Over 2.2 billion people worldwide struggle with vision impairment, and for at least 1 billion, it could have been prevented or treated. If you or someone you love is dealing with the fear of vision loss, stem cell therapy could be the answer. Stem cells are making strides in restoring vision for conditions that once seemed untreatable.
But with any breakthrough treatment, questions arise. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the process, its effectiveness, and what you can expect from stem cell therapy costs.
Table of Contents
- How Does Stem Cell Eye Treatment Work?
- Conditions Treated with Stem Cell Therapy for Eyes
- How Much Does Stem Cell Eye Treatment Cost?
- Does Insurance Cover Stem Cell Therapy for Eyes?
- Factors Affecting the Cost of Stem Cell Eye Treatment
- What Does the Stem Cell Therapy Cost Include?
- Additional Stem Cell Therapy Costs (And How All-Inclusive Packages Make a Difference)
- Stem Cell Types Used for Eye Treatment
- Stem Cell Research and Success Rates
- How to Choose the Best Stem Cell Clinic for Eye Treatment
Key Takeaways
👉 Stem cell therapy regenerates damaged tissues in the eye. It uses stem cells to replenish and protect retinal cells, improving or restoring sight.
👉 Eye conditions that can be potentially treated with stem cells include age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinitis pigmentosa (RP), Stargardt disease (STGD), corneal damage, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma.
👉 In the US, stem cell eye treatments cost between $10,400 and $20,000 due to limited FDA approval. In Mexico, the cost ranges from $6,500 to $9,500.
👉 The stem cell therapy cost depends on factors like location, clinic reputation, type of stem cells used, condition treated, and the number of treatments required.
👉 All-inclusive packages in countries like Mexico, Turkey, Colombia, and Thailand cover consultations, tests, treatments, accommodation, transfers, and follow-up care.
👉 Stem cell therapies have shown success in enhancing vision for patients with different eye diseases, with up to 81.3% of patients showing improvements.
How Does Stem Cell Eye Treatment Work?
Stem cell eye treatment is a bleeding-edge approach that uses the body’s power to regenerate damaged tissues in the eye. Let’s take a closer look at what makes stem cells so remarkable.
🤔 What are stem cells?
Stem cells are the building blocks of the body. Unlike other cells, they have the unique ability to:
- transform into different types of cells (like retinal or nerve cells);
- divide and multiply to repair damaged tissues;
- regenerate areas of the body affected by injury or disease.
This makes them incredibly powerful in regenerative medicine, as they can restore or replace damaged cells in a way traditional medicine can’t.
🤔 What is stem cell therapy?
Stem cell therapy is a treatment where stem cells are injected or implanted into the body for tissue regeneration and repair. In regenerative medicine, it’s used to treat everything from joint issues to severe diseases, and now, even conditions that affect vision. The goal is to harness the body’s natural healing power through stem cells.
💡 Learn from Dr. Isabella Bernaschina as she explains the remarkable potential of stem cell therapy in this educational interview.
🤔 How can stem cells help treat eye diseases?
In the case of eye diseases, stem cells offer a way to replace damaged cells that are crucial for vision, such as:
- Retinal cells. These cells play a vital role in converting light into signals the brain can interpret as images. Stem cells can replace damaged retinal cells, improving or restoring sight.
- RPE cells (retinal pigment epithelial cells). These cells help nourish the retina and support healthy vision. Stem cell therapy can stimulate the growth of new RPE cells to combat conditions like macular degeneration.
- Photoreceptor cells. These cells detect light and are critical for vision. Stem cells can regenerate lost or damaged photoreceptors.
By introducing stem cells directly into the affected area, the treatment aims to regenerate tissue, improve vision, and, in some cases, even reverse vision loss.
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Conditions Treated with Stem Cell Therapy for Eyes
Stem cell therapy is showing great promise for a variety of eye conditions that were once difficult or impossible to treat. Here are the key eye conditions being targeted:
1. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD). One of the leading causes of vision loss in people over 50. It occurs when the retinal cells responsible for central vision begin to deteriorate.
2. Retinitis pigmentosa (RP). A genetic disorder that affects the light-sensitive cells in the retina, leading to gradual vision loss.
3. Optic nerve damage. The optic nerve transmits visual information from the eye to the brain. When it becomes damaged—due to trauma, glaucoma, or other factors—vision can be severely impacted.
