Address of Corresponding Author

Ophthalmologica 2005;219:297-302 (DOI: 10.1159/000086115)

  Key Words

• Limbal stem cell transplantation
• Amniotic membrane
• Ocular burns

  Abstract

Limbal stem cell transplantation (LSCT) and amniotic membrane transplantation may improve corneal recovery after a chemical burn. Amniotic membrane was applied as a patch in 5 eyes; LSCT from healthy contralateral eye was performed in 6 eyes, and a combination of these techniques was performed in 4 eyes. There were no complications during surgical procedure. Epithelization was completed after 2 weeks in patients with LSCT, and after 3 weeks in the amniotic membrane transplantation group. Visual acuity improved in all patients. No complication was observed on either the donor or the recipient eye during a follow-up period of >13 months in all groups. Amniotic membrane is effective in promoting re-epithelization and reducing inflammation when applied alone in patients with 3- to 6-hour limbal involvement, as well as combined with LSCT in patients with >6-hour limbal ischemia. LSCT is an effective procedure for rehabilitation after severe chemical trauma of the eye with more than 50% limbal involvement.

Copyright © 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

Assoc. Prof. Renata Ivekovic, MD, PhD
University Department of Ophthalmology
Clinical Hospital 'Sestre milosrdnice'
Vinogradska 29, CRO-10000 Zagreb (Croatia)
Tel. +385 912548842, Fax +385 13822311, E-Mail renata.ivekovic@zg.tel.hr

  Article Information

Received: November 1, 2004
Accepted: November 18, 2004
Number of Print Pages : 6
Number of Figures : 3, Number of Tables : 3, Number of References : 22