Chitosan–rapamycin carbon dots rejuvenate autologous Sca-1⁺ stem cells paracrine function for neuroprotection in normal tension glaucoma

These findings suggest that CRCD improved paracrine neurotrophic support of autologous BM stem cells by enhancing their autophagy and paracrine functions, leading to structural and functional rescue of the glaucomatous retina. This approach offered a clinically relevant strategy for NTG, providing sustained neuroprotection while avoiding the risks of allogeneic transplantation and repeated intravitreal drug delivery.