Limbal autograft transplantation for chemical and thermal burns.

The technique of limbal autograft transplantation is presented which has been used in 25 cases of uniocular chemical and thermal burns. With up to 4 years follow-up, these cases have consistently demonstrated: (1) improved visual acuity; (2) rapid surface healing; (3) stable epithelial adhesion without recurrent erosion or persistent epithelial defect; (4) consistent regression of corneal neovascularization; (5) restoration of a smooth and optically improved ocular surface; and (6) probably increased success for subsequent keratoplasty.