Role of the corneal epithelium measurements in keratorefractive surgery

Abstract

Purpose of review: Refractive surgery has stimulated considerable progress in corneal and anterior segment imaging, and optical characterization of the eye. From front surface corneal topography, we evolved to three-dimensional corneal tomography with limbus to limbus characterization of the front and back corneal surfaces and pachymetric mapping. Corneal anatomical evaluation has further evolved to layered or segmental tomography with the ability to characterize corneal epithelial thickness profile and the elevation of stromal front surface. Further characterization of even more specific structures, such as Bowman's layer and Descement's membrane, has been also demonstrated. The applications of such understanding in keratorefractive surgery are reviewed. Recent findings: Understanding the corneal epithelial profile is of interest in many areas of ophthalmology, especially in refractive surgery. The most relevant applications include screening candidates at higher risk for complications (i.e. progressive ectasia and tear dysfunction syndrome), planning primary procedures, enhancements, and therapeutic surgery, and also postoperatively understanding the wound healing and clinical outcomes. Summary: Corneal epithelial thickness was first available using digital very-high-frequency ultrasound. Advances in anterior segment optical coherence tomography enabled such fundamental evaluation, which accelerated progress. Such knowledge significantly impacts safety and efficacy of refractive surgery, and also allows for significant improvement for therapeutic procedures.