Ocular surface reconstruction by cultivated epithelial sheet transplantation

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Regenerative Medicine
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Severe ocular surface diseases cause vision-impairing corneal abnormalities.
• Ocular surface reconstruction techniques have advanced, improving patient prognosis.
• Current approaches for cultivated epithelial sheet transplantation are under ongoing debate.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in ocular surface reconstruction for severe ocular surface diseases.
• To discuss various surgical procedures including limbal stem cell transplantation and cultivated epithelial transplantation.
• To highlight the benefits of cultivated oral mucosal epithelial transplantation and emphasize the importance of preoperative ocular surface optimization.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on ocular surface reconstruction techniques.
• Discussion of limbal stem cell transplantation (autograft and allograft).
• Analysis of cultivated limbal epithelial transplantation (allogeneic and autologous) and cultivated oral mucosal epithelial transplantation.

Main Results:

• Limbal stem cell transplantation offers vision improvement opportunities.
• Cultivated limbal epithelial transplantation aids postoperative epithelialization.
• Cultivated oral mucosal epithelial transplantation shows superior midterm and long-term results, with no rejection and fewer complications.

Conclusions:

• Cultivated oral mucosal epithelial transplantation is a promising option for bilateral limbal stem cell deficiency.
• Preoperative enhancement of ocular surface moisture retention is vital for surgical success.
• A multimodal approach, combining surgical procedures with optimized preoperative care, maximizes outcomes in ocular surface reconstruction.