Epithelial stem-cell transplantation for severe ocular-surface disease

Article Abstract:

More research is needed before epithelial stem-cell transplantation can be recommended for all patients with ocular-surface disease. Ocular-surface disease occurs when an area around the cornea called the limbus becomes damaged. The limbus is responsible for producing stem cells that regenerate the cornea, which constantly replaces itself. If the limbus is damaged, the cornea becomes scarred and the person eventually becomes legally blind. A 1999 report found that stem cell transplants taken from the limbus of cadavers were beneficial in treating patients with ocular-surface diseases.

Stem cells, Stem cell transplantation

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Bioengineered corneas -- the promise and the challenge

Article Abstract:

Bioengineered corneas represent a promising treatment for some corneal diseases. Corneal transplantation has been used for many corneal diseases but most do not contain stem cells. Stem cells would allow the cornea to renew itself as normal corneas do. A study published in 2000 used corneal stems cells that were grown on an amniotic membrane. This membrane supports the growth of the cells and is gradually absorbed by the body. It successfully restored vision in most of the patients. However, long-term studies are needed to determine what happens to the donated stem cells.

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Reconstruction of damaged corneas by transplantation of autologous limbal epithelial cells

Article Abstract:

Corneal transplants from the healthy eye can be used to treat patients who have corneal damage in the other eye. Researchers took epithelial cells from the healthy eye of six patients with damage to one eye and cultured them on amniotic membrane to increase the size of the transplant. The membrane containing the epithelial cells was then transplanted to the damaged eye. Within one month, the damaged eye had healed and most patients could see more clearly.

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