Limbal epithelial stem cells of the cornea

Abstract

The cornea on the front surface of the eye is our window to the world, hence maintenance of corneal tissue transparency is essential for vision. The integrity and functionality of the outermost corneal layer, the epithelium, plays a key role in refraction of light on to the retina at the back of the eye. Like other epithelia, the epithelium of the cornea is maintained by stem cells. This review will discuss what is currently known about the properties of these stem cells, the clinical consequences of stem cell failure and the potential for stem cell therapy in regeneration of the ocular surface.