Serum eye drops, amniotic membrane and limbal epithelial stem cells--tools in the treatment of ocular surface disease.

ABSTRACT

The advent of serum eye drops, amniotic membrane and limbal stem cell grafts, have transformed the treatment of diseases which result in ocular surface failure. This article provides an overview of ocular surface anatomy and failure, and how the use of serum eye drops, amniotic membrane and limbal epithelial stem cell transplantation has influenced ophthalmological practice both historically and in recent years. This review focuses on the rationale for the use of these emerging tools, how they are prepared, clinical applications, limitations, and speculates on future directions.