Limbal stem cell deficiency treatment
Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency Treatment
What is limbal stem cell deficiency?
Limbal stem cell deficiency syndrome occurs when the limbus (the border area between the cornea and the sclera) is unable to supply corneal epithelial cells.
As a result, the conjunctival epithelium, which normally surrounds the cornea, expands and invades the corneal surface. This happens because the limbus is no longer functioning as a barrier to prevent conjunctival growth.
What causes it?
The condition can arise from congenital or acquired factors that severely damage the limbus and deplete its stem cell population, leading to limbal stem cell deficiency syndrome.
How can it be prevented?
Limbal stem cell deficiency cannot be prevented. However, early detection through regular eye check-ups allows for timely treatment tailored to the patient's specific condition.
Symptoms
The invasion of the conjunctival epithelium over the cornea leads to:
- Vision loss.
- Epithelial adhesion problems.
- Corneal erosion and ulcers.
- Chronic inflammation.
- Abnormal growth of blood vessels on the corneal surface.
Associated Treatments
Mild Cases
- Treated with eye drops to manage symptoms and slow progression.
Severe Cases
- Limbal Stem Cell Transplantation is the most effective treatment option.
Limbal Stem Cell Transplantation
This advanced surgical procedure involves the transplantation of healthy limbal stem cells to restore the corneal surface and vision.
- It is performed when damage to the limbus is severe and other treatments are insufficient.
- Healthy stem cells can be harvested from the patient’s unaffected eye, a donor, or cultivated in a laboratory.