Reply to Comment on: Long-Term Outcome After Superficial Keratectomy of the Abnormal Epithelium for Partial Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency

The importance of anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) and in vivo laser scanning confocal microscopy (IVCM) has recently increased in the diagnosis of corneal diseases, including LSCD, and a correlation has been reported with the clinical score.2 Thus, these additional tests are recommended to confirm the diagnosis and stage of LSCD, if available.3 In this study, at least two experienced corneal specialists carefully examined the clinical records and diagnosed patients with partial LSCD and then evaluated the cornea after superficial keratectomy, based on the criteria by Deng et al.3 To make a comprehensive diagnosis of LSCD we carefully used fluorescein staining, imaging examinations such as AS-OCT and IVCM, or cytological and histological examination such as impression cytology and immunohistochemistry. [...]MMC was not used thereafter because no obvious efficacy could be confirmed. [...]as pointed out by Dr. Bonnet and associates, there are concerns regarding toxicity to the limbal stem cells and their niche, and the risk of the associated complications. [...]we would like to emphasize that we do not recommend the use of MMC for the prevention of re-recurrence.