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Is stem cell treatment effective in improving vision?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have been diagnosed with Stargardt macular dystrophy. The doctors said there is no cure, but one mentioned that stem cell treatment might improve my vision from 6/36 to 6/18. Is this treatment safe, and will it improve my eyesight?

Kindly help.

Answered by Dr. Aditi Dubey

Education:

PGD Ophthalmology

Professional Bio:

Dr. Aditi Dubey is an accomplished Ophthalmologist with nine years of clinical experience. She obtained her MBBS degree from Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, Nashik in 2014 and completed her Post Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmology from Gajra Raja Medical College, Gwalior in 2017. Fluent in English, Dr. Dubey specializes in providing exceptional eye and vision care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern. Stem cell therapy is a new and experimental treatment still being tested. It is not guaranteed to work because we do not have enough documentation yet, especially for genetic disorders where a cure is not possible with current treatments. However, it is worth trying since it is unlikely to cause harm. If it works well, it could improve your vision.

I hope that you got your answer.

Please let me know if you need any help.

Take care.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the reply. What would you suggest: should I try the treatment or not? Is there a chance it could improve my vision? I would also like to know what precautions I should take.

Additionally, will patients with this disease eventually go blind? If so, how likely is it? I am currently studying. Will my vision remain good enough for me to pursue a career as a doctor?

Kindly help.

Answered by Dr. Aditi Dubey

Education:

PGD Ophthalmology

Professional Bio:

Dr. Aditi Dubey is an accomplished Ophthalmologist with nine years of clinical experience. She obtained her MBBS degree from Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, Nashik in 2014 and completed her Post Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmology from Gajra Raja Medical College, Gwalior in 2017. Fluent in English, Dr. Dubey specializes in providing exceptional eye and vision care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

People with this disease usually do not go completely blind but may have blurred central vision, so there is no need to worry too much.

I recommend getting a blindness certificate from your district medical board at a government facility. This can help you in competitive exams. Trying stem cell therapy is an option, but Ayurveda does not play a role in treating this condition.

For your acne, if you think it might be fungal and you have many close comedones, using antiseptic healing cream might not be the best solution as it could clog your pores. It is better to see a dermatologist for advice on the right treatment.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At October 10, 2024
Reviewed At May 5, 2025

Education:

PGD Ophthalmology

Professional Bio:

Dr. Aditi Dubey is an accomplished Ophthalmologist with nine years of clinical experience. She obtained her MBBS degree from Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, Nashik in 2014 and completed her Post Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmology from Gajra Raja Medical College, Gwalior in 2017. Fluent in English, Dr. Dubey specializes in providing exceptional eye and vision care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

PGD Ophthalmology

Professional Bio:

Dr. Aditi Dubey is an accomplished Ophthalmologist with nine years of clinical experience. She obtained her MBBS degree from Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, Nashik in 2014 and completed her Post Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmology from Gajra Raja Medical College, Gwalior in 2017. Fluent in English, Dr. Dubey specializes in providing exceptional eye and vision care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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