Mechanisms of corneal wound healing and its modulation following refractive surgery

Abstract

The corneal wound healing response is a complex cascade involving cytokine mediated interactions between the epithelial cells, stromal keratocytes, corneal nerves, lacrimal glands, tear film and cells of the immune system. The response of the tissue changes depends on the inciting injury. For example, incisional, lamellar and surface scrape injuries, like the ones used in keratorefractive surgery procedures, are followed by typical wound healing responses that are similar in some respects, but different in others. The severity of this response effects the outcome of the surgery. This review article will provide an overview of the cellular interactions and cytokin regulations associated with corneal wound healing response and modulation of this response after keratorefractive surgical procedures. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the corneal wound healing cascade, stromal-epithelial-immune interactions mediated by cytokines, the healing response in refractive surgery procedures and the modulation of this response.