Automatized Large Diameter Lamellar Keratoplasty and Stem Cell Transplantation for the Treatment of Ocular Surface Diseases with Limbal Insufficiency

Abstract

Purpose

To report a new surgical procedure for the treatment of ocular surface diseases associated with severe limbal insufficiency.

Methods

A retrospective review of four patients with severe ocular surface disease who required stem cell transplantation and keratoplasty for the correction of limbal insufficiencies. They underwent large diameter lamellar keratoplasty with microkeratome. When limbal dysfunction was associated with limited alteration of the ocular surface and transparent deep corneal stroma only the anterior corneal stroma was transplanted. When the entire corneal thickness was compromised, both anterior and deep donor buttons were transplanted.

Results

Patients remained stable and improved their visual acuity after surgery. Best-corrected visual acuity ranged from 20/200 to 20/30. No corneal graft rejections were found. The main complication found in one of our patients was a central stromal opacity which required a secondary penetrating keratoplasty.

Conclusions

Automatized large diameter lamellar keratoplasty provides a safe and successful alternative to limbal transplantation for limbal insufficiency associated with corneal opacity. This technique enables a single-stage surgical procedure and the use of a single donor which reduces the risk of rejection. In addition, better refractive results are achieved due to the quality of the interface and the absence of corneal sutures.