Conjunctival limbal autograft from a phthisical eye for limbal stem cell deficiency

Abstract We present the unique case of a patient with limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) successfully treated with conjunctival limbal autograft (CLAU) from a phthisical eye. This study is a retrospective case report and discussion of what we believe to be the first successful CLAU from a phthisical eye. A 46-year-old Caucasian monocular male presented with progressive LSCD of his functioning right eye. Treatment with autologous serum tears and scleral lenses initially stabilized his vision but was ultimately unable to prevent visual decline A CLAU was performed using the tissue from his phthisical left eye. His vision progressively improved, and by 16 months postoperation, the patient achieved a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/40 from 20/150 with his scleral lens. Follow-up corneal examination revealed no signs of LSCD. We present a unique case that, to our knowledge, is the first documented successful CLAU from a phthisical eye which resulted in successful visual and surface rehabilitation. CLAU from a phthisical eye is a viable approach for the treatment of unilateral LSCD.