Stem Cell Therapy and Maculopathy

The macula lutea is a highly pigmented yellow spot whose function is to allow fine vision of images, including reading and distinguishing people’s faces. The light rays enter the eye and are directed towards the macula, the observed images are perceived. It is located in the center of the retina, it has an oval shape and a very high concentration of cones, which are the photosensitive cells that provide central, detailed and sharp vision.

What is Macular Degeneration?

Macular damage or degeneration is a progressive disease that causes central vision loss. This disease is known as macular degeneration, which can lead to the development of an advanced and irreversible lesion in the macular region. There are different causes of macular degeneration, the main one is age, mainly in patients over 60 years of age. Other causes are: genetic alterations, smoking, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, among others.

This disease causes irreversible damage that leads to the macula cells to die. Affected people lose their central vision, which means, they can see the sides (peripheral vision) of objects, but not their central part, so their ability to read, recognize faces or drive is diminished. Because central vision acuity is diminished, the disease can progress to total blindness.

Macular degeneration types

• Wet-type macular degeneration. Wet macular degeneration occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the macula and micro hemorrhages appear in different areas, causing a progressive accumulation in this area. In this case, the affected person’s vision is rapidly distorted, blurred vision occurs, and vision loss is severe. It is the most serious form of the disease since the bleeding and scarring of the blood vessels cause irreversible damage to the photoreceptors and leads to total loss of vision, as it does not receive timely treatment.

• Dry-type macular degeneration. Dry macular degeneration consists of a deterioration of photosensitive cells. Drusen, which are yellow deposits found in the center of the retina, accumulate between the retina and the choroid. As age increases, a greater drusen deposit is made in this area. It is the main cause in this type of macular degeneration, being the most common type of degeneration in America. The signs are: seeing distorted straight lines, difficulty reading, and limited central vision. In advanced cases they can cause retinal detachment, or atrophy of the pigment epithelial layer beneath the retina, leading to vision loss.

How can you help you stem cell treatment macular degeneration?

Stem cell treatment for macular degeneration in Mexico is an alternative to regenerate damaged retinal cells, since they function as normal healthy cells, helping to recover central vision capacity, and stopping the progression of degeneration.

Scientific research has revealed that stem cells are useful for eye conditions, including maculopathy. At ProgenCell we are specialists in stem cell treatment for macular degeneration in Tijuana, which consists of favoring the increase in the number of circulating stem cells available for ocular tissues.

Types of cells and mode of application

Stem cells are obtained by extracting bone marrow from the hipbone or tibia under local anesthesia, without causing pain to the patient. Subsequently, the specialist will activate the stem cells with a technique patented by ProgenCell, and in addition to the systemic intravenous application, a retrobulbar injection will be performed to place the stem cells behind the eyeball. A small sample of the extraction is sent to a certified laboratory to study the quantity and quality of stem cells.

The injected stem cells have the potential to duplicate and transform into new cells, acting like normal, healthy retinal cells. Subsequently, these cells travel from the back of the eye, towards the macula and the retina and promote the reconstruction of damaged tissues. In addition to repairing, they will strengthen the neurological system and replace damaged cells in the optic nerve.

How is stem cell treatment macular generation in ProgenCell?

Step 1: A multidisciplinary medical committee made up of our specialists analyzes the patient’s case, his current condition and health history to assess whether he is a candidate for cell therapy and will assess his potential for improvement. Once the case has been evaluated, the ProgenCell staff contacts the patient to inform them of the treatment´s benefits and answer any possible questions about the procedure and the requirements in order to start.

Step 2: Once the patient gives his consent, a plan is made in advance. Since at ProgenCell we have a high demand for treatments, we recommend scheduling the date between 2 and 3 weeks prior to treatment, with the exception of people who require urgent attention.

Step 3: Once the appointment is scheduled, at ProgenCell we assign the patient an agent who will become their personal assistant, who will help them with administrative tasks, logistics, planning their stay, communication with the medical staff, documentation to complete the medical history and explain the informed consent. The complete treatment takes 3 to 6 hours, depending on each case, and during the recovery period they will have access to telephone, television and internet.

How much does stem cell therapy for macular degeneration cost in Tijuana?

The cost of treatment for macular degeneration in Tijuana depends on each case. In general, many factors are analyzed such as the patient’s health status, the type of procedure to be performed, the protocol to be followed, whether the patient requires the use of an operating room or whether treatment will be performed in a patient stay with continuous medical surveillance, among others. All procedures performed are outpatient and low risk.

At ProgenCell we invite you to contact us to request your assessment appointment and find out the price of your treatment. If you need more information about this treatment or about stem cell treatment for eyes contact us.