Limbal stem cell deficiency

Limbal stem cell deficiency (LCSD) is a devastating disease that is estimated to account for approximately 15% to 20% of corneal blindness in some parts of the world. Limbal stem cells (LSCs) are a population of pluripotent stem cells found in the limbus between the corneal and conjunctival epithelium. Throughout life, LSCs continuously regenerate the corneal epithelium, which is critical for maintaining the integrity and transparency of the ocular surface. Extensive loss of LSCs from various disease processes, such as congenital aniridia, chemical burns, Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS), mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP), contact lens overwear, medicamentosa, and surgeries that injure the limbus (ie, pterygium surgery), results in clinically significant LSCD. Patients with LSCD suffer from recurrent and persistent epithelial defects, as well as corneal ulcerations, conjunctivalization, and neovascularization. This, in turn, leads to chronic ocular surface pain, inflammation, and devastating vision loss.

We do not know the exact prevalence and the 15-20% estimate is the best we have from one large center in India. More data has been made available in the last 5 years and there are individuals who can publish on this. Limbal stem cell transplants has classically been achieved with autograft and allograft form disease donors or living-related relatives. New techniques and methods have been developed in the last 2-3 years and there are individuals who have insights in this space.

This Research Topic welcomes articles focused on, but not limited to:
1. Epidemiology: studies that are well-designed and powered to adequately represent population prevalence of LSCD from any part of the world.
2. Treatment: case reports, case series, and retrospective analyses on outcomes with novel treatment methods and algorithms.