Objective:

To examine the demographics, etiologies, and treatment outcomes associated with limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD).

Key Findings:

• Average age of diagnosis was 53.2 years (UMN), 42.9 years (CEI), and median 24 years (LV Prasad) based on retrospective studies.
• 2:1 male predominance observed in the LV Prasad cohort, indicating a potential demographic trend.
• Main causes of LSCD included ocular burns (53.7% in LV Prasad), congenital aniridia (30.9% in CEI), and chemical/thermal burns (18.7% in UMN), highlighting varied etiologies.
• LSCD frequency was reported as 4.25% at UMN, suggesting a need for further investigation.
• Chuna (lime powder) was identified as a common cause of pediatric ocular chemical injuries, particularly in regions where it is prevalent.

Interpretation:

LSCD is likely underdiagnosed and undertreated, which may lead to increased morbidity; thus, improved demographic data and prevalence estimates are crucial for enhancing research and treatment options.

Limitations:

• Absence of a specific ICD-10 code for LSCD complicates accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Variability in cohort demographics and causes across different studies may affect the generalizability of findings.

Conclusion:

Comprehensive data collection is essential to address the public health burden of LSCD and to foster advancements in treatment strategies.