What is limbal stem cell deficiency?
Limbal stem cell deficiency syndrome means there is no longer a source for corneal epithelial cells. This is replaced by conjunctival epithelial that normally surrounds the cornea and, in these cases, it expands and “invades the territory”, taking advantage of the limbus no longer acting as a barrier to prevent the growth of the conjunctiva.
What causes it?
There are a number of congenital or acquired factors that can seriously damage the limbus, and hence the stem cell population, causing a condition known as limbal stem cell deficiency syndrome.
How can it be prevented?
It cannot be prevented, however it can be treated in time by regular check-ups to detect it and hence apply the most suitable treatment for each case.
Symptoms
The expansion of the conjunctival epithelium over the cornea causes vision loss as well as epithelial adhesion problems, corneal erosion and ulcers, chronic inflammation or abnormal growth of blood vessels.
Associated treatments
When the limbal stem cell deficiency has not yet fully developed, it can be treated with eye drops. However, in severe cases, limbal stem cell transplantation is the best option.
Specialists who treat this pathology
IMO Institute of Ocular Microsurgery
Josep María Lladó, 3
08035 Barcelona
Phone: (+34) 934 000 700
E-mail: international@imo.es
See map on Google Maps
By car
GPS navigator coordinates:
41º 24’ 38” N – 02º 07’ 29” E
Exit 7 of the Ronda de Dalt (mountain side). The clinic has a car park with more than 200 parking spaces.
By bus
Autobus H2: Rotonda de Bellesguard, parada 1540
Autobus 196: Josep Maria Lladó-Bellesguard, parada 3191
Autobuses H2, 123, 196: Ronda de Dalt – Bellesguard, parada 0071
How to arrive at IMO from:
IMO Madrid
C/ Valle de Pinares Llanos, 3
28035 Madrid
Phone: (+34) 910 783 783
See map in Google Maps
Public transport
Metro Lacoma (líne 7)
Autobuses:
- Lines 49 & 64, stop “Senda del Infante”
- Line N21, stop “Metro Lacoma”
Timetables
Patient care:
Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
IMO Andorra
Av. de les Nacions Unides, 17
AD700 Escaldes-Engordany, Andorra
Phone: (+376) 688 55 44
See map in Google Maps
IMO Manresa
C/ Carrasco i Formiguera, 33 (Baixos)
08242 – Manresa
Tel: (+34) 938 749 160
See map in Google Maps
Public transport
FGC. Line R5 & R50 direction Manresa. Station/Stop: Baixador de Manresa
Timetables
Monday to Friday, 08:30 A.M – 13:30 PM / 15:00 PM – 20:00 PM