Objective: To compare the efficacy, safety, and long term outcomes of both limbal stem cell and amniotic membrane transplantation; being employed for ocular surface reconstruction in cases (patients) with history of ocular chemical burns.
Patients and Methods: 40 eyes of 40 consecutive patients with a diagnoses of partial limbal stem cell deficiency secondary to chemical ocular burn were recruited from the outpatient clinic in Mansoura university, Ophthalmic center and were assigned randomly to two groups; each with 20 eyes of 20 patients. Both groups underwent superficial keratectomy of the conjunctivalised corneal surface, followed by limbal stem cell transplantation and amniotic transplantation in group A, and amniotic membrane transplantation alone in group B. Patients were scheduled for follow-up within the period of one year.
Results: At the end of the follow-up period, all the eyes exhibited a stable and intact corneal epithelial surface. In group A, the mean time for re-epithelialization was 16 ± 4.8 days, while in group B was 22 ± 14.1 days. The overall improvement in visual acuity was observed in 75 % and 60% of the cases in groups A and B respectively.
Conclusions: Limbal stem cell transplantation is a safe and effective procedure for restoring the ocular surface integrity in eyes with partial limbal stem cell deficiency secondary to chemical ocular burn. Amniotic membrane transplantation is also a safe and effective alternative. However, this study shows superiority of the combined use of limbal stem cell transplantation.