The corneal epithelium is the first anatomical barrier between the environment and the cornea; it is critical for proper light refraction onto the retina and prevents pathogens (e.g., bacteria, viruses) from entering the immune-privileged eye. Trauma to the highly innervated corneal epithelium is extremely painful and if not resolved quickly or properly, can lead to infection and ultimately blindness. The healthy eye produces its own growth factors and is continuously bathed in tear fluid that contains these proteins and other nutrients to maintain the rapid turnover and homeostasis of the ocular surface. In this article, we review the roles of growth factors in corneal epithelial homeostasis and regeneration and some of the limitations to their use therapeutically.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/cells12232730 | DOI Listing |
Clin Ophthalmol
January 2025
Ophthalmology Department, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Alahsa, Saudi Arabia.
Purpose: The corneal epithelium is the outermost layer of the cornea. It plays a vital role in both normal and pathological conditions of the eye surface and serves as a protective layer. This study aimed to evaluate corneal epithelial thickness (ET) and create a normative database of corneal ET for pediatric and adult age groups using MS-39 AS-OCT.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAdv Healthc Mater
January 2025
Nankai University Eye Institute, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China.
Reproducing the microstructure of the natural cornea remains a significant challenge in achieving the mechanical and biological functionality of artificial corneas. Therefore, the development of cascade structures that mimic the natural extracellular matrix (ECM), achieving both macro-stability and micro-structure, is of critical importance. This study proposes a novel, efficient, and general photo-functionalization strategy for modifying natural biomaterials.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCurr Eye Res
January 2025
Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
Purpose: To retrospectively describe the performance of topical insulin in persistent corneal epithelial defects (CED) and persistent corneal ulcers.
Methods: We reviewed cases of patients treated for persistent CED and persistent corneal ulcers using topical insulin in a concentration of 25 IU per milliliter three times per day. The closure rate of CED and corneal ulcers was the main outcome measure.
Viruses
January 2025
Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450003, China.
COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has presented formidable challenges to global health since its emergence in late 2019. While primarily known for respiratory symptoms, it can also affect the ocular surface. This review summarizes the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on ocular surface immunity and inflammation, focusing on infection mechanisms, immune responses, and clinical manifestations.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Clin Med
January 2025
Ophthalmology Section, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy.
To report the cosmetic, clinical, and visual outcomes of a combined surgical approach for treating a corneal/limbal dermoid using excision and a three-layered amniotic membrane graft with fibrin glue. An 18-year-old female presented with impaired vision and ocular discomfort caused by a prominent dome-shaped limbal congenital dermoid on the inferotemporal cornea, resulting in a significant aesthetic concern. A full assessment, including refraction, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), corneal topography, aberrometry and anterior segment OCT (AS-OCT) was conducted to plan the surgical approach.
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