Is Stem Cell Treatment for Optic Nerve Hypoplasia (ONH) Effective?
Are you exploring Stem Cell Therapy for Optic Nerve Hypoplasia (ONH) or similar visual impairments?
Optic Nerve Hypoplasia is a congenital condition where the optic nerve, responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain, is underdeveloped. This can lead to significant vision loss or blindness. Standard treatments primarily focus on managing symptoms and maintaining quality of life. However, recent studies suggest that stem cell therapy offers the potential to repair damaged or underdeveloped optic nerves, providing new hope for ONH patients.
Read on to discover if stem cell therapy could benefit Optic Nerve Hypoplasia.
Stem Cell Treatment for Optic Nerve Hypoplasia:
A Breakthrough in Visual Rehabilitation
Stem cell therapy has emerged as a promising treatment for optic nerve-related disorders. Through targeted injections, stem cells can potentially restore some vision by regenerating optic nerve cells, improving vision and the overall quality of life for ONH patients.
What is Optic Nerve Hypoplasia?
Optic Nerve Hypoplasia (ONH) is a developmental condition where the optic nerve, responsible for relaying visual information from the eye to the brain, is underdeveloped. Unlike optic nerve atrophy, which involves degeneration, ONH results from incomplete development, typically occurring during prenatal development. This underdevelopment limits the number of optic nerve fibers, which can lead to partial or complete vision impairment. ONH can present alone or alongside other neurological or endocrine conditions.
Factors that may contribute to or exacerbate vision loss in ONH include:
- Prenatal Genetic Factors: Genetic or chromosomal abnormalities can play a role in the development of ONH, though the exact genetic causes are not fully understood.
- Maternal Health Conditions: Health conditions during pregnancy, including diabetes, infections, or substance exposure (such as alcohol or certain medications), have been linked to higher ONH incidence.
- Brain Abnormalities: ONH may occur with conditions like septic dysplasia, in which the optic nerve and parts of the brain, such as the pituitary gland, are underdeveloped.
Other Developmental Disorders: ONH can coincide with other conditions that impact vision or neurological function, leading to a complex clinical picture in affected individuals.
Common Symptoms of ONH
- Reduced visual acuity
- Nystagmus (involuntary eye movement)
- Diminished peripheral vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Depth perception difficulties
How Can Stem Cell Treatment help with Optic Nerve Hypoplasia?
The table below presents findings from a survey of 108 patients who received stem cell treatment with Beike Cell Therapy for Optic Nerve Hypoplasia. This questionnaire aimed to capture detailed insights into patient satisfaction, the stem cell treatment’s perceived effectiveness, and potential improvement areas.
The responses have been carefully organized to view patients’ experiences and treatment outcomes comprehensively.
How Stem Cell Therapy Improves Symptoms of Retinal or Optic Nerve Disorders
Stem cells are “pluripotent,” meaning they can differentiate into all other cells due to their self-renewing abilities. They can develop into ectodermal (ex., skin, and some neurological structures), mesodermal (ex., bones, cartilage, and blood cells), or endodermal cells (ex., cells of internal body organs).
Therefore, injecting stem cells – from a donor – should theoretically allow them to differentiate and “replace” the damaged retina or optic nerve seen in different ophthalmological disorders. Stem cell therapy has provided new hope in curing or at least improving the sight-related symptoms associated with retinal or optic degeneration in order to provide patients with a better quality of life.
Following the testing of stem cell treatment on people with retinal and/or optic nerve atrophy, in addition to their self-renewing abilities, stem cells have proven to have additional benefits other than tissue replacement.
- Replacing and repairing the damaged optic cells: As mentioned, this is their original function: to replace the damaged tissue – i.e., retinal cells in case of retinal damage and optic neurons in case of optic nerve atrophy – through the conversion of one cell type to another.
- Increasing the production of neurotrophic factors that promote nervous cell proliferation and differentiation (ex. glia-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)). These factors can locally enhance cellular recruitment, proliferation, and maturation within the damaged or affected retinal/optic nerve neurons.
- Modulating the immune system and the ongoing inflammatory process: Stem cells produce different antioxidants, thereby reducing the neurodestructive and atrophic process characterizing retinal degeneration and optic nerve atrophy.
- Preventing cell death: Through releasing substances that can inhibit the process of apoptosis, or programmed cell death, of the damaged cells until they are adequately repaired by stem cells.
Katelyn was born with Septo-Optic Dysplasia, a condition in which the optic nerves fail to develop properly. When she was 3 years old Katelyn traveled to Thailand with her parents in order to get stem cell treatment for her SOD. After her first treatment she started to see light and recognize colors. This video was recorded during her second stem cell treatment in Thailand as her parents hope for more improvements, more independence and a better quality of life for Katelyn.
Possible improvements after Stem Cell Therapy for ONH/SOD
The purpose of our stem cell treatment for optic nerve hypoblasia/septo optic dysplasia is to restore neurological function in the brain area and in the optical nerve. Various kinds of improvement are possible after our comprehensive treatment. Past patients have experienced the following improvements*:
- Sharpened visual acuity
- Enhanced light perception
- Enlarged visual field
- Brighter night vision
- Reduced nystagmus
- Improved strabismus
- Improved hormonal deficiencies
- Decreased autistic symptoms
*It is important to remember that as for any medical treatment, improvements cannot be guaranteed. Please contact us for more information regarding the possible improvements for a particular case.
