role of autologous limbal stem cell transplantation in ocular surface reconstruction

ABSTRACT

Stem cells are present in all self-renewing tissues and have unique properties. In certain pathological conditions, the limbal stem cells may be destroyed partially or completely resulting in varying degrees of stem cells deficiency with conjunctivalization of the cornea with vascularization. To evaluate the outcome of autologous limbal stem cell transplantation in ocular surface reconstruction. Forty two randomly chosen eyes with partial or complete unilateral limbal deficiency treated by autologous limbal stem cell transplantation. There were 18 males and 24 females with mean age 46.8 +/- 14.4 years. The indications for intervention included Bowen's disease, primary and recurrent pterygium, contact lens induced keratopathy, persistent epithelial defect and chemical injury. The mean preoperative best corrected visual acuity was 0.49 +/- 0.29. While the mean postoperative best corrected visual acuity was 0.74 +/- 0.21. There was a highly statistically significant difference between the results. Autologous limbal cell transplantation is an effective procedure in reconstructing of the ocular surface for ocular disorders associated with partial or diffuse limbal stem cell deficiency as it could be carried out from the same or contralateral healthy eye. It is a safe technique with minimal complications