Conjunctival transplantation

Abstract

A method to transplant healthy conjunctiva onto eyes with damaged ocular surface epithelium and superficial vascularization, as are often seen after chemical or thermal burns is described. Conjunctival resection and lamellar keratectomy were followed by grafting of healthy conjunctival patches. In three of five eyes with total corneal involvement, successful reepithelialization of the cornea from the conjunctiva was accompanied by improved vision and decreased vascularization. Results in two other eyes were less successful due to deep stromal vascularization.