| abstract |
Keratocyte loss after trauma or injury to the corneal epithelium is prevented or reduced by applying to the corneal epithelium a keratocyte maintenance solution over a period of time sufficient to permit corneal wound healing. The keratocyte maintenance solution is applied to the cornea after trauma (for example, removal of the epithelium prior to surgery, such as photorefractive keratectomy). Preferably, the solution is maintained over the cornea by means of a fluid bath or by means of an absorbent material effective for controlled release of the solution to the cornea (e.g., a collagen shield substantially in the form of a conventional contact lens). A preferred keratocyte maintenance solution is a corneal storage medium. |