Advances in Regenerative Medicine, Cell Therapy, and 3D Bioprinting for Glaucoma and Retinal Diseases.

Abstract

Regenerative medicine, cell therapy, and 3D bioprinting represent promising advancements in addressing retinal and glaucomatous diseases. These conditions, including diabetic retinopathy (DR), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs), and glaucomatous optic neuropathy, have complex pathophysiologies that involve neurodegeneration, oxidative stress, and vascular dysfunction. Despite significant progress in conventional therapies, including anti-VEGF injections, laser photocoagulation, and intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering interventions, these approaches remain limited in reversing disease progression and restoring lost visual function.This chapter explores the potential of emerging regenerative therapies to fill these critical gaps. For retinal diseases, cell replacement strategies using human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have demonstrated encouraging outcomes in clinical trials, though challenges in delivery and long-term integration persist. Similarly, neuroprotective strategies and the use of retinal progenitor cells hold promise for preserving and restoring vision in degenerative retinal conditions. Advances in 3D bioprinting and retinal organoids further augment these efforts, offering innovative tools for disease modeling and therapy development.In glaucoma, regenerative approaches targeting trabecular meshwork (TM) dysfunction and retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss are gaining traction. Stem cell-based therapies have shown potential in restoring TM functionality and providing neuroprotection, while innovative delivery systems and bioengineered platforms aim to enhance therapeutic efficacy and safety.This chapter provides an overview of the evolving landscape of regenerative therapies for retinal and glaucomatous diseases, highlighting current advancements, ongoing challenges, and future directions in the field. These approaches, while still emerging, hold the potential to transform the management of these complex ocular diseases.