Title : Visual and structural outcomes in intermediate dry age-related macular degeneration following sub-tenon stem cell therapy: A case report
Abstract:
Background: Intermediate-stage dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) remains a major cause of irreversible central vision loss, with no approved treatments capable of restoring photoreceptors. Regenerative strategies—such as stem cell delivery and allogenic biomaterial implantation—are under investigation. We present a case of intermediate-stage dry AMD treated with sub-Tenon stem cell injection following prior Alloplant therapy, showing anatomical and functional improvement.
Methods: A 51-year-old woman with progressive visual decline was diagnosed with unilateral intermediate-stage dry AMD in the left eye based on clinical assessment and spectral-domain OCT (SD-OCT), which revealed medium-sized drusen, perifoveolar thinning, and ellipsoid zone (EZ) disruption. BCVA was 0.4 (OS) and 0.3 (OD). In July 2024, she underwent pyramidal Alloplant implantation at an external center—a non-standard subcutaneous procedure using allogenic biomaterial for systemic neuroregenerative stimulation. Four months later, she received a sub-Tenon injection of 2.5?mL placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (pMSCs) in the left eye. OcuVit Forte and omega-3 supplements were continued post-treatment.
Results: At 7-month follow-up, BCVA improved to 0.7 (OS). SD-OCT showed partial EZ reconstitution and improved organization of outer retinal layers, with preserved central macular structure. Humphrey 30-2 perimetry demonstrated improvement in mean deviation (–7.97?dB to –5.32?dB) and reduced depth of a superior paracentral scotoma. The right eye remained structurally stable but functionally limited by amblyopia and early lens changes. No adverse events occurred. ERG and updated fundus imaging are scheduled for November 2025.
Conclusion: This case highlights the potential of combining sub-Tenon pMSC therapy with systemic biomaterial-based stimulation in non-neovascular AMD.
