Biomechanical Modulation Therapy—A Stem Cell Therapy Without Stem Cells for the Treatment of Severe Ocular Burns

Ocular injuries caused by chemical and thermal burns are often unmanageable and frequently result in disfigurement, corneal haze/opacification, and vision loss. Currently, a considerable number of surgical and pharmacological approaches are available to treat such injuries at either an acute or a chronic stage. However, these existing interventions are mainly directed at (and limited to) suppressing corneal inflammation and neovascularization while promoting re-epithelialization. Reconstruction of the ocular surface represents a suitable but last-option recourse in cases where epithelial healing is severely impaired, such as due to limbal stem cell deficiency. In this concise review, we discuss how biomechanical modulation therapy (BMT) may represent a more effective approach to promoting the regeneration of ocular tissues affected by burn injuries via restoration of the limbal stem cell niche. Specifically, the scientific basis supporting this new therapeutic modality is described, along with our growing understanding of the role that tissue biomechanics plays in stem cell fate and function. The potential impact of BMT as a future treatment option for the management of injuries affecting tissue compliance is also further discussed.