Posters

Simple limbal epithelial transplantation in limbal stem cell deficiency: novel technique with varied indications

Poster Details

First Author: S.Tomar INDIA

Co Author(s):    S. Sharma   C. Sanghvi                 

Abstract Details

Purpose:

This study describes a novel surgical technique of limbal epithelial cell transplantation in patients with total limbal stem cell deficiency.

Setting:

Department of Ophthalmology, NIMS Medical College and Hospital, NIMS University, Jaipur, India.

Methods:

Four patients with unilateral and total limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) with 360 degrees vascularisation and corneal opacification and irregular epithelisation underwent a single-stage procedure. A 2 × 2 mm strip of donor epithelial limbal tissue was obtained from the healthy eye and divided into eight to ten small pieces and after pannus resection and preparation of ocular bed , these tiny limbal transplants were evenly distributed over an amniotic membrane and attached with the help of fibrin glue on the cornea.

Results:

Two patients had LSCD due to lime injury and one patient had chronic inflammation of ocular surface of unknown etiology,one patient had chronic VKC leading to LSCD. After surgery, a completely epithelialised and stable corneal surface with regression of vascularisation and some clearing of cornea was seen in all recipient eyes by 10 weeks at the last follow up 8 months. Visual acuity improved from 20/400 in all recipient eyes before surgery to 20/80 or better in two eyes, and 20/100 in 2 eyes. No complications were seen in any eye after surgery.

Conclusions:

Simple limbal epithelial transplantation is an easy and effective technique in patients with unilateral limbal stem cell deficiency. This technique gives promising results and can have varied indications for treatment.

Financial Disclosure:

NONE