Retinal Cell Transplantation in the Macula: New Techniques

Transplantation of RPE allografts into the submacular space after the removal of neovascular membranes in "wet" forms of ARMD usually leads to chronic leakage around the transplant, whereas this seldom occurs in transplants in "dry" forms of ARMD. The former may be the result of chronic rejection because of a compromised blood/retinal barrier. This is supported by the fact that visual function remains over the transplant in the dry forms of ARMD at 6 months after transplantation. Whether this function can slow or reverse the progression of ARMD remains to be seen. The possibility of transplantation of photoreceptors in retinal degenerations is also reviewed.