Senior Optometrist Northeastern Eye Institute Scranton, Pennsylvania, United States
Disclosure(s): No relevant disclosure to display
Disclosure(s):
Joeseph Shovlin: No relevant disclosure to display
There are many different causes of limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). Driving forces include trauma (surgical, contact lens wear), inflammation, infection, congenital anomalies, neoplastic changes and iatrogenic reasons. We have ways to effectively diagnose LSCD including careful slit lamp examinations, confocal microscopy, OCT, and impression cytology. Treatment options include surface restoration, stem cell transplants, keratoprosthesis, and synthetic/artificial corneas when severe disease develops.
Learning Objectives:
Upon conclusion of this activity, attendees will be able to:
Define limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) as it relates to corneal morbidity
Learn about diagnosis of stem cell deficiency in its earliest stages and highlight conditions that masquerade as LSCD
Examine LSCD in contact lens wear and discuss its appropriate management
Share the many surgical options available today that may be employed when LSCD disease reaches the point where no other treatment options suffice
Take a close look at future options including “cell farming” for remedies to advanced disease
Identify and manage a rejection episode in stem cell transplant surgery