Simple Limbal Epithelial Transplantation in Acid Injury and Severe Dry Eye

The epithelial cells of cornea constantly undergo renewal and regeneration and the stem cells responsible for renewal resides within basal epithelium at the limbus in palisades of Vogt. Simple limbal epithelial transplantation (SLET) is a simplified technique for limbal stem cell deficiency and it combines the benefits of both conjunctival limbal autografting and cultivated limbal epithelial transplantation by being single-stage and utilizing minimal donor tissue. We will be discussing two cases of ocular surface disorder which were managed successfully by new technique simple limbal epithelial transplantation. Two patients one with unilateral Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency (LSCD) following acid injury and other with bilateral LSCD due to severe dry eye underwent limbal epithelial transplantation using the SLET method after taking prior consent for the procedure. Success was termed complete when a completely epithelialized, avascular and stable corneal surface was seen. The follow up examinations were done on first day, at 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks and at 3 months after the surgery. A completely epithelialised, avascular and stable corneal surface was achieved by 4 weeks in both patients. Simple limbal epithelial transplantation is a new technique which is simple, cheap and easily affordable and it has decreased the dependence on stem cell laboratory.