title: Corneal Regeneration After Photorefractive Keratectomy: A Review.
abstract: Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) remodels corneal stroma to compensate refractive errors. The removal of epithelium and the ablation of stroma provoke the disruption of corneal nerves and a release of several peptides from tears, epithelium, stroma and nerves. A myriad of cytokines, growth factors, and matrix metalloproteases participate in the process of corneal wound healing. Their balance will determine if reepithelization and stromal remodeling are appropriate. The final aim is to achieve corneal transparency for restoring corneal function, and a proper visual quality. Therefore, wound-healing response is critical for a successful refractive surgery. Our goal is to provide an overview into how corneal wounding develops following PRK. We will also review the influence of intraoperative application of mitomycin C, bandage contact lenses, anti-inflammatory and other drugs in preventing corneal haze and post-PRK pain.
authors.affiliation: Department of Visual Science, VallmedicVision International Eye Clinic, Andorra. Electronic address: javier.tomas@vallmedicvision.com.
authors.forename: Javier
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Tomás-Juan
authors.affiliation: Collaborator Researcher at Department of Neuroscience, University of Basque Country, Leioa, Spain.
authors.forename: Ane
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Murueta-Goyena Larrañaga
authors.affiliation: Department of Visual Science, VallmedicVision International Eye Clinic, Andorra.
authors.forename: Ludger
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Hanneken
mesh_terms: D000477:Alkylating Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003261:Contact Lenses; D003315:Cornea / Q000294:innervation / Q000502:physiology; D003318:Corneal Opacity / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D054018:Lasers, Excimer / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016685:Mitomycin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy / Q000379:methods*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D012038:Regeneration / Q000502:physiology; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D000477:Alkylating Agents; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D016685:Mitomycin
keywords: Contact lenses; Cornea; Curación de heridas; Córnea; Lentes de contacto; Photorefractive keratectomy; Queratectomía fotorrefractiva; Wound healing