How many people have limbal stem cells?

Loss of limbal stem cell function allows colonization of the corneal surface by conjunctival epithelium. Over 6 million people worldwide are affected by corneal blindness, and limbal stem cell deficiency is one of the main causes.

What is limbal stem cells?

Limbal stem cells, also known as corneal epithelial stem cells, are stem cells located in the basal epithelial layer of the corneal limbus. Limbal stem cell proliferation has the role of maintaining the cornea; for example, by replacing cells that are lost via tears.

Which heritable ophthalmic disorder is associated with limbal stem cell deficiency?

Patient history and clinical observation of corneal conjunctivalization associated with persistent epithelial defects hints strongly at limbal stem cell deficiency. This can be confirmed by cytological analysis of cells from the superficial corneal epithelium.

Are limbal stem cells pluripotent?

Purpose: : Corneal epithelial stem cells (SC) are located in the limbal zone. Recent studies have shown that several adult stem cells express pluripotency markers and can under certain conditions differentiate into a wide range of cell types.

What happens if you have a limbal stem cell deficiency?

Limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) is a condition affecting the eye. It can cause pain, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and eventually may lead to loss of vision.12 There are numerous causes of LSCD. 13 LSCD can be genetic (inherited), or caused by a degenerative disease.

Where do limbal stem cells get their nutrition?

Stem cells get their nutrition from the blood (vascular) system outside the cornea, hence why they must be at the edge of the cornea. 6 The limbus prevents vascularisation of the cornea from the conjunctiva. Limbal stem cells (LSCs) are therefore important as they keep the eye healthy and can’t be replaced naturally. 7

What happens when your stem cells are low?

The importance of these stem cells is most apparent when their numbers are decreased. With a reduced ability to repopulate the corneal epithelium and an unstable ocular surface, patients with limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) can have ocular pain from corneal erosions and decreased vision from stromal scarring or epithelial irregularity.

Where are limbal stem cells located in the eye?

Patient Information. Limbal stem cells reside in the limbus, a tiny structure situated between the cornea and the sclera (the white part of the eye). Apart from the ability to regenerate cornea, limbal stem cells continuously prevent conjunctiva (the mucous membrane covering the entire eye except the cornea) from invading the corneal epithelium.