title: A review and update on the current status of stem cell therapy and the retina.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Many diseases of the retina result in irreversible visual loss. Stem cell (SC) therapy is a rapidly developing field and represents a novel approach to replace non-functioning neuro-retinal cells.
  
  
  METHODS
  A systematic computerized literature search was conducted on PubMed (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The use of stem cells (SCs) in animal models of retinal diseases has resulted in improvement in visual function and performance. SC therapy represents an exciting prospect in restoring vision. Areas of controversy The use of human embryonic SCs raises ethical concerns.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Human trials using SCs in retinal diseases have recently been approved.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The success of SCs in retinal therapy depends not only on implanted cell survival, but also on how well SCs migrate, integrate and form synapses. Further research will be needed to overcome these hurdles.
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Health Research, Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK. jongmin@doctors.org.uk
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Ong
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: da Cruz
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D020419:Photoreceptor Cells, Vertebrate / Q000637:transplantation; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D012165:Retinal Ganglion Cells / Q000637:transplantation; D055213:Retinal Pigment Epithelium / Q000637:transplantation; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000379:methods*