Stem Cell Applications in Corneal Regeneration and Wound Repair

Abstract

The ability to see our surroundings is possibly the most invaluable of senses in human life. Each year hundreds of thousands of new cases of visual impairment occur, mostly caused by trauma to the eye and subsequent scarring but also due to rare immune disorders. Loss of vision leads to a significant reduction in the quality of life and unfortunately many of the conditions are notoriously difficult to treat. Recently a number of new approaches have been explored, including the use of stem cell technologies as a treatment for different types of visual impairment. This chapter gives an overview of the role of stem cells in corneal wound repair and in the regeneration of corneal tissues. First, corneal development and important characteristics with regards to the anatomy and histology will be discussed. Second, the cornea sources different stem cell types, each having specific characteristics that are used to distinguish between them. Third, injuries to the cornea elicit a number of responses for which specific treatments are required. Corneal stem cells posses wound healing capacities which make them suitable candidates to enhance current treatments. The last parts of this chapter will focus on clinical applications of stem cells in the cornea and currently used methods for corneal reconstruction through traditional and tissue engineering approaches. Alternative stem cell sources will be exemplified with regards to the potential applications concerning corneal repair. To conclude this chapter, the future prospects of stem cell applications in corneal regeneration and wound repair will be discussed.