Indian Journal of Ophthalmology

CURRENT OPHTHALMOLOGY
Year
: 2004  |  Volume : 52  |  Issue : 1  |  Page : 5--22

Limbal stem cell transplantation


M Fernandes, Virender S Sangwan, Srinivas K Rao, S Basti, Mittanamalli S Sridhar, Aashish K Bansal, Harminder S Dua 
 Cornea and Anterior Segment Service, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India

Correspondence Address:
M Fernandes
Cornea and Anterior Segment Service, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad
India

The past two decades have witnessed remarkable progress in limbal stem cell transplantation. In addition to harvesting stem cells from a cadaver or a live related donor, it is now possible to cultivate limbal stem cells in vitro and then transplant them onto the recipient bed. A clear understanding of the basic disease pathology and a correct assessment of the extent of stem cell deficiency are essential. A holistic approach towards management of limbal stem cell deficiency is needed. This also includes management of the underlying systemic disease, ocular adnexal pathology and dry eye. Conjunctival limbal autografts from the healthy contralateral eye are performed for unilateral cases. In bilateral cases, tissue may be harvested from a cadaver or a living related donor; prolonged immunosuppression is needed to avoid allograft rejection in such cases. This review describes the surgical techniques, postoperative treatment regimes (including immunosuppression for allografts), the complications and their management. The short and long-term outcomes of the various modalities reported in the literature are also described.


How to cite this article:
Fernandes M, Sangwan VS, Rao SK, Basti S, Sridhar MS, Bansal AK, Dua HS. Limbal stem cell transplantation.Indian J Ophthalmol 2004;52:5-22


How to cite this URL:
Fernandes M, Sangwan VS, Rao SK, Basti S, Sridhar MS, Bansal AK, Dua HS. Limbal stem cell transplantation. Indian J Ophthalmol [serial online] 2004 [cited 2024 Mar 29 ];52:5-22
Available from: https://journals.lww.com/ijo/pages/default.aspx/article.asp?issn=0301-4738;year=2004;volume=52;issue=1;spage=5;epage=22;aulast=Fernandes;type=0