Restoring The Ocular Surface After Severe Alkali Burn: Two-Stage Autologous Limbal Stem Cell And Corneal Transplantation
Published 2026 - 44th Congress of the ESCRS
Reference: POCOR511 | Type: Free paper | DOI: 10.82333/gkev-g421
Authors: Dr Mireia Minguell Barbero* 1 , Dr Irene Sassot Cladera 1 , Dr Miriam Barbany Rodríguez 1 , Dr Maria Júlia Martínez Malizia 1 , Dr Paula Rivero Frisch 1 , Dr Mei Martínez Alegre 1 , Dr Daniel García Ordoñez 1 , Ms Mercè Sabaté Franco 2
1Ophthalmology,Hospital Universitari Mútua Terrassa,Terrassa,Spain, 2Optometry,Hospital Universitari Mútua Terrassa,Terrassa,Spain
Purpose
To report a case of severe ocular surface damage following childhood alkali burn, managed with staged autologous limbal stem cell transplantation and secondary corneal grafting, highlighting the surgical approach and clinical management.
Setting
Department of Ophthalmology, Mútua Terrassa University Hospital, Terrassa, Barcelona, Spain
Methods
A 67-year-old male with a history of an alkali burn at age 8 in the right eye (RE), previously operated for cataract in that eye 6 years ago, presented with limbal stem cell deficiency, corneal opacification, and corneal thinning. Preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.4 in the right eye (RE) and 1.0 in the left eye (LE). Surgery was performed in two stages. First, autologous simple limbal epithelial transplantation (SLET) using two limbal sectors from the LE with amniotic membrane (AM) graft and temporary tarsorrhaphy was done. Six months later, a secondary penetrating keratoplasty with AM graft was carried out.
Results
At 4 months postoperatively, the corneal graft in the RE was clear, with good epithelialization, and the intraocular lens remained stable, showing favorable clinical evolution. Posterior capsule opacification was present, limiting BCVA to 0.15, for which YAG capsulotomy was planned. Intraocular pressure remained normal throughout follow-up.
Conclusions
This case highlights the role of staged limbal stem cell and corneal transplantation in managing severe ocular surface injury, underlining the need for individualized planning to optimize structural and functional outcomes.