The limbal stem cells are specialized cells located at the periphery of the cornea. They are responsible for the regeneration and renewal of the corneal epithelium, and also prevent conjunctival epithelial growth onto the cornea.
A limbal stem cell transplant is indicated in cases where there is an unfavorable environment for limbal stem cell support like in the case of some systemic diseases, chemical and thermal injuries, ultra violet or ionizing radiation, contact lens wear and multiple ocular surgeries.
Limbal stem cells can be harvested from the conjunctiva / cornea of the fellow eye (autograft), a relative’s eye (allograft) or from a donor eye (allograft).