4. Corneal damage. The cornea is the eye's transparent outer layer, and damage can lead to severe vision problems.
5. Diabetic retinopathy. People with diabetes often experience damage to the blood vessels in the retina, leading to a significant loss of vision.
6. Glaucoma. A condition where the optic nerve becomes damaged due to high pressure in the eye.
7. Stargardt disease (STGD). A genetic form of macular degeneration that affects younger people and leads to central vision loss.
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How Much Does Stem Cell Eye Treatment Cost?
Stem cell treatment costs can vary greatly depending on where you seek treatment. In the U.S., finding reliable stem cell eye treatment is challenging. Most stem cell therapies aren’t approved by the FDA and are primarily available only through clinical trials. This limited access drives up the cost of treatment, which typically falls between $10,400 and $20,000.
🌵 Mexico — Top alternative for U.S. patients
Mexico is a top destination for more affordable yet reliable treatment. Stem cell therapy is legal, well-regulated, and approved by COFEPRIS, Mexico’s equivalent of the FDA. Thanks to Mexico’s advanced legislation and thorough oversight, patients can access the latest treatments that may be unavailable or restricted in the U.S. or Canada. The stem cell treatment cost is between $6,500 and $9,500 in Mexico.
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⭐ Check out the top clinics for stem cell eye treatment in Mexico:
Cellular Hope Institute is a private multi-specialty medical center located in Cancun, Mexico. The team has been working in immunology, rheumatology, sexology, aesthetic medicine and cosmetology for 12 years. Among the patients of the clinic are Mike Tyson and Chistiano Ronaldo. The clinic is unique in its ability to perform catherazation procedures using stem cells. The doctors have a 100% success rate on getting a result for autistic cases. Cellular Hope Institute serves both adults and children. Patients from Europe & Commonwealth, Asia and USA, Canada, Australia visit the clinic most often.
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Medical Center Juventa is a private single-specialty medical center located in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. The team is dedicated to Orthopedics, Endocrinology and Immunology. Medical Center Juventa serves only patients FROM 12 years old. 500 patients choose Medical Center Juventa to get medical care every year. Patients from Europe & Commonwealth, Arab League States and USA, Canada, Australia visit the clinic most often.
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Immunotherapy Regenerative Medicine is a multi-specialty medical center in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The team specializes in immunology, infectious diseases, dental treatment, aesthetic medicine and cosmetology, as well as anti-aging, chronic diseases, neurology, sports medicine, and stem cell therapy.
For over 20 years, Immunotherapy Regenerative Medicine has been a trusted clinic in regenerative medicine, notably stem cell therapy. Patients from Europe & Commonwealth, Latin America, the USA, Canada, and Australia visit the clinic most often.
The medical center has a team of professionals consisting of biologists, biophysicists, biochemists and nutritionists with decades of experience, nationally and internationally recognized, highly qualified to develop medical protocols using mesenchymal stem cells and other treatments focused on regenerative medicine.
Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality
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GIOSTAR Stem Cell Therapy Clinic is a private multi-specialty medical center in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. The team treats cancer, muscular and joint diseases, neurological diseases, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, pulmonary diseases, metabolic and endocrine diseases, liver and digestive diseases, and sports injuries.
Giostar pioneers advanced stem cell technology, addressing degenerative and genetic conditions. Its personalized treatment protocols complement the body's natural healing processes. For over 20 years, the clinic's team of visionary scientists and clinicians has led stem cell research, exploring new therapeutic possibilities and expanding complementary care.
Giostar Stem Cell Therapy Clinic serves both adults and children. Patients from the USA and Canada visit the clinic most often.
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🌏 Other countries with affordable stem cell therapy costs
In addition to Mexico, countries like Turkey, Colombia, and Thailand have also gained popularity for their affordable, legal stem cell therapies. These countries benefit from less restrictive regulations and advanced medical infrastructures. As a result, stem cell therapy costs are usually 2-3 times lower than in the U.S.
⭐ Here are the highest-rated clinics offering stem cell therapy for eye disease in these destinations:
Liv Hospital Ulus is a multi-specialized medical center located in Istanbul.
Orthopedics, cancer treatment, weight loss surgery, neurosurgery, heart surgery and regenerative medicine are the leading specialties in the hospital.
Liv is a smart hospital with innovative medical technologies available: da Vinci robot-assisted system for the surgeries, MAKOplasty for knee replacement, YAG Laser for vascular surgery, virtual angiography for cardiac diagnostics, etc.