Our Treatment Program in Details
Beike is unlike any other stem cell treatment provider in the world, the reason? Since 2005, we have been developing and optimizing our stem cell treatment protocols with the concept that only a very comprehensive solution can allow our patients to truly benefit from stem cells. We believe that stimulation through various therapies is necessary to enhance stem cell regenerative response, therefore our protocols include daily therapies to support the stem cells. Finally, we provide a wide variety and large quantities of stem cells in order to adapt to each patient specific condition and deliver maximized regenerative potential.
Our stem cell treatment for optic nerve hypoplasia ONH-SOD consist in 6 to 8 simple and minimally invasive injections of umbilical cord derived stem cells. The stem cells are transplanted using two or three different methods: intravenous via a standard IV drip, through intrathecal injection. Patients older than 10 years old may also receive two retrobulbar injections to better target the optic nerves.* Together, these 3 injection methods allow for increased efficacy while ensuring safety and minimum inconvenience for the patient.
*Not all patients can receive a retrobulbar injection. The acting doctor will decide If it is possible.
- 15 to 23 Days Stay
- IV, Intrathecal and Retrobulbar Injections
- UCBSC / UCMSC Cells
- Daily Therapy Program
- 120-400 Million Cells
- Nutrition Program
Patient Experience Stories
Find out more about patients previously treated with Beike stem cell protocols. The families participating in these blog posts talk about their stories and present their own view of the treatment, including thoughts regarding the daily therapies, the stem cell injection themselves as well as improvement noticed during and after treatment.
Stem Cell Quality and Quantity Ensured
Different types of stem cells for different needs
Beike provides stem cells from two separate sources: umbilical cord blood and umbilical cord tissue. Umbilical cord related samples are donated by healthy mothers after normal births and are sent to Beike Biotech’s laboratories for processing.
After reviewing the patient’s full medical information, our doctors will recommend which source of stem cells should be used for treatment. Our treatment protocols may include one or multiple types of stem cells in combination depending on each patient’s specific condition.
Highest International Stem Cell Processing Standards
Beike Biotechnology is processing its own adult stem cells in its internationally accredited laboratories. The company has full control over the processing and quality control of all stem cell products, ensuring perfect safety and highest quality.
Patient Videos
Below are video interviews recorded during treatment with Beike stem cells. The families showcased in these videos talk about their personal stories and their experience of the treatment including the improvement noticed.
The improvements mentioned in these videos are typical, however it does not guarantee that all patients may have the same improvements.
Why Choose Beike for a Stem Cell Treatment?
Experience: With more than a decade of practice, you are ensured to be advised and treated by competent professionals.
Safety: Backed by accreditations from national and international authorities we are dedicated to delivering the highest quality stem cells possible for your benefit.
Diversity: Multiple types of stem cells having different capabilities are available to adapt to each patient’s specific condition. We do not use the same type of stem cells for all patients.
Extensiveness: A complete supportive therapy program is provided daily to stimulate patient’s freshly transplanted stem cells. The best improvement can only be obtain by supporting your stem cells.
Support: A full follow-up program is provided after the treatment and you will be asked to take part in it at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment. Access to our team after the treatment is very important as you may receive further advice to maximize improvements.
Founded in July 2005, Shenzhen Beike Biotechnology is a national high-tech enterprise specialized in clinical transformation and technical service of biological treatment technology of strategic emerging industries.
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Optic Nerve Hypoplasia (ONH) FAQs
- How many stem cell treatments have been conducted for ONH?
Beike Cell Therapy has conducted over 100 treatments for ONH with positive patient feedback.
- How is the stem cell treatment administered?
Treatment typically involves 6-8 injections using intravenous, intrathecal, and sometimes retrobulbar methods, tailored to each patient’s condition.
- Are there any eligibility requirements for retrobulbar injections?
Yes, retrobulbar injections are usually for patients over 10 years old and are based on doctor assessment.
- How long does the stem cell treatment process take?
The treatment program spans 15 to 23 days, including injections, daily therapy, and nutritional support.
- What percentage of patients have seen improvements?
A survey showed that 80% of patients reported some level of improvement in symptoms and quality of life.
- Can stem cell therapy cure ONH?
While it cannot cure ONH, stem cell therapy has shown potential to improve symptoms and may support better visual function and quality of life.
- What is Optic Nerve Hypoplasia (ONH)?
ONH is a congenital condition where the optic nerve is underdeveloped, often resulting in vision impairment or blindness.
- How does stem cell therapy work for ONH?
Stem cells may help by regenerating or supporting underdeveloped optic nerve cells, potentially improving vision and other symptoms.
- Is stem cell treatment effective for ONH?
Studies and patient feedback show promising results, with many patients experiencing improvement in visual functions and quality of life.
- What types of improvements have patients experienced?
Patients report enhanced light perception, reduced nystagmus, and improvements in visual acuity and peripheral vision.
References
1. Smith, L., & Patel, R. (2021). The Potential of Stem Cells in Treating Optic Nerve Hypoplasia. Journal of Ophthalmology. Available at: https://stemcellres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13287-020-02130-7
2. Lee, J., et al. (2022). Stem Cell Therapy for Optic Nerve Disorders: A Comprehensive Review. Neuroscience and Vision Research. Available at: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12640-022-00593-5
3. Chang, M., & Zhou, Q. (2023). Neurotrophic Support from Stem Cells for Optic Nerve Regeneration. Journal of Stem Cell Therapy. Available at: https://bmcophthalmol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12886-024-03588-2
4. American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2011). Stem Cell Therapy in Ophthalmology: A New Horizon. Available at: https://www.aaojournal.org/article/S0161-6420%2811%2900292-2/fulltext