Evaluation of Autologous Urine-Derived Epithelial Cell Injection for Treating Corneal Endothelial Cell Dysfunction at a Single Center

What this Trial Is About

Corneal endothelial cell dysfunction is a condition caused by damage or loss of corneal endothelial cells, leading to symptoms such as corneal swelling, cloudiness, and painful blisters that can cause blurred vision or blindness. This study evaluates the use of autologous urine-derived epithelial cells as a new treatment approach, aiming to reduce the risks of immune rejection and reliance on donor corneas. This treatment is being assessed for safety and effectiveness in patients with this corneal disease. Participants receive an injection of their own urine-derived epithelial cells as a biological cell therapy. This single-center clinical study focuses on treating corneal endothelial cell dysfunction by using cells derived from the patients urine, which may offer advantages over traditional corneal transplants. The treatment is administered once, and participants are followed for outcomes over six months after surgery. During the study, participants will be monitored through several eye exams and imaging tests including confocal microscopy, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, and anterior segment optical coherence tomography to measure changes in corneal endothelial cell density, visual acuity, corneal transparency, and corneal thickness. The main measurement is the change in corneal endothelial cell density six months after treatment. The total participation period covers at least six months postoperatively, during which safety and treatment effects are closely observed.

A Single-Center Clinical Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Autologous Urine-Derived Epithelial Cells in the Treatment of Corneal Endothelial Cell Dysfunction