Wounding the cornea to learn how it heals

Exp Eye Res. 2014 Apr:121:178-93. doi: 10.1016/j.exer.2014.02.007. Epub 2014 Mar 4.

Abstract

Corneal wound healing studies have a long history and rich literature that describes the data obtained over the past 70 years using many different species of animals and methods of injury. These studies have lead to reduced suffering and provided clues to treatments that are now helping patients live more productive lives. In spite of the progress made, further research is required since blindness and reduced quality of life due to corneal scarring still happens. The purpose of this review is to summarize what is known about different types of wound and animal models used to study corneal wound healing. The subject of corneal wound healing is broad and includes chemical and mechanical wound models. This review focuses on mechanical injury models involving debridement and keratectomy wounds to reflect the authors' expertise.

Keywords: animal models; cornea; debridement; keratectomy; mouse strain; wound healing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cornea / surgery*
  • Corneal Injuries*
  • Debridement
  • Disease Models, Animal*
  • Mice
  • Organ Culture Techniques
  • Rabbits
  • Wound Healing / physiology*