Clinical Conditions Affecting The Basement Membrane of The Corneal Epithelium

Abstract

Since the introduction of the electron microscope, the structure of the basement membrane of the corneal epithelium has frequently been described. However, only recently has the significance of the basement membrane in various clinically important conditions and its role in providing a means of adhesion between the epithelial cells and the stroma been fully investigated and appreciated. In this study the appearance of the basement membrane as seen with the electron microscope is described in various conditions of the anterior human cornea, including recurrent epithelial erosion syndrome, persistent epithelial defects, bullous keratopathy, keratoconus and numberous corneal dystrophies and degenerations.