A new stem cell treatment has shown promise in slowing and perhaps even reversing the effects of early-stage age-related macular degeneration — a leading cause of blindness in seniors.

New research by scientists at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center suggests that an injection of the cells into the eye could be the first-ever treatment to combat the disease, which strikes millions of Americans over the age of 65.

The stem cell injection resulted in 130 days of preserved vision in laboratory rats, which roughly equates to 16 years in humans.

"This is the first study to show preservation of vision after a single injection of adult-derived human cells into a rat model with age-related macular degeneration," said Shaomei Wang, M.D., who led the study published in the journal Stem Cells.

Age-related macular degeneration affects more than 15 million Americans. It occurs when the central portion of the retina, known as the macula, deteriorates. Macular degeneration is tied to environmental factors, aging, and a genetic predisposition.

Dr. Wang’s team found that when rats with macular degeneration were injected with stem cells, healthy cells began to migrate around the retina and formed a protective layer. The layer prevented ongoing degeneration of the vital retinal cells responsible for vision.

"These … stem cells are a novel source of adult-derived cells which should have powerful effects on slowing down vision loss associated with macular degeneration," said Clive Svendsen, director of the Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute and contributing author to the study.

"Though additional pre-clinical data is needed, our institute is close to a time when we can offer adult stem cells as a promising source for personalized therapies for this and other human diseases."