Abstract
Conditions that destroy the limbal area of the peripheral cornea, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, ocular pemphigoid, and chemical and thermal injuries, can deplete stem cells of the corneal epithelium. The result is scarring and opacification of the normally clear cornea. Standard corneal transplantation cannot treat this form of functional blindness.
Transplantation of corneal epithelial stem cells can restore useful vision in some patients with severe ocularsurface disorders.
Corneal epithelial stem-cell transplantation permits sustained reconstruction of the corneal epithelium in many eyes with severe primary disorders of the ocular surface. The control of persistent epithelial defects, ocular hypertension, dry eye, and graft rejection may further increase the efficacy of this method of transplantation.
