HOMOLOGOUS LAMELLAR CENTRAL LIMBOKERATOPLASTY IN SEVERE LIMBAL STEM-CELL DEFICIENCY

Purpose It is the purpose of this case report to present a new surgica l technique for treatment of severe limbal stem cell deficiency. Case report In a 42-year-old female patient with conjunctivalization of the cornea in congenital aniridia a homologous lamellar central limbokera toplasty was performed. Postoperatively systemic Ciclosporin A was adm inistered in order to prevent the transplanted limbal stem cells from immunological destruction. During the follow-up period of 16 months no immune reaction against the transplanted limbal stem cells could be o bserved. Visual acuity was ameliorated considerably. Conclusions Homol ogous lamellar central limbokeratoplasty is a promising surgical proce dure in selected patients with severe limbal stem cell deficiency havi ng less complications compared with penetrating central limbokeratopla sty.