Retinal Transplantation

Injecting a layer of cells (already composed of photoreceptor and/or RPE cells) into the retina to replace dying cells.

Retinal transplantation is injecting a layer of cells (already composed of photoreceptor and/or RPE cells) into the retina, near the macula, with the purpose of replacing dead or dying retina cells. There are two ways that retinal transplantation could improve vision: 1) the transplanted, healthy photoreceptor and RPE cells would integrate into existing retina and signal through the optic nerve to the brain; 2) the transplants would slow or stop the progression of the disease (either with or without integration into the retina) by producing survival proteins that would keep remaining photoreceptor cells from dying and improve their detection of light and/or transmission of signals. Clinical trials are currently underway.