Corneal stem cell grafting after chemical injury

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical and histological outcome after corneal stem cell grafting in unilateral chemical burns in eight consecutive patients. Methods: The visual performance and degree of irritation were evaluated following autologous corneal stem cell grafting. Scar tissue overlying the injured corneas as well as two corneal buttons obtained at penetrating graft performed a year or more after the stem cell graft were evaluated histologically. Results: Seven of the 8 grafted eyes obtained useful vision postoperatively. Two of these eyes had undergone a penetrating graft following initial surgery. The chronic irritation before surgery was significantly reduced. In one eye a penetrating graft was opacified due to a late developing scar entropion. Conclusions: Autologous corneal stem cell grafting proved successful in restoring vision and reduce irritation in unilateral chemical burns. Histological examination indicates that the conjunctival overgrowth is replaced by regular corneal epithelium.