KERATOCYTE REPOPULATION IN EPIKERATOPLASTY SPECIMENS

To study the histology and pattern of keratocyte repopulation of surgi cally removed human epikeratoplasty lenticules. Methods. Removed epike ratoplasty lenticules and penetrating keratoplasty buttons that contai ned epikeratoplasty lenticules were evaluated for duration of epikerat oplasty, histologic and ultrastructural features, and average number o f keratocytes per high-power microscopic field. The keratocyte density was compared with age-matched controls. Results. Fifteen epikeratopla sty specimens from eight penetrating keratoplasties and seven removed lenticules were reviewed. The indications for keratoplasty were myopia , keratoconus, and aphakia. The lenticules were in place for 7-120 mon ths, and the keratocyte count ranged from 14 to 40 per high-power fiel d. Keratocyte density increased to 30-40 per high-power field, similar to age-matched controls, at similar to 48 months postoperatively, sim ilar to the density of the controls. Keratocytes appeared to have migr ated from the periphery to the center of the lenticules. Conclusions. Normal keratocyte density in epikeratoplasty lenticules is reached by similar to 48 months after surgery.