Stem Cells Implants Used to Restore Sight for Corneal Disease Sufferers

A new study describes a contact lens-based technique for the expansion and transplantation of autologous epithelial progenitor cells, used for ocular surface reconstruction.

Researchers at the University of New South Wales (UNSW, Sydney, Australia; www.unsw.edu.au) used the new technique to treat three patients suffering from a blinding and painful condition known as limbal-SC deficiency (LSCD), in which the cornea is depleted of a distinct population of stem cells (SC) that replace damaged or aging epithelium throughout life. The three patients selected suffered LSCD due to aniridia and post-treatment for recurrent ocular surface melanoma. Limbal or conjunctival biopsies were harvested, and progenitor cells were expanded in the laboratory on therapeutic contact lenses (CLs) in the presence of an autologous serum. The cell-laden CLs were then transferred to the patient's corneal surface, and clinical outcome measures were recorded during a follow period of up to 13 months. The researchers found that within 10 to 14 days, the stem cells began to attach to the cornea, replenishing damaged cells, and a stable transparent corneal epithelium was restored in each patient. There was no recurrence of conjunctivalization or corneal vascularization, and a significant improvement in symptom score occurred in all patients. Best-corrected visual acuity was increased in all eyes after the procedure; according the researchers, two of the three patients, who were legally blind in the treated eye, can now read big letters on an eye chart. The third could read the top few rows of the chart, but now is able to pass the vision test for a driving license. The results of the study were reported in the May 27, 2009, issue of the journal Transplantation.

"It's simple and easy for the patient and you don't need fancy equipment; just an ophthalmic surgeon and a lab for cell culture,” said lead author Nick Di Girolamo, Ph.D. "We're quietly excited. We don't know yet if (the correction) will remain stable, but if it does it's a wonderful technique”.

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University of New South Wales