Limbal stem cell deficiency
When the limbus can no longer renew a stable, clear corneal surface.
Other Corneal Services
Other Corneal Services
SLET (Limbal Stem Cell Transplant)
Simple Limbal Epithelial Transplantation at Neera Eye Centre — rebuild a healthy corneal surface when limbal stem cells are damaged.
SLET
Simple limbal epithelial transplant
Surface
Restores corneal epithelium
Mini-graft
Small donor limbal tissue
AMT
Often combined with amniotic membrane
Service Overview
SLET (Simple Limbal Epithelial Transplantation) treats limbal stem cell deficiency — when the cells that renew the corneal surface are lost after chemical burns, injury, or chronic inflammation. Without those cells the cornea becomes cloudy, vascularised, and painful. SLET places tiny pieces of healthy limbal tissue from the other eye (or a donor) onto an amniotic membrane scaffold so a new clear surface can grow. It is a specialised corneal procedure, not a full-thickness cornea transplant.
What It Covers
Post-burn surface failure
Chemical or thermal injury that has left the cornea scarred and blood-vessel filled.
Mini-limbal grafts
Small bits of healthy limbus are arranged on amniotic membrane (SLET technique).
Surface reconstruction
Aims to reduce pain, restore a wettable surface, and improve the chance of later vision surgery.
Who It Is For
Chemical or thermal burns
Patients whose limbus was destroyed and whose cornea will not re-epithelialise.
Unilateral stem cell loss
When the other eye can safely donate a small limbal sample.
Failed ocular surface
Chronic redness, new vessels on the cornea, or repeated breakdown of the surface.
How It Works
Surface assessment
Slit-lamp exam and imaging confirm limbal stem cell deficiency and donor-eye safety.
SLET surgery
Tiny limbal pieces are placed on amniotic membrane over the prepared cornea.
Healing and follow-up
A bandage lens and drops protect the grafts while the new epithelium grows.
Why Choose SLET Here
SLET is performed by our cornea team alongside chemical-burn care, amniotic membrane work, and transplant services. That means stem-cell reconstruction, later optical keratoplasty if needed, and long-term surface follow-up stay in one centre at Darya Ganj.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SLET the same as a corneal transplant?
No. A transplant replaces corneal tissue layers. SLET restores the stem cells that grow the surface skin of the cornea, often using a very small graft from the other eye.
Will SLET give me 6/6 vision immediately?
The first goal is a stable, less painful surface. Glasses, contact lenses, or a later transplant may still be needed for best vision.
Is the donor eye at risk?
Only a tiny limbal sample is taken from a healthy eye. Your surgeon will confirm it is safe before surgery.
Related Services
More in Other Corneal Services
Not sure which treatment is right for you?
Book a comprehensive eye evaluation. Our specialists will recommend the best course of action for your vision.