What is the Difference Between Keratolimbal Allograft and Autologous Graft?

The main difference between keratolimbal allograft and autologous graft lies in the source of the donor tissue used for the transplantation procedure.

• Keratolimbal Allograft: This type of ocular stem cell transplantation (OSST) uses cadaveric limbal stem cells or allogenic tissue from a donor to treat limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). It is ideal for patients with bilateral LSCD without a related, matched, living donor or for those with unilateral LSCD where the unaffected eye is unsuitable for a conjunctival limbal autograft. The procedure involves transplanting allogenic limbal tissue attached to a corneoscleral carrier from a deceased donor.
• Autologous Graft: This type of transplantation utilizes the person's own limbal stem cells or tissue for the procedure. The source of donor tissue can be autologous, and the technique of direct transplantation can be further divided into conjunctival limbal autograft and simple limbal epithelial transplantation (SLET).

Both keratolimbal allograft and autologous graft are used to treat LSCD, which can arise from various causes, such as aniridia, chemical burns, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, iatrogenic causes, and contact-lens-induced keratopathy. The choice between the two types of transplantation depends on the patient's condition, the availability of donor tissue, and the surgeon's recommendation.

Comparative Table: Keratolimbal Allograft vs Autologous Graft

The main differences between keratolimbal allograft and autologous graft are the source of the donor tissue and the type of transplantation procedure. Here is a table comparing the two:

Both keratolimbal allograft and autologous graft are used for corneal surface reconstruction in patients with limbal stem cell deficiency. The choice of procedure depends on the extent of LSCD involvement, the patient's acceptance and expectations of the proposed treatment, and the availability of donor tissue.