Corneal stem cell grafting after chemical injury

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical and histological outcome after corneal st em cell grafting in unilateral chemical burns in eight consecutive patients Methods: The visual performance and degree of irritation were evaluated fol lowing autologous corneal stem cell grafting. Scar tissue overlying the inj ured corneas as well as two corneal buttons obtained at penetrating graft p erformed a year or more after the stem cell graft were evaluated histologic ally: Results: Seven of the 8 grafted eyes obtained useful vision postoperatively . Two of these eyes had undergone a penetrating graft following initial sur gery. The chronic irritation before surgery was significantly reduced, In o ne eye a penetrating graft was opacified due to a late developing scar entr opion. Conclusions: Autologous corneal stem cell grafting proved successful in res toring vision and reduce irritation in unilateral chemical burns. Histologi cal examination indicates that the conjunctival overgrowth is replaced by r egular corneal epithelium.