Limbal stem cell deficiency: A review

Limbal stem cell deficiency is commonly encountered entity in routine practice. Most of the cases go unidentified at the first visit and progress to the severe disease when the problem is actually realized. In limbal stem cell deficiency, corneal limbal stem cells fail to maintain and renew corneal epithelial surface and the corneal surface is encroached by conjunctival epithelium, compromising the transparency and visual acuity. First step in the management of limbal stem cell deficiency is early control of the ocular surface inflammation and elimination of the causative factor. Surgical intervention in terms of limbal stem cell transplantation is the definitive treatment for most of the cases. Successful limbal stem cell transplantation can achieve rapid surface healing, stable ocular surface without recurrent erosions or persistent epithelial defects, regression of corneal vascularization, and restoration of a smooth and optically improved ocular surface, resulting in improved visual acuity and probably increased success for subsequent keratoplasty. Here is a brief review covering etiology, clinical presentation, and management options for the cases of limbal stem cell deficiency.