Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026
Corneal and Limbal Alkali Injury Induction Using a Punch-Trephine Technique in a Mouse Model
Published on: August 4, 2023
Phenotypic evaluation of severely damaged ocular surface after reconstruction by cultured limbal epithelial cell
S Sharma1, R Tandon, S Mohanty
1Cornea and Ocular Surface Services, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, Stem Cell Facility, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
Objective:
To report the clinical outcome of autologous cultured limbal epithelial cell transplantation (CLECT) followed by deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) in paediatric eyes and to correlate the clinical outcome with the phenotype of rejuvenated corneal epithelium.
Methods:
Four patients with total limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) underwent autologous CLECT. Cultivated cell sheets were transplanted onto the damaged ocular surface followed by DALK surgery. Excised corneal buttons were subjected to histopathological analysis. Data recorded included age, sex, laterality, nature of injury, follow-up period, severity of stem cell deficiency, visual acuity, Schirmer's test and impression cytology.
Results:
At a mean follow-up period of 19.5 ± 7.4 (range 9-26) months after CLECT, all 4 eyes showed epithelialized and clinically stabilized ocular surface. Manual DALK was performed in all 4 eyes, with a mean follow-up of 9.75 ± 4.5 (range 5-15) months. All eyes exhibited smooth and clear corneal epithelium with improved visual acuity. Excised corneal buttons demonstrated organized corneal epithelial morphology and showed expression of cornea-specific CK3/12 marker.
Conclusion:
Restoration of severely damaged ocular surface following chemical injury by using 2-stage meticulous approaches offers a new modality for the treatment of severe LSCD. Transplantation of cultivated autologous limbal epithelial cell sheet followed by DALK surgery can efficiently restore the corneal phenotype with improved vision.
