Epithelial Disease in Refractive Surgery

Epithelial disease is one of the most common causes of dissatisfaction following refractive surgery. Complications may arise in the early postoperative period; patients would present with delayed epithelial healing and slow visual recovery. Alternatively, dry eye disease, recurrent erosions, and neurotrophic diseases may present few months after surgery. These conditions can have a significant impact on a patient’s visual function and quality of life, and can be challenging to manage. The chapter will provide an overview of these conditions, including their causes, symptoms, and management. The goal of the chapter is to help surgeons identify these diseases, understand the complex interplay between refractive surgery and epithelial disease, and to provide practical guidance for the management of these conditions.