Corneal Stem Cell Therapy In Advanced Keratoconus
Published 2024 - 42nd Congress of the ESCRS
Reference: PO771 | Type: Free paper | DOI: 10.82333/jx40-as29
Authors: Ceren Ece Semiz* 1 , Faruk Semiz 1 , Gamze Tanrıverdi 2 , Merjem Purelku 2 , Njomza Hima Musa 1 , Fetih Furkan Arslan 3
1Ophthalmology,Eye Hospital,Prishtina,Kosovo, 2Histology and Embryology,Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa,Istanbul,Türkiye, 3Ophthalmology,Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa,Istanbul,Türkiye
Purpose
To investigate the new intrastromal histological structures and stem cells that develop after myopic human lenticular intrastromal keratoplasty in keratoconus with femtosecond laser-assisted small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) surgery by transmission electron microscopy and immunofluorescence studies.
Setting
Eye Hospital, Prishtina, Kosovo
Methods
Fifty eyes with advanced keratoconus indicated for corneal transplantation were included in this study. Fresh myopic lenticular implants were placed in all eyes through SMILE surgery. Lenticular implants were extracted from patients with myopic refractive errors of the cornea, untreated keratoconus and treated keratoconus following 1, 2, 3,4, and 5 years of surgery. These seven lenticular samples were examined under the electron microscope, immunofluorescence, and compared.
Results
Healthy keratocytes, stem cells, and telocyte-like cells were observed in samples obtained five years after intrastromal lenticular keratoplasty. The preoperative CDVA improved from 0.84 ± 0.22 logMAR to 0.45 ± 0.09 logMAR (P< .001). The preoperative CCT increased from 394 ± 13.19 μm to 485.10 ± 8.16 μm (P< .001).
Conclusions
We believe that future studies will establish the effectiveness of using intrastromal FML keratoplasty in treating advanced keratoconus and other corneal diseases that cause degenerative, progressive, and irregular astigmatism. FML comprising live stem cells, telocytes, and keratocytes is an application of stem cell treatment.
(Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT04591587)