A patient with Stevens-Johnson syndrome develops severe dry eyes, symblepharon, and corneal vascularisation. Which layer of the corneal anatomy is most involved in limbal stem cell deficiency contributing to corneal opacification?
- A Corneal epithelium derived from limbal epithelial stem cells ✓
- B Bowman's layer
- C Descemet's membrane
- D Corneal stroma (keratocytes)
Correct answer: A. Corneal epithelium derived from limbal epithelial stem cells
Explanation
The corneal epithelium is maintained by centripetal migration of limbal epithelial stem cells located at the corneoscleral limbus (Palisades of Vogt). In conditions causing limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, chemical burns, or contact lens overuse, conjunctivalisation of the corneal surface occurs—goblet cell-containing conjunctival epithelium migrates onto the cornea, causing vascularisation, chronic inflammation, and visual loss. Treatment involves limbal stem cell transplantation.
Reference: Khurana Comprehensive Ophthalmology, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.