LIMBAL WOUND HEALING AFTER CATARACT EXTRACTION - A HISTOLOGIC STUDY

Limbal wound histology was studied in 18 eyes obtained postmortem from five days to seven years after uneventful cataract extractions. Limbus-based flaps including Tenon's capsule appeared firmly sealed even in the five-day specimen. They provided significant early support to the slowly healing stromal wound. Stromal wounds were sealed by ingrowth of subepithelial connective tissue which had begun in the eight-day specimen and was complete in the 15-day specimen, but even then this wound was weak and easily disrupted. Stromal fibrocytes appeared inactive. Wound remodeling was first noted in the 46-day specimen and was complete in the 2½-year and later specimens. Endothelial repair was present in the eight-day and later specimens. Descemet's membrane appeared partially regenerated in three specimens years after surgery. Clinical implications are discussed. © 1969, American Medical Association. All rights reserved.