Eight-Year Outcomes of Staged Penetrating Keratoplasty After Simple Limbal Epithelial Transplantation in Ocular Surface Burns: A Case Report.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this article was to report long-term outcomes of staged simple limbal epithelial transplantation (SLET) followed by penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) in patients with severe ocular surface burns.

METHODS

Two patients with unilateral severe ocular surface burns and limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) underwent SLET performed by a single surgeon. After ocular surface stabilization, sequential PKP combined with cataract extraction and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation was performed. Patients were followed for 8 years. Anatomical success (stable, epithelized surface, and clear graft) and functional outcomes (best-corrected visual acuity) were assessed.

RESULTS

Both eyes achieved sustained ocular surface stability before keratoplasty. At 8 years, clear grafts with stable epithelium were maintained in both cases. Final best-corrected visual acuity was 20/20 (with contact lens) and 20/120, respectively. No episodes of graft rejection, persistent epithelial defects, or vision-threatening complications were observed during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

A staged approach with SLET followed by PKP may provide favorable long-term anatomical and visual outcomes in selected patients with severe ocular surface burns and LSCD. Larger studies are needed to validate these findings.