Limbal cell deficiency is the term used for a loss or deficiency of stem cells in the limbus, which is the part of the eye that generates new cells for the cornea. Every time we blink this transparent ring around our iris washes these cells over the cornea. Without it our sight would cloud and degenerate. Limbal cell deficiency can be caused by injury to the limbus or by certain conditions a person is born with.
Stem Cell Deficiency
Stem Cell Deficiency
Limbal cell deficiency is characterised by a loss or deficiency of stem cells in the limbus, which is the part of the eye that generates new cells for the cornea, causing pain and reduced sight.
What is Limbal Cell Deficiency?
What are the Symptoms?
Symptoms of limbal cell deficiency include:
- Discomfort and pain
- Poor vision
- Cloudy cornea
- Instability of the eye surface
- Blood vessel ingrowth
Who Might have Limbal Cell Deficiency?
Limbal stem cell deficiency can be found in those who have had chemical (acid or alkaline), thermal injuries or Stevens Johnsons Syndrome, which have resulted in damage to the limbus. There are also a group of patients with congenital deficiency of stem cells, including those with Aniridia and ectodermal dysplasia.
What Treatment is Available?
A procedure called stem cell transplantation has been one of the biggest game changers for medicine, and eye care. Our stem cell procedure has been developed to treat the Limbus. In the procedure, called Ex-Vivo Limbal Stem Cell Transplant, donor stem cells are transplanted onto suitable recipients eyes. Improvements can then be seen over time.
To find out more about Limbal Cell Deficiency Treatment using stem cells, check out our Ex-Vivo Limbal Stem Cell Transplant page by clicking the button below.
Katie Piper and Limbal Cell Deficiency
Katie Piper was blinded in her left eye from a serious chemical injury. She underwent Ex-vivo limbal stem cell transplantation at Centre for Sight to repair the damage to the area on the front of the eye called the Limbus. It was the first stage in helping to restore her sight.
Since her procedure, Katie’s left eye is less angry and no longer intensely red. Her cornea has cleared significantly and she has experienced an improvement in her sight. You can read more about her story here.
FAQs
What is the Limbus?
The Limbus is the part of the eye that generates new cells for the cornea. When we blink this transparent ring around our iris washes these cells over our cornea. Without it our sight would cloud and degenerate.
What Causes Limbal Cell Deficiency?
Limbal stem cell deficiency can be caused by chemical (acid or alkaline), thermal injuries or Stevens Johnsons Syndrome. There are also a group of people with congenital deficiency of stem cells, including those with Aniridia and ectodermal dysplasia.
What are the signs of Limbal Cell Deficiency?
Signs of limbal stem cell deficiency include poor vision, as well as discomfort and pain. Other signs include clouding of the cornea, instability of the surface, and blood vessel ingrowth.
Is Limbal Cell Deficiency Treatable?
Yes, limbal cell deficiency is treatable with a stem cell transplantation procedure that has been developed to treat the Limbus. In the procedure, donor stem cells are transplanted onto suitable recipients eyes.
Improvements then occur over time such as reduced irritation and improved vision. It’s thought that the patient’s own body plays a part in the restoration process. To find out more, visit our stem cell transplantation treatment page.