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Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Establishment of a Clinically Relevant Ex Vivo Mock Cataract Surgery Model for Investigating Epithelial Wound Repair in a Native Microenvironment
07:53

Establishment of a Clinically Relevant Ex Vivo Mock Cataract Surgery Model for Investigating Epithelial Wound Repair in a Native Microenvironment

Published on: June 5, 2015

Molecular cell biology for the refractive corneal surgeon: programmed cell death and wound healing

S E Wilson1

  • 1Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, OH 44195, USA.

Journal of Refractive Surgery (Thorofare, N.J. : 1995)
|March 1, 1997
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Corneal wound healing after refractive surgery involves stromal-epithelial interactions. These interactions, including keratocyte apoptosis and growth factor release, influence healing and outcomes like regression and scarring after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Cell Biology
  • Regenerative Medicine

Background:

  • Corneal wound healing significantly impacts outcomes of refractive surgical procedures.
  • Stromal-epithelial cell interactions are crucial for corneal remodeling and epithelial healing.
  • These interactions influence post-photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) complications such as regression, surface irregularity, and scarring.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent discoveries on molecular interactions between corneal stromal and epithelial cells.
  • To provide insights into cellular responses following refractive surgery.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms underlying corneal healing and visual outcome variability.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent scientific literature on corneal wound healing and stromal-epithelial interactions.
  • Analysis of molecular signaling pathways involved in cellular responses to refractive surgery.
  • Integration of findings to explain clinical observations post-PRK.

Main Results:

  • Epithelial injury triggers apoptosis in anterior stromal keratocytes, initiating the wound healing cascade.
  • Activated keratocytes repopulate the stroma, producing collagen and remodeling matrix components.
  • Keratocyte-derived growth factors (HGF, KGF) stimulate epithelial cell proliferation and inhibit differentiation, potentially causing hyperplasia and regression post-PRK.

Conclusions:

  • Corneal stromal-epithelial interactions are key to understanding variable outcomes after refractive surgery.
  • These interactions explain differences observed between photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).
  • Understanding these cellular mechanisms can guide strategies to improve refractive surgery results.

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