Specific factors from the corneal epithelium underlying the stimulation of stromal fibrosis and myofibroblast formation in corneal wound healing have not been fully elucidated. Given that exosomes are known to transfer bioactive molecules among cells and play crucial roles in wound healing, angiogenesis, and cancer, we hypothesized that corneal epithelial cell-derived exosomes may gain access to the underlying stromal fibroblasts upon disruption of the epithelial basement membrane and that they induce signaling events essential for corneal wound healing. In the present study, exosome-like vesicles were observed between corneal epithelial cells and the stroma during wound healing after corneal epithelial debridement. These vesicles were also found in the stroma following anterior stromal keratectomy, in which surgical removal of the epithelium, basement membrane, and anterior stroma was performed. Exosomes secreted by mouse corneal epithelial cells were found to fuse to keratocytes in vitro and to induce myofibroblast transformation. In addition, epithelial cell-derived exosomes induced endothelial cell proliferation and ex vivo aortic ring sprouting. Our results indicate that epithelial cell-derived exosomes mediate communication between corneal epithelial cells and corneal keratocytes as well as vascular endothelial cells. These findings demonstrate that epithelial-derived exosomes may be involved in corneal wound healing and neovascularization, and thus, may serve as targets for potential therapeutic interventions.

Purpose of review To identify and evaluate the risk factors of iatrogenic ectasia after refractive surgery. Recent findings We reviewed recently published papers that identified various risk factors associated with ectasia after LASIK, photorefractive keratectomy, small incision lenticule extraction, and other refractive surgical procedures. We also attempted to evaluate the relative contributions of these factors to the development of ectasia following refractive surgery. Forme fruste keratoconus, genetic predisposition to keratoconus, low residual stromal bed thickness (through high myopia, thin preoperative cornea, or thick LASIK flap), and irregular corneal topography have been identified as risk factors for keratectasia development after refractive surgical procedures. A newly proposed metric, percentage tissue altered, has been reported to be a robust indicator for post LASIK ectasia risk calculation. Several cases of keratectasia have also been reported 6 to 12 months following minimally invasive small incision lenticule extraction procedure. Other risk factors associated with iatrogenic ectasia include eye rubbing, young age, and pregnancy. Summary Ectasia after refractive surgery is a relatively rare complication which can lead to sight-threatening complications if not detected and treated in time. It is important to continue our quest to improve our methods of identifying absolute and relative risk factors of ectasia and their cut-off values following various keratorefractive surgical procedures.

Purpose: To describe the effect of the corneal asphericity and toricity on the map patterns and best fit sphere (BFS) characteristics in elevation topography. Methods: The corneal surface was modeled as a biconic surface of principal radii and asphericity values of r1 and r2 and Q1 and Q2, respectively. The apex of the biconic surface corresponded to the origin of a polar coordinates system. Minimization of the squared residuals was used to calculate the values of the radii of the BFSs and apex distance (A-values: z distance between the corneal apex and the BFS) of the modeled corneal surface for various configurations relating to commonly clinically measured values of apical radius, asphericity, and toricity. Results: Increased apical radius of curvature and increased prolateness (negative asphericity) led to an increase in BFS radius but had opposite effects on the A-value. Increased prolateness resulted in increased BFS radius and A-value. Increasing toricity did not alter these findings. Color-plot elevation maps of the modeled corneal surface showed complete ridge patterns when toricity was increased and showed incomplete ridge and island patterns when prolateness was increased. Conclusions: High A-values in patients with corneal astigmatism may result from steep apical curvature and/or high prolateness (negative asphericity). The BFS radius may help in distinguishing between these 2 causes of increased A-values. Increased prolateness and decreased apical radius of curvature (often seen in keratoconus) have opposite effects on the BFS radius but similar effects on the apex distance.