[The pathomorphological characteristics of the corneal subepithelial haze after photorefractive keratectomy]

Morphological characteristics of the haze [correction of fleur] (subepithelial corneal opacity) observed after photorefraction interventions are described. Early haze [correction of fleur] (during the first 14 days) is caused by structural and spatial disorders and edema of the surface stromal layers under the hyperplastic epithelium. By its pattern and localization it can be classified as early subepithelial exudative. With differentiation of the epithelium and restructuring of the extracellular matrix, early haze [correction of fleur] as a rule gradually and spontaneously resolves within 10-14 days. Late haze [correction of fleur] is more stable and stubborn; it develops as a result of proliferation and migration of activated keratocytes into surface layers of the stroma at the site of photoablation usually 3 months and more after photorefraction keratectomy. Therefore, exposure of the cornea to an eximer laser is a source of its exogenous (physical) injury leading to an aseptic inflammation. The task of the refraction surgeon is timely drug correction, adequate to phases of inflammation, in order to create conditions for rapid complete regeneration of corneal tissue and restoration of its transparency.