What are stem cells?

"Stem cells" is a broad term. Researchers distinguish between pluripotent cells (embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells), which can become almost any cell type, and adult or tissue-specific stem and stromal cells, which are more limited. In vision science these cell types are studied for very different purposes.

⚠ Important — educational information only, not medical advice

EyeCyte provides educational and scientific information and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Emerging regenerative and biologic technologies discussed on this website may be experimental, investigational, unapproved, or supported only by preclinical evidence. Patients should discuss medical decisions with appropriately licensed healthcare professionals.
Not an FDA-approved treatment unless explicitly stated. Except where a page names an FDA-approved product, the stem-cell, MSC, exosome, extracellular-vesicle, Wharton’s jelly and other biologic approaches described here are not FDA-approved for any eye condition. Research findings — especially laboratory and animal studies — are not proof that anything works or is safe in people.
Research-Use-Only (RUO): Research-Use-Only (RUO) materials referenced on EyeCyte are for laboratory research by qualified professionals only. They are not drugs, biologics or devices approved for human use, are not intended for administration to people, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate or prevent any disease.
EyeCyte does not sell, offer, recommend or refer for treatment. Be cautious of any clinic offering unapproved stem-cell or biologic injections for the eye; the FDA has warned of serious harm, including blindness.

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What are stem cells?

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