[Limbal stem cell autograft transplantation for persistent epithelial corneal defect after chemical burn of the eye]

The aim of this paper is to describe the possibility of surgical treatment of persistent corneal epithelial defect caused by limbal stem cell deficiency after chemical burn of the eye. Limbal stem cells serve as a proliferative reserve and are responsible for a proper corneal re-epithelialization. Destruction of these cells leads to chronic irritation, epithelial erosions, corneal conjunctivalisation, vascularisation and stromal scarring. Conventional treatment in such cases is ineffective and prognosis for penetrating keratoplasty is very poor. We present a case of persistent epithelial defect after chemical burn that was successfully treated 4 weeks after the injury with limbal stem cell autograft transplantation. The operative technique involved transfer of two free grafts of limbal tissue from the healthy donor eye to the severely burned eye, prepared by superficial dissection of fibrovascular pannus. Three weeks after operation the cornea was completely covered by proper epithelium, stromal vascularisation and opacification was regressed and visual acuity was improved.