Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency Advanced Treatment
Cultured cellular and tissue-based therapies for ocular surface reconstruction
This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Göz Hastalıkları department. Book Appointment →
What is Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency Advanced Treatment?
Limbal stem cells reside at the corneoscleral limbus and continuously regenerate corneal epithelium. Limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) results from chemical burns, thermal injuries, severe Stevens-Johnson syndrome, ocular cicatricial pemphigoid, aniridia, contact lens overuse, prior multiple surgeries, and radiation therapy. Without functional limbal stem cells, the cornea is overrun by conjunctival epithelium with goblet cells (conjunctivalization), neovascularization, and chronic surface inflammation, leading to vision loss and pain.
Modern therapies have transformed LSCD management beyond simple penetrating keratoplasty. Autologous options include conjunctival limbal autograft (CLAU) from the contralateral eye for unilateral disease, simple limbal epithelial transplantation (SLET) using a small autologous biopsy, and cultivated limbal epithelial transplantation (CLET) using ex vivo expanded cells on amniotic membrane or fibrin scaffold. Holoclar, the first regulatory-approved cell-based therapy in Europe, uses autologous cultured limbal stem cells.
For bilateral disease lacking autologous donor tissue, allogeneic options include living-related conjunctival limbal allograft (LR-CLAL), cadaveric keratolimbal allograft (KLAL), and cultivated oral mucosal epithelial transplantation (COMET) using buccal mucosal cells expanded ex vivo. All allogeneic transplants require systemic immunosuppression (cyclosporine, tacrolimus, mycophenolate). Boston keratoprosthesis Type 1 or osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis (OOKP) serves as ultimate option for end-stage disease.
Symptoms
Risk Factors
When to See a Doctor?
If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:
- Severe ocular surface burn (chemical or thermal) requiring urgent care
- Persistent epithelial defect not healing
- Recurrent corneal erosions
- Worsening photophobia, pain, vision
- Conjunctivalization on slit-lamp examination
- Neovascularization of cornea
- Failure of conventional therapy (lubrication, bandage contact lens, autologous serum)
- Severe Stevens-Johnson syndrome with ocular involvement
- Ocular cicatricial pemphigoid diagnosis
- Aniridia with progressive surface disease
- Failed prior penetrating keratoplasty
- Considering cell-based or alloplastic therapy
- Bilateral disease with severe vision loss
Treatment Methods
Which Department to Visit?
You can visit our Göz Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.
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You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.
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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.