Keratocyte repopulation in epikeratoplasty specimens.
OBJECTIVE
To study the histology and pattern of keratocyte repopulation of surgically removed human epikeratoplasty lenticules.


METHODS
Removed epikeratoplasty lenticules and penetrating keratoplasty buttons that contained epikeratoplasty lenticules were evaluated for duration of epikeratoplasty, histologic and ultrastructural features, and average number of keratocytes per high-power microscopic field. The keratocyte density was compared with age-matched controls.


RESULTS
Fifteen epikeratoplasty specimens from eight penetrating keratoplasties and seven removed lenticules were reviewed. The indications for keratoplasty were myopia, keratoconus, and aphakia. The lenticules were in place for 7-120 months, and the keratocyte count ranged from 14 to 40 per high-power field. Keratocyte density increased to 30-40 per high-power field, similar to age-matched controls, at approximately 48 months postoperatively, similar to the density of the controls. Keratocytes appeared to have migrated from the periphery to the center of the lenticules.


CONCLUSIONS
Normal keratocyte density in epikeratoplasty lenticules is reached by approximately 48 months after surgery.
Yoon
Y D
YD
Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Waring
G O
GO
Stulting
R D
RD
Edelhauser
H F
HF
Grossniklaus
H E
HE
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001036:Aphakia, Postcataract / Q000601:surgery; D002452:Cell Count; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000502:physiology*; D003315:Cornea / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D017391:Epikeratophakia; D005260:Female; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D007640:Keratoconus / Q000601:surgery; D015948:Keratoplasty, Penetrating; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009216:Myopia / Q000601:surgery