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Dynamic Roles of the Corneal Epithelium in Refractive Surgery

  • Refractive Surgery: From Laser to Intraocular Lenses (C Starr, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to review the role of the corneal epithelium in refractive surgery, with a focus on corneal epithelial thickness changes and corneal wound healing.

Recent Findings

Corneal epithelial thickness changes according to the type of ablation performed, with most studies reporting increased paracentral thickening after myopic corrections and central thinning and paracentral thickening after hyperopic corrections. In addition, there are complex interactions between the corneal epithelium and the stroma that occur as part of the wound healing response after refractive surgery. Both the corneal epithelial thickness and the corneal response to injury can greatly influence the post-operative course.

Summary

The corneal epithelium is a dynamic entity in refractive surgery that contributes to refractive outcomes and complications. Further investigation of corneal epithelial cell biology, particularly with respect to determinants of epithelial thickness and mechanisms of wound healing, may allow surgeons to better control the corneal response to refractive surgery with improved outcomes and fewer complications.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cornea Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1305 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10021, USA

    Thomas H. Dohlman, Ashley R. Brissette, Edward C. Lai & Christopher E. Starr

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  1. Thomas H. Dohlman
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  2. Ashley R. Brissette
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Correspondence to Christopher E. Starr.

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Conflict of Interest

Thomas H. Dohlman, Ashley R. Brissette, and Edward C. Lai declare no conflict of interest.

Christopher E. Starr reports being paid for work as a consultant for Alcon, Allergan, B&L, Sun Pharma, TearLab, and Shire (none relevant to this work) and holds stock in TearLab.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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Supported in part by an unrestricted grant to the Weill Cornell Department of Ophthalmology from the Research to Prevent Blindness.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Refractive Surgery: From Laser to Intraocular Lenses

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Dohlman, T.H., Brissette, A.R., Lai, E.C. et al. Dynamic Roles of the Corneal Epithelium in Refractive Surgery. Curr Ophthalmol Rep 5, 239–248 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40135-017-0149-9

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