HISTOPATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS IN FAILED HUMAN EPIKERATOPHAKIA LENTICULES

Six human epikeratophakia lenticules were removed 1 to 23 months after refractive keratoplasty for aphakia (n = 2) and myopia (n = 4). The m yopic group included one epi-lenticule treated with ArF-excimer laser for hyperopia. Reasons for removal were epithelial defect (n = 4), ede ma of host cornea (n = 1), and overcorrection (n = 1). The epi-lenticu le stroma showed centrally a regular fibrillar structure with a low ke ratocyte density. Electron microscopy (n = 1) revealed preserved cytop lasmic organelles and nuclear appearance. Mononuclear cells were absen t. Polysaccharide was demonstrated in the stroma. Bowman's layer was n ormal without breaks. The epithelium had variable thickness. In the pe ripheral wound region stromal and epithelial irregularities were evide nt.