Post-LASIK corneas show sub-clinical differences in sensory nerves and immune cell morphodynamics

To compare corneal nerve architecture and sensory function, and the distribution and morphodynamic (morphologic and dynamic) features of epithelial and stromal immune cells, between healthy (control) and post-LASIK corneas.

Participants, comprising healthy (control) adults (n = 19) and age-similar individuals who had undergone myopic LASIK six to 24 months prior (n = 13), underwent ocular surface evaluations. Corneal sensitivity to mechanical (air) and hyper-osmotic (saline) stimuli were quantified. Corneal functional in vivo confocal microscopy (Fun-IVCM) imaging was performed; time-lapsed videos at ∼6.0 ± 2.0 min intervals, were used to quantify the density and morphodynamics of intraepithelial putative T cells and dendritic cells (DCs), and intrastromal macrophages. Corneal features, ocular surface findings and tear cytokines (analyzed using multiplex bead-based immunoassay) were compared between groups.

Relative to controls, post-LASIK participants had lower central corneal epithelial nerve parameters, and attenuated sensitivity to mechanical, but not hyper-osmotic, stimuli. In the inferior cornea, putative DC density was lower and DC area was higher in post-LASIK corneas than controls (p < 0.05 for both comparisons). Putative T cell speed was higher in post-LASIK corneas at the whorl (p = 0.012), but similar in the inferior cornea. Clinical ocular surface findings, and corneal stromal macrophage features, were similar between groups. Post-LASIK participants had higher levels of tear interleukin-16 than controls (p = 0.0004).

In post-LASIK corneas, sub-clinical differences in in vivo corneal nerve architecture and mechanosensitivity, and immune cell morphodynamics, were observed compared to healthy corneas. The long-term functional significance of these differences in corneal nerve and immune cell features after LASIK warrants further study.