A phase I clinical trial has demonstrated promising results for treating corneal scarring and vision loss using cultivated limbal stem cells. Researchers were able to successfully restore the corneal surface and improve vision in patients with damaged corneas previously considered untreatable. The therapy involves cultivating limbal stem cells taken from the patient's healthy eye, expanding them in a lab, and then transplanting them onto the damaged eye. This procedure offers a potential cure for limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), a condition that can lead to blindness, and has shown positive outcomes even in patients with severe and long-standing damage.
The original poster experiences eye strain and discomfort despite having a seemingly correct eyeglass prescription. They describe feeling like their eyes are constantly working hard, even with glasses, and are curious if others have similar experiences. They've explored various avenues, including multiple eye exams and different types of lenses, but haven't found a solution. They wonder if factors beyond a standard prescription, like subtle misalignments or focusing issues, might be the cause.
Several commenters on Hacker News shared similar experiences of discomfort despite having supposedly correct prescriptions. Some suggested the issue might stem from dry eyes, recommending various eye drops and eyelid hygiene practices. Others pointed to the limitations of standard eye exams, proposing that issues like binocular vision problems, convergence insufficiency, or higher-order aberrations might be the culprit and suggesting specialized testing. A few mentioned the possibility of incorrect pupillary distance measurements on glasses, or even the need for progressive lenses despite being relatively young. Overall, the comments highlighted the potential gap between a "correct" prescription and true visual comfort, emphasizing the importance of further investigation and communication with eye care professionals.
Exposure to 670nm red light significantly improved declining mitochondrial function and color vision in aged fruit flies. The study found that daily exposure for a short duration revitalized the photoreceptors' mitochondria, increasing ATP production and reducing oxidative stress. This led to demonstrably improved color discrimination ability in older flies, suggesting a potential non-invasive therapy for age-related vision decline.
HN commenters discuss the study's small sample size (n=24) and the lack of a control group receiving a different wavelength of light. Some express skepticism about the mechanism of action and the generalizability of the results to humans beyond this specific age group (67-85). Others are intrigued by the potential benefits of red light therapy, sharing anecdotal experiences and links to related research, including its use for wound healing and pain relief. Several commenters highlight the affordability and accessibility of red light devices, suggesting self-experimentation while cautioning against potential risks and the need for further research. There's also discussion around the placebo effect and the importance of rigorous scientific methodology.
Summary of Comments ( 22 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43306734
HN commenters express cautious optimism about the stem cell therapy for corneal damage, noting the small sample size (6 patients) and the need for longer-term follow-up to confirm lasting effects. Some raise concerns about the definition of "irreversible" damage, suggesting the cornea may have had some regenerative capacity remaining. Others point out the high cost and potential accessibility issues of such therapies, while also highlighting the significant quality-of-life improvement this could offer if proven effective and widely available. A few commenters discuss the potential for this technology to address other eye conditions and the broader implications for regenerative medicine. Several users shared personal anecdotes of corneal injuries and expressed hope for future advancements in this field.
The Hacker News post titled "Stem cell therapy trial reverses 'irreversible' damage to cornea" generated a moderate discussion with several interesting comments. Many commenters expressed cautious optimism about the potential of stem cell therapy for corneal repair, while also acknowledging the early stage of the research and the need for further studies.
One commenter pointed out the significant difference between "irreversible" in a medical context versus a practical one. They argued that while the damage might have been considered irreversible without intervention, the term doesn't necessarily imply a fundamental biological impossibility of repair. This highlights the evolving nature of medical understanding and how new therapies can challenge previous assumptions about what constitutes irreversible damage.
Several users discussed the complexities of regulatory approval and the lengthy process required for therapies to become widely available. They highlighted the need for larger-scale trials and long-term follow-up to assess the efficacy and safety of the treatment. This practical perspective tempered the initial excitement about the potential breakthrough.
Another commenter raised a pertinent question about the source of the stem cells used in the therapy, wondering if they were allogeneic (from a donor) or autologous (from the patient themselves). This distinction has implications for the risk of immune rejection and the logistical challenges of sourcing the cells. The discussion thread, however, did not definitively answer this question.
Finally, a few commenters expressed hope for the future applications of stem cell therapies in treating other eye conditions and beyond. They recognized the broader implications of this research for regenerative medicine and the potential to address currently untreatable diseases. However, they also cautioned against overhyping the results and emphasized the need for rigorous scientific investigation.
In summary, the comments on Hacker News reflect a balanced perspective on the reported breakthrough. While acknowledging the exciting potential of stem cell therapy for corneal repair, commenters also emphasized the preliminary nature of the research and the need for further investigation before widespread clinical application can be considered. The discussion also touched upon important practical considerations such as regulatory hurdles and the source of stem cells, showcasing a nuanced understanding of the complexities surrounding this promising area of medical research.