Evaluation of new techniques of cellular therapy to ocular surface diseases

Abstract

Ocular surface diseases (OSD) are the most frequent causes of seeking for eye care. It comprises heterogeneous group of diseases, which have in common the presence of at least one of the following characteristics: change in the composition of the tear film, eyelid changes, destruction of limbic stem cells, inflammatory process and changes in corneal innervation. Examples of OSD of potential severity: severe dry eye - which includes Stevens - Johnson syndrome (SSJ), Sjögren's syndrome and Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD), chemical burns and neurotrophic keratitis. Treatment remains a challenge. Therapeutic approaches routinely used in clinical practice promote inflammatory control and tear film supplementation, in an attempt to improve epithelial healing and patients' comfort. However, there are several limitations and associated side effects. New techniques using cell therapy appear as innovative options. (AU)