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Serum eye drops, amniotic membrane and limbal epithelial stem cells—tools in the treatment of ocular surface disease

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Abstract

The advent of serum eye drops, amniotic membrane and limbal stem cell grafts, have transformed the treatment of diseases which result in ocular surface failure. This article provides an overview of ocular surface anatomy and failure, and how the use of serum eye drops, amniotic membrane and limbal epithelial stem cell transplantation has influenced ophthalmological practice both historically and in recent years. This review focuses on the rationale for the use of these emerging tools, how they are prepared, clinical applications, limitations, and speculates on future directions.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank John Dart (Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK) and Stephen Tuft (Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK) for allowing the use of clinical illustrations from their patients (JD: Fig 4b, 5b–d, 6b–e, 7b–c; ST: Fig 7d–f). The authors would also like to thank John Dart for reviewing the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, School of Immunity and Infection, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre, University of Birmingham, Dudley Road, Birmingham, B18 7QU, UK

    Saaeha Rauz

  2. Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK

    Valerie P. Saw

  3. Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK

    Valerie P. Saw

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  1. Saaeha Rauz
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Correspondence to Saaeha Rauz.

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Rauz, S., Saw, V.P. Serum eye drops, amniotic membrane and limbal epithelial stem cells—tools in the treatment of ocular surface disease. Cell Tissue Bank 11, 13–27 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10561-009-9128-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10561-009-9128-1

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