Nature and incidence of severe limbal stem cell deficiency in Australia and New Zealand

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the nature and incidence of severe limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) in Australia and New Zealand. DESIGN: A 1-year pilot surveillance study with a 1-year follow-up period was conducted in association with the Australian and New Zealand Ophthalmic Surveillance Unit. PARTICIPANTS: The study included patients reported by practising ophthalmologists on the Surveillance Unit's database. METHODS: Ophthalmologists were provided with a definition of severe limbal stem cell deficiency, contacted on a monthly basis by the Unit and asked to report newly diagnosed cases. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Severe LSCD was defined as at least 6 clock hours of whorl-like epi..