Extracellular matrix and growth factors in corneal wound healing.

The crystal clear cornea has been challenged by refractive surgeries. The surgical outcome depends on the healing responses of the cornea. The factors responsible for the corneal wound healing have been characterized. The orchestrated action of extracellular matrix proteins, growth factors, cytokines, and their receptors have been investigated extensively over the past decade. The clinical results with refractive surgeries provide us various important information with regard to the physiology and pathology of the cornea. The role of basement membrane or Bowman's membrane is now challenged for the maintenance and repair of the epithelium. Furthermore, the interactions between epithelium and stroma is another field to be investigated. The regulatory mechanisms of the maintenance of stromal collagen by keratocytes is also studied. This review discusses the current advancement in the healing responses of the cornea to various injuries and refractive surgeries.