Limbal autotransplantation in the acute and chronic phases of severe chemical injuries.

We present the results of six cases of severe chemical burn of the eye treated by limbal autotransplantation. Three cases were treated in the acute phase, and three in the chronically scarred, healed phase. In five of the six cases, the stability of the ocular surface was markedly improved, resulting in two of the three acute cases in full recovery of normal vision, and in the three chronic cases in improved comfort and reduced corneal opacity and vascularity. In two chronic cases, visual acuity was improved and in one, limbal autotransplantation was followed by successful penetrating keratoplasty. Limbal autotransplantation is a valuable procedure in the rehabilitation of the unilateral, severely chemically burned eye. The indications, techniques, complications and results of this procedure are discussed.