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Updated: Jul 27, 2025

06:46
Ex Vivo Corneal Organ Culture Model for Wound Healing Studies
Published on: February 15, 2019
11.8K
New developments in the management of persistent corneal epithelial defects
Zhang Zhe Thia1, Yik To Ho2, Kendrick Co Shih2
1Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore; National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore; Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
Survey of Ophthalmology
|June 10, 2023
Summary
Persistent epithelial defects (PEDs) are non-healing corneal wounds with poor outcomes. Advances in therapies are needed to improve understanding and treatment of these prevalent ocular conditions.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Science
- Wound Healing
Background:
- Persistent epithelial defects (PEDs) are corneal wounds failing to heal within two weeks.
- PEDs cause significant morbidity, and current treatments often yield unsatisfactory results.
- The prevalence of PEDs is increasing, necessitating improved management strategies.
Observation:
- This review details the causes and management of PEDs, highlighting limitations of current approaches.
- A case study describes complicated bilateral PED in a patient with graft-versus-host disease on corticosteroids.
- Standard management involves excluding infection and applying treatments to promote corneal healing.
Findings:
- Treatment challenges persist due to diverse underlying etiologies, leading to suboptimal success rates.
- Understanding the pathophysiology of PEDs is crucial for developing effective therapies.
- New therapeutic advances hold promise for improving the understanding and treatment of PEDs.
Implications:
- Further research into novel treatment modalities is essential for addressing the growing challenge of PEDs.
- Improved therapies could significantly reduce the morbidity associated with persistent corneal defects.
- Advances in understanding and treating PEDs may lead to better visual outcomes for patients.

