[Limbal stem cell deficiency following multiple intravitreal injections]
M J Capella1, J Alvarez de Toledo, M F de la Paz
1Centro de Oftalmología Barraquer, Barcelona, España. mjcapella@barraquer.com
Archivos De La Sociedad Espanola De Oftalmologia
|April 23, 2011
Summary
Repeated intravitreal injections may cause limbal stem cell deficiency, leading to corneal issues. Limbal transplantation can restore the ocular surface after such iatrogenic damage.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Idiopathic choroidal polypoidal vasculopathy (ICPV) is a condition affecting the choroid.
- Intravitreal injections, such as bevacizumab, are used to treat various retinal diseases.
Observation:
- A 68-year-old male with ICPV received multiple intravitreal bevacizumab injections.
- The patient subsequently developed localized limbal stem cell deficiency.
- This necessitated a limbal transplantation procedure.
Findings:
- The limbal stem cell deficiency was potentially iatrogenic, possibly linked to repeated intravitreal injections or surgical trauma.
- Following limbal transplantation, the patient showed improved visual acuity, an intact ocular surface, a clear cornea, and reduced inflammation.
Implications:
- Repeated ocular procedures, including intravitreal injections, may pose a risk to limbal stem cell integrity.
- Iatrogenic limbal deficiency can result from surgical trauma, impacting corneal health.
- Limbal transplantation offers a potential treatment for iatrogenic limbal deficiency, restoring ocular surface integrity.
