Epithelial and fibrous downgrowth: mechanisms of disease.

Epithelial downgrowth is a rare, but potentially devastating, complication of intraocular surgery and trauma. It has been suggested that the incidence is declining with modern surgical techniques, but further long-term analysis is needed to determine whether this in fact is true. While clinical observations and experimental studies have helped to elucidate factors involved in the development of this disease, a precise understanding of its pathogenesis is unknown. Given the difficult management and poor prognosis of this disease, further study and heightened clinical awareness are needed to better understand this disease process.