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Updated: Aug 19, 2026
Full-Field Optical Coherence Microscopy for Histology-Like Analysis of Stromal Features in Corneal Grafts
Published on: October 21, 2022
Outcomes and DNA analysis of ex vivo expanded stem cell allograft for ocular surface reconstruction
Sheraz M Daya1, Adam Watson, Justin R Sharpe
1Corneo-Plastic Unit, Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead, West Sussex, United Kingdom. sdaya@centreforsight.com
Purpose:
To investigate the outcome of a new technique of ex vivo expanded stem cell allograft for limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), and to characterize the ocular surface genotype after surgery.
Design:
Retrospective noncomparative case series.
Participants:
Ten eyes of 10 patients with profound LSCD arising from ectodermal dysplasia (3 eyes), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (3 eyes), chemical injury (2 eyes), thermal injury (1 eye), and rosacea blepharoconjunctivitis (1 eye).
Intervention:
Allogeneic corneal limbal stem cells were cultured on plastic and transplanted to the recipient eye after removal of conjunctival pannus. Amniotic membrane was applied in a bandage capacity. The procedure was combined with other reconstructive surgery in 2 cases. Nine patients received systemic cyclosporin A immunosuppression, and the DNA genotype was investigated with surface impression cytology.
Main Outcome Measures:
Parameters of LSCD, including vascularization, conjunctivalization, inflammation, epithelial defect, photophobia, and pain.
Results:
The mean follow-up period was 28 months (range, 12-50). Seven of 10 eyes (70%) had improved parameters of LSCD at final follow-up and were considered successes. Four (40%) had improved visual acuity, including 3 having had further procedures for visual rehabilitation. Three patients failed to improve-1 with a thermal burn and lid deformity, 1 with Stevens-Johnson syndrome and severe dry eye, and 1 with ectodermal dysplasia who developed an epithelial defect at 26 months. DNA analysis of the first 7 cases showed no ex vivo donor stem cell DNA present beyond 9 months.
Conclusions:
Ex vivo expanded stem cell allograft is a useful technique for restoring the ocular surface in profound LSCD. The absence of donor DNA beyond 9 months suggests that ongoing immunosuppression may be unnecessary and raises questions regarding the origin of the host corneal epithelium.
