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Compensatory epithelial hyperplasia in human corneal disease.
E C Dillon1, R C Eagle, P R Laibson
1Department of Pathology, Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pa 19107.
Ophthalmic Surgery
|November 11, 1992
Summary
Compensatory hyperplasia of the corneal epithelium (CEH) frequently occurs in corneal diseases with stromal loss, such as keratoconus and herpes simplex keratitis. This finding suggests CEH may contribute to refractive errors after eye surgery.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Histopathology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Compensatory hyperplasia of the corneal epithelium (CEH) is linked to refractive outcomes after excimer laser procedures.
- CEH has been observed in animal and human eyes post-photoablative keratectomy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of CEH in various corneal diseases.
- To explore the potential relationship between stromal abnormalities and CEH development.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective histopathologic analysis of routine keratoplasty specimens.
- Examination of corneas from patients with keratoconus, chronic herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis, and nonspecific scars.
Main Results:
- CEH was identified in 65% of keratoconus, 50% of chronic HSV keratitis, and 56% of nonspecific scar cases.
- Mild CEH was noted in keratoconus, while massive CEH (up to 200 microns) occurred in chronic HSV keratitis with stromal loss.
- CEH was frequently observed in corneal diseases characterized by stromal ectasia or loss.
Conclusions:
- CEH is a common finding in several corneal diseases associated with stromal loss or ectasia.
- Stromal loss may promote CEH by reducing shearing forces from eyelid closure.
- CEH is implicated as a factor in refractive regression following excimer laser photoablation.