Liv Hospital in Istanbul is a popular weight loss surgery clinic in Turkey — patients lose 71% of their excess weight in a year.
Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality
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Medipol University Hospital is one of the largest multi-specialty medical institution in Turkey. Daily, over 1,200 patients trust their health to Medipol's experts. The hospital is equipped with advanced technologies, i.e, Da Vinci Surgical System, Cyber and Gamma Knives. Doctors specialize in cancer, neurological, and cardiovascular treatment. Organ transplantation, bone marrow transplant and IVF are among key specialties of the hospital.
Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality
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Memorial Şişli Hospital in Istanbul is the largest multidisciplinary medical center in Istanbul. It is the 1st hospital in Turkeу and the 21st in the world accredited by Joint Commission International (JCI) for the high quality of treatment.
Memorial Şişli specialties are the following: oncology, bone marrow transplant, in vitro fertilization (IVF), neurosurgery, weight loss surgery, including gastric lap banding, and organ transplant. The success rate of organ transplant at Memorial is 90%.
Patients from 92 countries choose Memorial Şişli for treatment annually.
Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality
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Reju Medical is a private multi-specialty medical center located in Medellín, Colombia. The team is dedicated to Aesthetic Medicine and Cosmetology, and Longevity health. At REJU, your safety is our number one priority. The skilled and caring medical providers will bring patients' disposal a wealth of experience in stem cell applications and therapies. The procedure will be performed only with very experienced medical professionals with a minimum of 15 years of experience in the field.
They will take a hands-on approach to adapting and altering patients' stem cell requirements to minimize pain wherever possible and increase comfort levels during recovery.
Reju Medical serves both adults and children. 350 patients choose Reju Medical to get medical care every year. Patients from the USA, Canada, and Australia visit the clinic most often.
ID Clinic Bangkok is a private multi-specialty medical center in Bangkok, Thailand. The team excels in plastic surgery, aesthetic medicine, cosmetology, and weight loss surgery. Among the clinic's achievements are the following success rates: 95% for breast lift, 95% for rhinoplasty (nose job), and 96% for tummy tucking stem cell therapy. ID Clinic Bangkok serves only adults. Every year, 4,000 patients choose the clinic for medical care. Patients from Europe, the Commonwealth, Arab League States, the USA, Canada, and Australia visit it most often.
Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality
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💰 Learn more about stem cell therapy costs.
Does Insurance Cover Stem Cell Therapy for Eyes?
Currently, most insurance companies in the U.S. do not cover stem cell eye treatment since the FDA has yet to approve it. The FDA has green-lighted stem cell therapies for a few applications, such as treating certain blood disorders. However, eye disease treatments are primarily available only through clinical trials.
Still, with researchers conducting clinical trials and continued advancements in stem cell research, there’s hope that more insurance plans will start to include these treatments. Until then, exploring international treatment options like Mexico, where costs are lower, may come in handy.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Stem Cell Eye Treatment
It’s difficult to determine the stem cell therapy cost upfront because it is highly tailored to each patient. There are a few different factors that affect how much you’ll end up paying:
📍 Location of the treatment facility
Where you get treated makes a big difference. In the U.S., with FDA restrictions and limited availability, prices can be steep. On the other hand, medical tourism hubs like Mexico and Turkey offer the same treatments for much less.
🎖️ Clinic’s reputation
The stem cell clinic's reputation and the medical team's experience largely affect the price. High-end clinics with top-notch facilities and experienced doctors charge more, but this often comes with higher quality care and better outcomes.
🧫 Type of stem cells administered
The type of stem cells also impacts the final stem cell therapy cost. For example, the more flexible pluripotent stem cells tend to be pricier due to the complexity of obtaining them. Also, autologous stem cells, sourced from your own body, are usually more expensive than donor cells due to the extraction and preparation process.
👁️ Treated condition
The targeted eye condition affects the stem cell therapy cost. More complex conditions like macular degeneration or optic nerve damage may require more sessions or specialized techniques. In contrast, conditions like corneal damage might be simpler to treat and cost less.
🔢 Number of treatments
The patient might require multiple stem cell injections (or IV infusions) for sustained results. In the U.S., a single treatment starts at $4,000 (without additional treatment costs). In places like Mexico or Turkey, it’s much more affordable—starting from $500 per injection. The number of treatments you need will depend on how severe your condition is.
