title: Emerging techniques to treat limbal epithelial stem cell deficiency.
abstract: Visual performance, to a large extent, depends on the optical and refractive properties of the eye. The cornea is of great importance to this system. However, it requires a healthy epithelium for protection and optimal functioning. A sophisticated apparatus which relies on unipotent stem cells ensures the homeostasis of the corneal epithelium. A number of pathologic conditions can damage this mechanism, thereby compromising the ocular surface. This article will examine the concepts underlying a healthy or diseased corneal surface. Subsequently, current therapeutic approaches to regenerate a healthy epithelium and potential future developments will be discussed.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Johannes
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Menzel-Severing
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D016850:Limbus Corneae / Q000473:pathology*; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000473:pathology*