New Method Improves Quality of Stem Cells for Treating Eye Disease

Newswise — Denver, Colo. – Researchers have developed a new method of purifying stem cells that is faster, more efficient and less expensive than current methods for treating diseases of the retina. The research is being presented at the 2015 Annual Meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) this week in Denver, Colo.

The new stem cell purification process involves growing stem cells on a special chip containing a computer system. Each stem cell is monitored closely, and the lower quality cells are removed as soon as they are identified.

Stem cell therapy is a rapidly growing field in ophthalmology. The goal of the therapy is to obtain enough of the exact type of stem cell required to get the best results. This new method could improve the effectiveness of stem cell research and therapy for eye disease.

Abstract Title: On-chip stem cell preparation system for retinal disease treatmentPresentation Start/End Time: Sunday, May 3, 1:30 – 3:15pm Location: Exhibit Hall Abstract Number: 747 - D0141

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The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) is the largest eye and vision research organization in the world. Members include nearly 12,000 eye and vision researchers from over 75 countries. ARVO advances research worldwide into understanding the visual system and preventing, treating and curing its disorders. All abstracts accepted for presentation at the ARVO Annual Meeting represent previously unpublished data and conclusions. This research may be proprietary or may have been submitted for journal publication. Embargo policy: Journalists must seek approval from the presenter(s) before reporting data from paper or poster presentations. Press releases or stories on information presented at the ARVO Annual Meeting may not be released or published until the conclusion of the presentation.