No. Limbal stem cell transplantation is a specialized surgical approach for a specific condition, performed by cornea surgeons. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/limbal-stem-cell-deficiency · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/is-limbal-stem-cell-transplantation-the-same-as-a-stem-cell-clinic-injection ## Dry Eye Disease ### What is dry eye disease? Dry eye disease is a common condition in which the tear film does not adequately lubricate the ocular surface, causing discomfort, irritation and fluctuating vision. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/dry-eye · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/what-is-dry-eye-disease ### What causes dry eye disease? Reduced tear production, increased evaporation (often from meibomian gland dysfunction), inflammation, autoimmune conditions such as Sjögren's, medications, and environmental factors. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/dry-eye · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/what-causes-dry-eye-disease ### How is dry eye disease currently treated? Artificial tears, eyelid hygiene and treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction. Prescription anti-inflammatory eye drops and other approved medicines. Punctal plugs and in-office procedures in selected cases. EyeCyte is educational; treatment decisions belong with a licensed eye-care professional. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/dry-eye · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/how-is-dry-eye-disease-currently-treated ### Is any stem cell or exosome product FDA approved for dry eye disease? No cell, exosome or Wharton’s jelly product is FDA-approved for dry eye disease, to our knowledge as of our last review. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/dry-eye · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/is-any-stem-cell-or-exosome-product-fda-approved-for-dry-eye-disease ### What has not been proven about regenerative medicine for dry eye disease? That MSC, exosome or umbilical-cord-derived products treat dry eye disease. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/dry-eye · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/what-has-not-been-proven-about-regenerative-medicine-for-dry-eye-disease ### Are exosome eye drops approved for dry eye? Not to our knowledge. The FDA has warned consumers about unapproved exosome products. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/dry-eye · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/are-exosome-eye-drops-approved-for-dry-eye ## Uveitis & Ocular Inflammation ### What is uveitis & ocular inflammation? Uveitis is inflammation inside the eye, affecting the uvea and sometimes the retina. It can be associated with autoimmune disease, infection, or occur without an identified cause, and can threaten vision. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/uveitis · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/what-is-uveitis-ocular-inflammation ### What causes uveitis & ocular inflammation? Autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, infections, trauma, and unknown (idiopathic) causes. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/uveitis · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/what-causes-uveitis-ocular-inflammation ### How is uveitis & ocular inflammation currently treated? Urgent evaluation by an ophthalmologist or uveitis specialist. Corticosteroids and immunosuppressive or biologic medicines prescribed by specialists, depending on the cause. EyeCyte is educational; treatment decisions belong with a licensed eye-care professional. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/uveitis · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/how-is-uveitis-ocular-inflammation-currently-treated ### Is any stem cell or exosome product FDA approved for uveitis & ocular inflammation? No stem cell or exosome product is FDA-approved for uveitis, to our knowledge as of our last review. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/uveitis · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/is-any-stem-cell-or-exosome-product-fda-approved-for-uveitis-ocular-inflammation ### What has not been proven about regenerative medicine for uveitis & ocular inflammation? That MSCs or their products are safe or effective for uveitis in people. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/uveitis · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/what-has-not-been-proven-about-regenerative-medicine-for-uveitis-ocular-inflammation ### Are stem cells used to treat uveitis? Not as an established treatment. Research is at the animal-model stage. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/conditions/uveitis · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/are-stem-cells-used-to-treat-uveitis ## Stem Cell Research ### What are stem cells? "Stem cells" is a broad term. Researchers distinguish between pluripotent cells (embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells), which can become almost any cell type, and adult or tissue-specific stem and stromal cells, which are more limited. In vision science these cell types are studied for very different purposes. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/research/stem-cells · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/what-are-stem-cells ### Are stem cells an approved treatment for eye disease? Not in general. Some specialized corneal procedures using limbal stem cells are established in certain jurisdictions; most other stem cell approaches remain investigational. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/research/stem-cells · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/are-stem-cells-an-approved-treatment-for-eye-disease ## Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells (MSCs) ### What are MSCs? Mesenchymal stromal cells — often called mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) — are cells found in tissues such as bone marrow, fat and the umbilical cord. International criteria define MSCs by laboratory characteristics such as surface markers and the ability to differentiate into bone, fat and cartilage cells in culture. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/research/msc · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/what-are-mscs ### Are MSC eye injections approved? Not to our knowledge for any eye disease. The FDA has warned about unapproved stem cell products. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/research/msc · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/are-msc-eye-injections-approved ## Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) ### What are iPSCs? Induced pluripotent stem cells are adult cells — such as skin or blood cells — reprogrammed in the laboratory into a pluripotent state. The technique was first reported in 2006. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/research/ipsc · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/what-are-ipscs ### Are iPSC treatments available for eye disease? Not as approved treatments. iPSC-derived cells have been studied in early-phase research. