The disease and the legitimate science
Age-related macular degeneration destroys the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), the support layer under the light-sensing cells. Researchers have learned to grow RPE cells from embryonic or induced pluripotent stem cells and implant them, as a suspension or on a scaffold, under the retina. Phase 1 and 2 trials in the US, UK, Japan and Israel have shown surgical feasibility, cell survival, and in some participants stabilized or modestly improved vision, with an acceptable safety profile under close monitoring. This is real, surgical, done at a handful of academic centers, and years from approval.
For wet AMD, anti-VEGF injections (L1 evidence) remain the standard and are available in Colombia at low cost. For dry AMD, complement inhibitors approved in 2023 slow progression modestly, and the photobiomodulation device approved in 2024 has some supporting data.
What went wrong at clinics
In 2015 to 2017, a Florida clinic injected adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction, prepared in-office, into both eyes of several patients with AMD on the same day. Multiple patients suffered retinal detachment, hemorrhage and lens dislocation, and several became permanently blind. The cases were published in the New England Journal of Medicine and led to FDA and court action. Similar injuries have since been reported after intravitreal cell injections at clinics in other countries. The mechanism is not mysterious: cells and enzyme residue injected into the vitreous cause inflammation, scarring and traction on the retina.
Absolute red flags for any eye offer
- Any injection of cells into the eye outside a registered trial at an academic ophthalmology center
- Fat- or bone marrow-derived cells for any retinal or optic nerve condition
- Both eyes treated the same day with an experimental product
- IV or intrathecal stem cells marketed for vision loss of any cause
- The clinic's treating physician is not a retina specialist
What to do if you have AMD
- See a retina specialist and establish whether you have wet or dry disease; treatment differs completely
- For wet AMD, anti-VEGF injections on schedule; in Colombia these cost roughly USD 250 to 600 per injection versus USD 1,500 to 3,000 in the US, which makes a difference for uninsured patients on monthly regimens
- For dry AMD, discuss AREDS2 supplements, complement inhibitors, and low-vision rehabilitation
- If interested in cell therapy, search ClinicalTrials.gov for "retinal pigment epithelium" and "macular degeneration" and contact the academic centers; see finding trials
Colombia specifically
Colombian retina specialists are well trained and anti-VEGF care is inexpensive; the LASIK spoke covers eye care providers at Colombia LASIK. No Colombian clinic offers a legitimate RPE transplant program to foreign patients. Any Colombian clinic offering stem cells for macular degeneration is offering something that has blinded people. We do not refer for it under any circumstances.
Regulatory status: FDA vs INVIMA
United States (FDA): The only FDA-approved stem cell products are hematopoietic (blood-forming) cell products for blood cancers and immune disorders. There is no approved stem cell therapy for stroke, cerebral palsy, brain injury, Parkinson's disease, macular degeneration or hearing loss. Legitimate access in the US is through registered clinical trials listed at ClinicalTrials.gov.
Colombia (INVIMA): Cell therapies fall under advanced-therapy regulation. Facilities need INVIMA habilitation and laboratory-processed cell products need product authorization or an approved research protocol. Verify the clinic's INVIMA status and the physician's ReTHUS registration. Neurologic indications are experimental everywhere; a Colombian clinic offering them outside a documented protocol should be treated with corresponding caution.
Frequently asked questions
Can stem cells restore vision lost to macular degeneration?
Not yet. RPE cell transplant trials show early promise under strict surgical protocols. Clinic injections have caused blindness and should be avoided entirely.
Are stem cell eye injections legal in Colombia?
INVIMA regulates cell therapies, but that does not make an intravitreal cell injection safe or evidence-based. No credible retina specialist offers it outside a trial.
What is the best treatment for wet AMD in Colombia?
Anti-VEGF injections from a retina specialist, at a fraction of US cost.
Losing vision and being offered stem cells?
Please talk to us first. We can connect you with a Colombian retina specialist for evidence-based care at honest prices.
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