Reply to Contact Lens-Based Expansion and Transplantation of Autologous Epithelial Progenitors for Ocular Surface Reconstruction: Crossover Control
Parmar et al. recommend that we design a crossover control using a bandage contact lens (CL) alone for future patients managed with our novel technique (1). Bandage CLs are known to facilitate healing of persistent corneal epithelial defects and are often used in conjunction with conventional medication (2) in patients with limbal stem-cell deficiency (LSCD). Our technique for expansion and transplantation of autologous epithelial progenitors involved removal of irregular epithelium and conjunctivalisation from the corneal surface (superficial keratectomy)before placement of a stem-cell–laden CL.
