• Question: Why are blood vessels in the eye such a problem when they are damaged? how does it help your people when you treat them?

    Asked by to Emma on 17 Jun 2014. This question was also asked by .
    • Photo: Emma Reid

      Emma Reid answered on 17 Jun 2014:

      Hi there!
      Blood vessels in the eye are really important because they supply all the specialised cells of the retina with the oxygen and nutrients they need to function and take away carbon dioxide and other waste products that build up when the cells are busy helping us to see. A constant blood supply keeps all these cells happy and healthy and working properly. When blood vessels become damaged due to disease like diabetes or blocked up due to high blood pressure, then blood won’t get to the cells in the retina and they will die off. This can lead to a loss of vision and in some cases, people may become completely blind! We’re trying to use stem cells to make new blood vessels and repair damaged ones so that all the cells of the retina get a good blood supply to allow them to work properly and maintain vision. It’s much better to repair blood vessels as early as possible to protect the cells of the eye. I hope this answers your question 🙂
      Emma

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