Using Electrical Stimulation to Enhance the Efficacy of Cell Transplantation Therapies for Neurodegenerative Retinal Diseases: Concepts, Challenges, and Future Perspectives.

Disease or trauma-induced loss or dysfunction of neurons in any central nervous system (CNS) tissue will have a significant impact on the health of the affected patient. The retina is a multilayered tissue that originates from the neuroectoderm, much like the brain and spinal cord. While sight is not required for life, neurodegeneration-related loss of vision not only affects the quality of life for the patient but also has societal implications in terms of health care expenditure.