👨⚕️ Pre- and post-treatment care
You’ll also need to factor in the cost of diagnostics, follow-up appointments, and other services. Some clinics offer package deals that include everything from the initial consultation to post-treatment care, which can give you a better idea of the total stem cell therapy cost.
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What Does the Stem Cell Therapy Cost Include?
When considering stem cell therapy, it's important to understand that the total cost often includes more than just the injections.
The standard stem cell therapy cost typically covers the following:
1️⃣ Stem cell extraction or preparation
If the medical team uses autologous stem cells (from your own body), the extraction process (e.g., from bone marrow or fat tissue) is included in the stem cell therapy cost. Preparing allogeneic stem cells (from a donor) also incurs lab fees.
2️⃣ Stem cell administration
This is the core of the treatment and the most significant part of the cost. It involves injecting stem cells directly into the eye or through intravenous infusion.
3️⃣ Basic follow-up care
After the procedure, most clinics will include a few standard follow-up visits to ensure the treatment is effective and recovery is progressing as expected. These are usually limited to a short recovery period.
Additional Stem Cell Therapy Costs (And How All-Inclusive Packages Make a Difference)
Additional costs beyond the basic stem cell treatment can quickly add up. These include necessary elements like consultations and tests, often billed separately. Here’s where all-inclusive packages offer a significant advantage.
Clinics in locations like Mexico, Turkey, Colombia, and Thailand offer all-inclusive stem cell eye treatment packages. They usually come with features not always included in standard treatments:
1️⃣ Consultations and diagnostic tests. All-inclusive packages cover the costs of initial consultations and required diagnostic tests, providing a more seamless experience without surprise fees.
2️⃣ Accommodation and transfers. For international patients, these packages often include hotel stays, airport pick-ups, and transport between the hotel and clinic.
3️⃣ Extended follow-up care. Packages provide a more comprehensive follow-up program, ensuring doctors closely monitor your recovery without additional charges.
4️⃣ Medication. Aftercare may involve prescription medications or special eye drops to aid recovery.
5️⃣ Added perks. Premium all-inclusive packages may offer luxury perks like VIP services, private recovery rooms, personal medical coordinators, or additional therapies to enhance recovery.
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Stem Cell Types Used for Eye Treatment
Here's a breakdown of the most commonly used stem cells for treating eye diseases:
1. Embryonic Stem Cells (ESCs)
Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) have shown significant potential for replacing lost cells in the eye. These stem cells can be pre-differentiated into retinal cells before being transplanted. ESCs are especially effective in regenerating RPE cells and photoreceptors, critical for conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
2. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs)
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)are adult cells reprogrammed to behave like embryonic cells. Like ESCs, iPSCs can also become RPE cells and photoreceptors, which then integrate into the retina and help restore vision in diseases like AMD. Studies confirm that iPSCs are just as effective as ESCs in treating retinal diseases.
3. Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs)
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), derived from bone marrow and fat or umbilical tissue, play a different role in eye treatment. Instead of directly replacing damaged cells, MSCs release paracrine factors—molecules that support and protect injured cells.
They are particularly helpful in optic nerve damage or retinal ganglion cell (RGC) injuries, where they protect injured cells and encourage them to regenerate. MSCs act as a protective support system, creating a healthier environment for damaged cells to repair and regenerate.
4. Neural Stem Cells (NSCs)
Neural stem cells (NSCs) offer a dual function in eye treatment: they can turn into new retinal cells and protect existing ones. Their ability to both replace and protect cells makes them a promising option for complex conditions where multiple types of cells are affected.
In short, ESCs and iPSCs are the go-to for replacing lost retinal cells, like photoreceptors, while MSCs and NSCs provide support and protection, helping the eye heal and recover from damage. Each type offers unique advantages depending on the treated condition.
Stem Cell Research and Success Rates
Clinical trials for stem cell eye treatments have shown encouraging results across various conditions. Let’s take a look at some of the recent findings:
1. Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP)
- In a systematic review of 21 studies, 49% of RP patients showed significant improvement in vision at 6 months post-treatment and 30% — at 12 months.
- Another study using umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) reported that 81.3% of RP patients experienced maintained or improved vision for up to 12 months.
2. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
- One study showed that patients with dry AMD had improved vision after receiving new retinal cells derived from embryonic stem cells. Vision improved from 21 to 28 letters on the standard eye chart test, with no rejection or complications after the treatment.
