Ophthalmology

Severe Ocular Surface Disease & Limbal Stem Cell Transplant Program

Restoring Vision

Welcome to the Limbal Stem Cell Transplant Program. Since 2005, our specialized team has been dedicated to helping patients facing severe ocular surface diseases. We understand how difficult these conditions can be, affecting not just your vision, but your daily comfort and quality of life.

Our goal is to restore the health of your eye’s surface, reduce pain, and help you see the world clearly again.

Understanding Your Condition

What is Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency (LSCD)?

Think of your cornea (the clear front window of your eye) like the windshield of a car. To stay clear, it needs a constant supply of healthy cells. These cells come from a specific area called the limbus (the border between the color of your eye and the white of your eye).

Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency (LSCD) happens when the stem cells in that border area are lost or damaged. Without these cells, the cornea cannot repair itself. Instead, the tough, cloudy tissue that normally covers the white of your eye (the conjunctiva) begins to grow over the clear window. This is what causes the vision to become blurry and the eye to feel irritated.

Common Causes:

• Chemical or Thermal Burns: Often from workplace accidents.
• Autoimmune Conditions: Stevens-Johnson syndrome, mucous membra
• Contact Lens Wear: Complications from long-term
• Medical History: Damage from previous eye surgeries or radiation.

Stem Cell Transplantation

When the protective stem cells on the surface of the eye are severely damaged, they may need to be replaced. The type of transplant depends on your specific condition and whether healthy tissue is available.

Using Your Own Cells (CLAU):

If one eye is healthy, we may be able to safely move a small amount of healthy tissue from that eye to help heal the damaged eye.

Using a Relative’s Cells (LR-CLAL):

If both eyes are affected, a close family member (often a sibling) may be able to donate healthy stem cell tissue.

Using Donor Tissue (KLAL):

If a family donor is not available, we can use carefully screened tissue from an eye bank to restore the eye’s natural protective barrier.

Meet Your Team

Our program is built on a foundation of world-class expertise and a unique partnership in specialized care.

Lead Physician: Ali R. Djalilian, MD

Ali Djalilian, MD is a cornea specialist and a clinician-scientist. He is the Searls-Schenk Professor of Ophthalmology at University of Illinois at Chicago. He completed fellowships with Dr Edward Holland at Cincinnati Eye Institute and at the National Eye Institute. He has an active clinical interest in limbal stem cell disease, ocular surface reconstruction, and high risk corneal and limbal transplantation. He also leads an active laboratory and translational research program focused on developing novel therapies for limbal stem cell disease.

Following the Holland System of Care, Dr. Djalilian leads a highly specialized multidisciplinary team. This "Center of Excellence" approach ensures you are supported not just by a surgeon, but by a full medical network, including:

• Cornea & Ocular Surface Specialists: To manage the delicate surgical restoration of the eye.
• Nephrologists (Transplant Medicine): Specialists who manage your anti-rejection medications to ensure the transplant survives.
• Transplant Coordinator: A dedicated partner who manages your medications, schedules bloodwork, and coordinates care between all your specialists.
• Sub-Specialists: Glaucoma and Oculoplastic surgeons who ensure the rest of the eye is protected.