Limbal stem cell insufficiency

Limbal stem cell insufficiency is a rare disease of the limb head in the cornea.

The normally continuous epithelial renewal of the cornea through the limbus epithelium may be disturbed by various causes. Usuall, this is caused by a primary destruction of limb stem cells (LSZ) and on the other hand by damage to the limbus stroma (incl stem cells) by exogenous factors (trauma, chemical burns, UV radiation).

The result is a conjunctival growth (vascular and conjunctival growth) of the corneal surface.

Those affected suffer from mild visual problems with a foreign body sensation to complete blindness.