Stem cell transplantation and artificial corneal transplantation in Iran – Dr. Mehran Zarei Qanavati

Advanced artificial corneal transplantation and stem cell transplantation in Iran

For patients with severe corneal injuries due to chemical or thermal burn or when eye surface is chronically inflamed or severely dry, conventional corneal transplantation does not work. In these cases, a stem cell transplant or an artificial cornea transplant is needed.

What is a stem cell transplant?

Corneal stem cell transplants may be taken from patients’ eye or from another person. The corneal stem cells are located in the area between the conjunctiva and the cornea called the limbus. In diseases where these cells are damaged, such as hereditary diseases and chemical burns, conjunctival cells cover the cornea, and patients suffers from severe vision loss. In these cases, a limbal transplantation is required.

What is an artificial cornea or keratoprosthesis?

In patients who have had corneal transplant rejection several times or patients who have severe eyelid damage or severe dry eye, conventional corneal transplantation is not successful, artificial corneal transplantation is needed. Osteo-odonto keratoprosthesis (OOKP) which is one the most complex and advanced eye surgery is performed in Iran. OOKP is the best option of corneal blindness due to chemical and thermal burn or patients who suffer from Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS).