Optic Nerve Regeneration: How Will We Get There?

Background: Restoration of vision in patients blinded by advanced optic neuropathies requires technologies that can either 1) salvage damaged and prevent further degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), or 2) replace lost RGCs. Evidence acquisition: Review of scientific literature. Results: In this article, we discuss the different barriers to cell-replacement based strategies for optic nerve regeneration and provide an update regarding what progress that has been made to overcome them. We also provide an update on current stem cell-based therapies for optic nerve regeneration. Conclusions: As neuro-regenerative and cell-transplantation based strategies for optic nerve regeneration continue to be refined, researchers and clinicians will need to work together to determine who will be a good candidate for such therapies.