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Original Articles

Limbal Stem Cell Transplantation and Complications

ORCID Icon & , M.D.
Pages 134-141 | Published online: 27 Nov 2017
 

ABSTRACT

Corneal epithelial stem cells are adult somatic stem cells located at the limbus and represent the ultimate source of transparent corneal epithelium. When these limbal stem cells become dysfunctional or deficient, limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) develops. LSCD is a major cause of corneal scarring and is particularly prevalent in chemical and thermal burns of the ocular surface. LSCD leads to conjunctivalization of the corneal surface, neovascularization, recurrent or persistent epithelial defects, ocular surface inflammation, and scarring that, in turn, lead to decreased vision, pain, and impaired quality of life. Several techniques have been reported for limbal stem cell transplantation (LSCT). We introduce the surgical techniques, examine the success rate, and discuss the postoperative complications of conjunctival limbal autograft (CLAU), cultivated limbal stem cell transplantation (CLET), simple limbal epithelial transplantation (SLET), and limbal allograft, including keratolimbal allografts (KLAL) and living-related conjunctival allograft (LR-CLAL).

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge Dr. Ahmad Kheirkhah and Dr. Kishore Reddy.

Funding

The authors acknolwedge funding from Alcon Research Institute Award (U.J.).

Declaration of Interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

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