- In another clinical trial, an RPE implant was placed under the retina to treat patients with severe AMD. After a year, 60% of patients experienced either maintained or improved vision, while 80% of untreated eyes saw a decline in vision.
3. Stargardt Disease (STGD)
STGD, a genetic form of macular degeneration that affects younger people, also benefits from stem cell treatment:
- A systematic review of 21 studies found that 60% of STGD patients improved their vision within 6 months of treatment, and 55% maintained this improvement after 12 months.
4. Diabetic Retinopathy (DR)
For diabetic retinopathy, stem cell therapy at early stages of the disease shows potential:
- In a study using bone marrow stem cells, patients with early-stage non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) saw improved vision and reduced swelling in the retina, a key factor in vision loss.
5. Safety and side effects
Stem cell treatments for eye diseases are generally safe, with rare and manageable side effects.
- In a large study on RP and STGD, only 11 adverse events were reported in nearly 500 treated eyes. There were no serious systemic complications, and patients did not experience immune rejection.
- In the clinical trial for AMD, most patients tolerated an implant well. Though a few experienced complications such as bleeding or detachment, these events were manageable. There were no signs of serious immune reactions or rejection.
While procedures involving sensitive areas like the eyes naturally come with some risks, you can minimize them by choosing a reputable healthcare provider. Bookimed works exclusively with verified clinics and accredited doctors. By selecting a clinic from our trusted network of partners, you can feel confident that you'll receive top-tier care.
How to Choose the Best Stem Cell Clinic for Eye Treatment
Choosing the right clinic for stem cell treatment is a crucial step to ensure the best possible care and results. Here are some important tips to help you make an informed decision:
1️⃣ Verify accreditations and certifications
Make sure the clinic has accreditations from recognized healthcare organizations and employs board-certified doctors in relevant specialties. Accreditations from bodies like JCI or ISO ensure that the clinic adheres to international standards for safety and quality.
2️⃣ Check the doctor’s expertise
Carefully evaluate the doctor’s qualifications and experience. Look for specialists who are not only experienced in stem cell therapy but also have a strong background in the specific eye condition you're seeking treatment for. Experience matters, especially when it comes to handling complex cases or minimizing risks.
3️⃣ Look for proven success rates
Ask the clinic for patient success stories or data on the outcomes of similar stem cell procedures. A reputable clinic should be transparent about its track record, including success rates, complication rates, and patient testimonials.
4️⃣ Understand the clinic’s approach to safety
Since stem cell therapy for eyes involves delicate procedures on sensitive tissues, the clinic should have strict safety protocols in place. Ask about the clinic’s infection control measures, how they manage complications and the types of follow-up care they provide.
5️⃣ Ask about regulatory approval
Stem cell treatments should be approved by relevant national health authorities, such as COFEPRIS in Mexico or INVIMA in Colombia. Clinics operating in countries with less regulatory oversight should still provide details on how their treatments are regulated and proven to be safe.
6️⃣ Clinic’s focus on research and innovation
The best healthcare providers often participate in clinical trials and are at the forefront of research. Choosing a clinic involved in cutting-edge research can ensure that you’re getting the latest, most effective treatments available.
8️⃣ Transparent costs and packages
Ensure the clinic provides transparent pricing for the treatment, including consultations, diagnostic tests, the actual procedure, and any post-treatment care.
Clinics that offer all-inclusive packages may be more cost-effective and provide peace of mind, as they cover everything from start to finish without hidden fees.
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Related Articles
- World Health Organization. (2023). Blindness and vision impairment. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/blindness-and-visual-impairment
- Mayo Clinic. (2023). Stem Cells. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24892-stem-cells
- World Journal of Stem Cells. (2021). Stem cell therapy in ocular pathologies in the past 20 years. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8176844/
- Advances in Ophthalmology Practice and Research. (2024). Regenerative treatment of ophthalmic diseases with stem cells: Principles, progress, and challenges. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10997875/
- Stem Cell Research & Therapy. (2023). Stem cell therapy for inherited retinal diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10557171/
- Retinal Physician. (2023). An Update on Stem Cell Therapy for Retinal Diseases. https://www.retinalphysician.com/issues/2023/may/an-update-on-stem-cell-therapy-for-retinal-diseases/
- Stem Cell Research. (2014). Stem cell treatment of degenerative eye disease. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4434205/