Eye research forum focuses on cure for optical diseases

Stem cell transplantation could potentially restore vision among people with age-related macular degeneration but scientists dont have the evidence yet, say several eye researchers.

Still, the public is welcome to learn about stem cell research at the 19th annual Vision Research Symposia this week.

Hosted by Retina Consultants of Southwest Florida with Schepens Eye Research Institute/Massachusetts Eye and Ear, researchers will discuss clinical studies underway for stem cell transplantation and where it needs to go before it can become a reality.

Patients always do ask but we havent quite gotten there yet, said Dr. Paul Raskauskas, a retinal specialist with Retina Consultants.

Two identical events with researchers from Schepens are Friday at the Hilton Naples, 5111 U.S. N., and Saturday at Harborside Event Center, 1375 Monroe Street, Fort Myers. Both three-hour events are from 9 a.m. to noon.

The Naples event is booked out but on-site registration is possible for the Fort Myers event. There is no charge to the public. For more information, visit http://www.MassEyeAndEar.org/symposia.

An affiliate of Harvard Medical School, Schepens is engaged in extensive eye disease research and the focus with stem cells is treatment for age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in people over 50. Retinitis pigmentosa is rare and about 75,000 people in the United States suffer from it.

One of the speakers is Dr. Michael Young, associate scientist at Schepens/Mass Eye and Ear and associate professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School.

The first transplant was done in Los Angeles about 1 1/2 years ago and, since, 22 patients were in this trial, Young said. So far, it seems safe.

This clinical study is in its first phase of a trial and no report has been issued yet about the findings. Findings may come out in a report in May at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology in Orlando, Young said.

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Eye research forum focuses on cure for optical diseases