Histologic, Ultrastructural, and Immunofluorescent Evaluation of Human Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis Corneal Wounds

Abstract

After laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis surgery, the keratocyte-mediated production of a variably thick lamellar corneal stromal scar occurs, resulting in 2 regional types of scarring. The hypercellular fibrotic scar at the wound margin is usually visible clinically and functions to hold the flap in place, while the more central hypocellular primitive scar is not visible clinically and allows easy lifting of the flap postoperatively.