Cornea to the best of our knowledge

The cornea has unique features that make it a useful model for regenerative medicine studies. It is an avascular, transparent, densely innervated tissue, and a multitude of pathological changes may impair visual acuity. The first part of this research work aimed to improve knowledge on corneal epithelium's physiology. To study the corneal epithelium, we introduced for the first time the use of a fluorescent labeling to track the migration and proliferation of the epithelial cells. This experimental system paves the way for further research on epithelial cell migration in the normal cornea and a better understanding of corneal epithelium dynamics. The second part of the thesis aimed to understand corneal biomechanics properties better. We evaluated the role of corneal collagen crosslinking, a para surgical technique of corneal tissue strengthening, in treating infectious corneal disease and its correlation with a delayed corneal re-epithelialization. The last part of this translational research focused on a new therapeutical role of autologous serum tears, and the nerve growth factor eye drops in treating ocular surface disorders unresponsive to conventional medical therapy.