Stem cell study shows promise for dry eye treatment

Results from a study have shown that stem cell eye drops eased the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease in adults with and without Sjögren’s disease.

The use of eye drops containing mesenchymal stems cells (MSCs) was tested in a study in China on patients who did not respond to other treatments.

Researchers said: ‘We have demonstrated that MSC eye drops might offer clinical efficacy and manageable safety in treating refractory [dry eye disease] for the first time, potentially bringing a new perspective on the treatment of such patients.’

Published in Stem Cell Research & Therapy, the study identified benefits to tear production and reduced eye surface damage, but mostly in patients without Sjögren’s.