Abstract

When the limbal stem cells are congenitally absent, injured, or destroyed, conjunctival cells migrate onto the ocular surface, often accompanied by surface irregularity and superficial neovascularization. The absence of limbal stem cells compromises the ocular surface milieu, leading to corneal xerosis, epithelial irregularity, tear film disturbances, recurrent ulcerations and compromised vision.
Limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) can be effectively managed by limbal stem cell therapy. For unilateral cases, limbal or conjunctival autograft can be harvested from the healthy fellow eye. For bilateral cases, like Stevens-Johnson syndrome or bilateral chemical burns, limbal allograft transplantation is required along with systemic immunosuppression. The speakers in this course highlight their experience with stem cell therapy for LSCD.