Corneal epithelium

The corneal epithelium (epithelium corneæ anterior layer) covers the front of the cornea and consists of several layers of cells.

The cells of the deepest layer are columnar; then follow two or three layers of polyhedral cells, the majority of which 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.

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.

Disorders

 * Recurrent corneal erosion