Limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) occurs when the eye’s surface cells are damaged and cannot regenerate

LSCD can cause a number of serious complications, including corneal scarring, pain and photophobia

Limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) occurs when the eye’s surface cells are damaged and cannot regenerate

LSCD can cause a number of serious complications, including corneal scarring, pain and photophobia

The only treatment for LSCD is limbal stem cell transplantation (LSCT)

LSCT replaces lost or damaged limbal stem cells in the cornea using healthy donor tissue (your own or someone else’s)

Limbal stem cell deficiency incidence / prevalence

What are limbal stem cells?

The border between the cornea (the clear layer in front of the eye covering the iris) and the white part of the eye is known as the limbus.

The limbus provides adult stem cells that regenerate the epithelium (a surface tissue that is always regenerating itself) when it is damaged. So, the limbus plays a pivotal role in regeneration.

In addition, the limbus prevents the abnormal formation of blood cells. Limbal stem cells (LSCs) are important as they keep the eye healthy and can’t be replaced naturally.

What happens when limbal stem cells are damaged?

Limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) occurs when the number of LSCs falls below a critical level. When this happens and the cells can’t repopulate the corneal epithelium, the eye surface can become unstable.

The barrier function of the limbal stem cells is then lost, and a layer of epithelium containing a network of new blood vessels starts to replace normal epithelium.

This produces an unstable surface, prone to tearing, sensitivity to light (photophobia), reduction or loss of vision, recurrent episodes of pain and persistent inflammation with redness.

What are the causes of limbal stem cell deficiency?

There are numerous causes of LSCD. LSCD can be genetic (that is, inherited) or caused by a degenerative disease.

However, it’s more usually caused by a traumatic event, particularly a chemical or heat injury to the eye(s) in a domestic or workplace accident or a malicious attack.

These include injury, trauma from chemical or thermal burns, surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

We can diagnose limbal stem cell deficiency by examining you and taking your medical history at your initial assessment.

Treatments for stem cell deficiency

In cases where part of the stem cells is affected, conservative treatment can be attempted to save the rest of the stem cells.

In cases where all the stem cells are affected i.e. dead (total limbal stem cell deficiency), the treatment required will be stem cell transplantation.

Here we use healthy stem cells to replace the dead ones after optimising the ocular surface. After successful stem cell transplantation, we can perform further surgeries aimed at improving vision.

This process takes time as it requires multiple surgeries, frequent follow-ups and intensive treatment.

Some types of stem cell transplantation surgeries require immunosuppressive drugs for a long time, and some don’t.

It’s one of the unique services provided by this centre which can offer various types of stem cell transplantation surgeries according to each condition.

Our doctors, after careful examination, can advise you with the best option suitable for your condition.

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Academic resources on Limbal stem cell deficiency

Learn more about Limbal stem cell deficiency from authoritative sources

This seminal paper provides a comprehensive view of the diagnosis and management of Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency. The corneal epithelium is a continuously regenerating surface that is replenished by a stem cell supply located in the basal epithelial layer of the limbus. The importance of these stem cells is most apparent when their numbers decrease and reduce their ability to repopulate the corneal epithelium, leading to corneal erosions and decreased vision from stromal scarring or epithelial irregularity. Click here to read more.

Treatment of limbal stem cell deficiency is challenging. Multiple options can be adopted according to the underlying cause and the patient and physician preferences. Click here to read more.

Limbal stem cells (LSCs) maintain the normal homeostasis and wound healing of the corneal epithelium. Limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) is a pathologic condition that results from dysfunction and/or an insufficient quantity of LSCs. Click here to read more.

Corneal diseases are a leading cause of blindness and vision impairment all over the world

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Mr Mohamed Elalfy

MBBCh, MSc, MD, DRCOphth, FRCS (Ed), FRCS (Glas), FRCOphth, FICO, FEBO
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon

Seeking eye treatment for a worrying eye condition can be stressful. Waitlists everywhere are long due to the lockdowns, and leaving the house to attend appointments can be a real inconvenience.

To make your experience as easy and stress-free as possible, we provide assessments in your local area. We also offer online appointments both before and after your treatment, so you don’t have to travel far to get the personalised support you deserve.

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