The corneal epithelium is the outermost layer of the eye surface. It helps to maintain transparency of the cornea and to prevent the penetration of bacteria and viruses into the tissue. The integrity of the corneal epithelium may be impaired as a result of corneal abrasions or ulcers, or after eye surgery and laser treatments for the correction of vision defects. In these cases, symptoms may be a foreign body sensation, pain, tearing, photophobia, and decreased vision.
A fast and complete healing of the corneal epithelium allows for obtaining the best visual recovery possible and for minimizing the risks of infection and corneal scarring.
