Corneal epithelium

The corneal epithelium (epithelium corneæ anterior layer) is made up of epithelial tissue and covers the front of the cornea. It acts as a barrier to protect the cornea, resisting the free flow of fluids from the tears, and prevents bacteria from entering the epithelium and corneal stroma.

Not to be confused with the corneal endothelium.
Corneal epithelium
Vertical section of human cornea from near the margin. (Waldeyer.) Magnified.
  1. Epithelium
  2. Anterior elastic lamina
  3. substantia propria
  4. Posterior elastic lamina
  5. Endothelium of the anterior chamber
  1. Oblique fibers in the anterior layer of the substantia propria
  2. Lamellæ, the fibers of which are cut across, producing a dotted appearance
  3. Corneal corpuscles appearing fusiform in section
  4. Lamellæ, the fibers of which are cut longitudinally
  5. Transition to the sclera, with more distinct fibrillation, and surmounted by a thicker epithelium
  6. Small blood vessels cut across near the margin of the cornea
Details
Identifiers
LatinEpithelium anterius corneae
MeSHD019573
TAA15.2.02.018
FMA58263
Anatomical terminology

Anatomy

The corneal epithelium consists of several layers of cells. The cells of the deepest layer are columnar, known as basal cells which are attached by multiprotein complexes known as hemidesmosomes to an underlying basement membrane.[1] Then follow two or three layers of polyhedral cells, commonly known as wing cells. The majority of these are prickle cells, similar to those found in the stratum mucosum of the cuticle. Lastly, there are three or four layers of squamous cells, with flattened nuclei. The layers of the epithelium are constantly undergoing mitosis. Basal and wing cells migrate to the anterior of the cornea, while squamous cells age and slough off into the tear film.

Central thickness of corneal epithelial layer is approximately 50 to 52 μm.[2]

Cornea cell LASIK complication

Epithelial ingrowth is a LASIK complication in which cells from the cornea surface layer (epithelial cells) begin to grow underneath the corneal flap. Epithelial ingrowth is a rarely occurring LASIK complication, appearing in less than one percent of LASIK procedures. However, the incidence of epithelial ingrowth appears to be higher after subsequent enhancement LASIK procedures. This complication is not present in PRK or other non-flap vision correction procedures.

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See also

Disorders

References
  1. John F, Salmon. "Eyelids". Kanski's Clinical ophthalmology (9 ed.). Elsevier. p. 204.
  2. Reinstein, Dan Z.; Archer, Timothy J.; Gobbe, Marine; Silverman, Ronald H.; Coleman, D. Jackson (2008). "Epithelial Thickness in the Normal Cornea: Three-dimensional Display With Very High Frequency Ultrasound". Journal of Refractive Surgery. 24 (6): 571–581. doi:10.3928/1081597X-20080601-05. ISSN 1081-597X. PMC 2592549. PMID 18581782.
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