[The clinical aspects of limbal stem cell deficiency].

Stem cells are the ultimate source of the rapidly self-renewing corneal epithelium and are located in the basal layer of the limbal epithelium. Ocular surface defense mechanisms are important for the integrity of the ocular surface under normal and compromised conditions. A variety of diseases can compromise the stem cell pool causing an entity called limbal stem cell deficiency. Clinical symptoms can range from foreign body sensation and glare up to blindness. The exact diagnosis is crucial for adequate therapeutic measures.