Umbilical Cord–Derived MSC Eye Drops as a Pioneering Nonsurgical Therapy for Dry Eye Disease

Dry eye disease affects millions of people in the United States, causing persistent stinging, burning, redness and a constant feeling that there is something gritty in the eye. For many sufferers, over-the-counter lubricating drops and warm compresses bring only fleeting relief. In more severe cases, tiny plugs are inserted to slow tear drainage, but these measures often fail to address the underlying inflammation and tissue damage.

In a small pilot study, researchers explored a novel, nonsurgical treatment: eye drops containing mesenchymal stem cells derived from donated umbilical cords. These cells are known for their powerful anti-inflammatory and regenerative abilities in laboratory studies. The team formulated the cells into a simple drop that volunteers could self-administer at home, twice daily for two weeks.

Fifteen adult participants took part in this first-in-humans trial. Ten of them had dry eye linked to Sjögren’s syndrome, an autoimmune condition in which the body attacks its own tear-producing glands. The other five suffered from dry eye due to a variety of non-Sjögren’s causes. Before the trial began, all volunteers had tried at least three different standard treatments without seeing lasting improvement.

By the end of the two-week treatment period, the average tear production in the group had nearly doubled. Patients reported their uncomfortable symptoms—grittiness, dryness, and burning—had fallen by about 40 percent. These improvements were both rapid and substantial, offering far more relief than typical eye drops. Equally important, no serious side effects were observed. A handful of participants felt a mild, temporary sting when applying the drops, but the sensation disappeared within 24 hours.

Scientists believe the stem cells work by releasing natural factors that calm inflammation on the eye’s surface and encourage the tear-producing glands and surrounding tissues to heal. Unlike traditional lubricants that simply mimic tears, this regenerative approach tackles the root causes of dry eye and may produce longer-lasting benefits.

While these early findings are promising, the study’s small size and lack of a placebo comparison mean more research is needed. The next step will be larger, randomized trials that test different cell doses and follow patients for several months to confirm both safety and effectiveness.

If future studies replicate these results, umbilical cord–derived stem cell eye drops could transform the way dry eye disease is treated. For the millions who struggle daily with discomfort and inconvenience, this innovation may one day offer a simple, lasting solution without the need for surgery.

Written by Soumya Bummapatnam, Edited by Ken Woo.

Works Cited

Zhang, Di et al. “A first-in-human, prospective pilot trial of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell eye drops therapy for patients with refractory non-Sjögren's and Sjögren's syndrome dry eye disease.” Stem cell research & therapy vol. 16,1 202. 23 Apr. 2025, doi:10.1186/s13287-025-04292-8.