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/research/ipsc · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/are-ipsc-treatments-available-for-eye-disease ## Stem-Cell-Derived RPE Cells ### What are RPE cells? The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a single layer of cells that supports the photoreceptors. RPE loss is central to macular degeneration, which is why RPE cells grown from pluripotent stem cells are among the most studied cell-replacement approaches in the eye. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/research/rpe-cells · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/what-are-rpe-cells ### Is RPE transplantation a treatment for macular degeneration? It is an investigational approach studied in early-phase trials, not an established treatment. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/research/rpe-cells · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/is-rpe-transplantation-a-treatment-for-macular-degeneration ## Retinal Progenitor Cells ### What are retinal progenitor cells? Retinal progenitor cells are immature cells capable of developing into retinal cell types. They have been investigated in degenerative retinal diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/research/retinal-progenitor-cells · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/what-are-retinal-progenitor-cells ### Are retinal progenitor cells approved? Not to our knowledge. They have been studied in clinical trials. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/research/retinal-progenitor-cells · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/are-retinal-progenitor-cells-approved ## Limbal Stem Cells ### What are limbal stem cells? Limbal stem cells live at the border of the cornea and the white of the eye. They continuously renew the corneal surface. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/research/limbal-stem-cells · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/what-are-limbal-stem-cells ### Is this the same as stem cell injections sold by clinics? No — limbal stem cell transplantation is a specific corneal surgery for a specific diagnosis. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/research/limbal-stem-cells · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/is-this-the-same-as-stem-cell-injections-sold-by-clinics ## Extracellular Vesicles ### What are extracellular vesicles? Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are tiny membrane-bound particles released by virtually all cells. They carry proteins, lipids and nucleic acids such as microRNA, and researchers study them as messengers in cell-to-cell communication. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/research/extracellular-vesicles · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/what-are-extracellular-vesicles ### Are extracellular vesicles a treatment? No. They are a subject of research. No EV or exosome product is FDA-approved to treat an eye disease to our knowledge. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/research/extracellular-vesicles · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/are-extracellular-vesicles-a-treatment ## Exosomes ### What are exosomes? "Exosome" is one of the most-searched terms in regenerative medicine — and one of the most loosely used. Scientifically, exosomes are a subtype of extracellular vesicle that originate inside cells; in practice, many products labelled "exosomes" are mixtures of particles whose contents are not fully characterised. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/research/exosomes · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/what-are-exosomes ### Are exosome eye drops approved? Not to our knowledge. See the FDA's public safety notification on exosome products. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/research/exosomes · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/are-exosome-eye-drops-approved ## Wharton’s Jelly ### What is Wharton’s jelly? Wharton’s jelly is the gelatinous connective tissue inside the umbilical cord. It contains MSCs and an extracellular matrix rich in signaling molecules, which has made it a subject of laboratory research. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/research/whartons-jelly · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/what-is-whartons-jelly ### Is Wharton’s jelly an approved eye treatment? No, not to our knowledge. It is studied in laboratory and early research. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/research/whartons-jelly · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/is-whartons-jelly-an-approved-eye-treatment ## Neuroprotection ### What is neuroprotection in eye disease research? Neuroprotection research asks whether neurons in the retina and optic nerve can be kept alive in the face of disease. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/mechanisms/neuroprotection · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/what-is-neuroprotection-in-eye-disease-research ## Ocular Inflammation ### What is ocular inflammation in eye disease research? Inflammation contributes to many eye diseases, from uveitis to dry eye and diabetic retinopathy. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/mechanisms/inflammation · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/what-is-ocular-inflammation-in-eye-disease-research ## Angiogenesis ### What is angiogenesis in eye disease research? Angiogenesis is the growth of new blood vessels. Abnormal vessel growth drives wet AMD and proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/mechanisms/angiogenesis · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/what-is-angiogenesis-in-eye-disease-research ## Oxidative Stress ### What is oxidative stress in eye disease research? Oxidative stress is damage caused by reactive oxygen species. The retina's high oxygen use and light exposure make it a focus in aging and degeneration research. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/mechanisms/oxidative-stress · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/what-is-oxidative-stress-in-eye-disease-research ## Cell Signaling ### What is cell signaling in eye disease research? Cells communicate through secreted molecules — growth factors, cytokines, microRNA — and extracellular vesicles. Much regenerative research studies these paracrine signals rather than cell replacement. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/mechanisms/cell-signaling · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/what-is-cell-signaling-in-eye-disease-research ## Cell Replacement ### What is cell replacement in eye disease research? Cell replacement research aims to replace cells lost to disease with laboratory-derived cells. Source page: https://eyecyte.com/mechanisms/cell-replacement · Answer: https://eyecyte.com/answers/what-is-cell-replacement-in-eye-disease-research