Limbal conjunctival autograft in a subacute alkaline corneal burn

Cornea. 1994 Sep;13(5):465-8. doi: 10.1097/00003226-199409000-00017.

Abstract

Persistent epithelial defects are a common complication after severe alkaline corneal burns. Chemical damage to the limbal area destroys the stem cells that play a key role in corneal reepithelialization. Limbal conjunctival autograft transplantation has been proposed as a treatment to replace damaged limbal stem cells and promote epithelial healing. We report a case of a persistent epithelial defect after a severe alkaline corneal burn that was successfully treated 6 weeks after the injury with limbal autograft transplantation. Impression cytology provided valuable information for locating the healthy and damaged limbal tissue involved in the transplantation. Two weeks postoperatively the epithelial defect was completely healed, stromal vascularization was regressed, and visual acuity was improved.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adult
  • Burns, Chemical / pathology
  • Burns, Chemical / surgery*
  • Conjunctiva / cytology*
  • Cornea / pathology
  • Cornea / surgery
  • Corneal Diseases / pathology
  • Corneal Diseases / surgery*
  • Corneal Injuries
  • Epithelium / injuries
  • Epithelium / pathology
  • Epithelium / surgery
  • Eye Burns / chemically induced*
  • Humans
  • Limbus Corneae / cytology*
  • Male
  • Sodium Hydroxide / adverse effects*
  • Stem Cell Transplantation*
  • Stem Cells / pathology
  • Transplantation, Autologous

Substances

  • Sodium Hydroxide