Outcome of autologous simple limbal epithelial transplant with phthisical eye as the donor

This case report describes a 34-year-old male who presented with sequelae of unilateral chemical injury. The contralateral eye was phthisical following retinal detachment surgery performed 8 years ago. The patient underwent a simple limbal epithelial transplant (SLET), utilizing limbal biopsies harvested from the phthisical eye, with successful ocular surface reconstruction. This case highlights the potential of the structurally preserved phthisical eye as a viable autologous donor source for limbal stem cell transplantation in patients with unilateral stem cell deficiency (LSCD). Traditionally, donor selection for autologous SLET is limited to clinically healthy eyes; however, this case challenges the paradigm and suggests expanding donor criteria under certain circumstances.