Corneal epithelium

Corneal epithelium
Vertical section of human cornea from near the margin. (Waldeyer.) Magnified. Epithelium Anterior elastic lamina substantia propria Posterior elastic lamina Endothelium of the anterior chamber Oblique fibers in the anterior layer of the substantia propria Lamellæ, the fibers of which are cut across, producing a dotted appearance Corneal corpuscles appearing in section Lamellæ, the fibers of which are cut longitudinally Transition to the sclera, with more distinct fibrillation, and surmounted by a thicker epithelium Small blood vessels cut across near the margin of the cornea
Details
Identifiers
Latin	Epithelium anterius corneae
MeSH	A09.371.060.217.325
Dorlands /Elsevier	e_13/12339086
TA	A15.2.02.018
FMA	58263
Anatomical terminology []

The corneal epithelium (epithelium corneæ anterior layer) is made up of epithelial tissue and covers the front of the cornea. It acts as a barrier to protect the cornea, resisting the free flow of fluids from the tears, and prevents bacteria from entering the epithelium and corneal stroma.

The corneal epithelium consists of several layers of cells. The cells of the deepest layer are columnar, known as basal cells. Then follow two or three layers of polyhedral cells, commonly known as wing cells. The majority of these 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. The layers of the epithelium are constantly undergoing mitosis. Basal and wing cells migrate to the anterior of the cornea, while squamous cells age and slough off into the tear film.

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. This complication is not present in PRK or other non-flap vision correction procedures.