How the cornea repairs its injuries — and why that repair must stay transparent and vessel‑free. A reading through epithelial–stromal interactions, from physiology to refractive surgery, ulceration, delayed healing and angiogenesis.
A dedicated resource of the ophthalmology service of Pr Eric Gabison — specialised corneal & ocular surface disease, Rothschild Foundation Hospital, Paris.
Corneal ulcer or delayed healing, after surgery or spontaneous? Urgent consultation → A question about your healing or your post-operative course? Ask my question →Understand your situation, in plain language.
Six courses from general to specialised, a 37-sheet review, a decision tool. Free, bilingual.
Twenty-two antibody–drug conjugates. For each: the target antigen and its corneal expression, linker and payload, indication and what to know before a procedure, then management. With a worksheet to fill in at the slit lamp and assisted CTCAE grading.
Open the tool → Ophthalmologists, residents, researchersThe full index: six courses from general to specialised, the review of therapeutic agents, the ADC tool.
Open the index → Course · 4 pagesThe general course: epithelial and stromal repair, EMMPRIN/CD147, melting versus fibrosis, angiogenic privilege.
Start here → New Course · 7 pagesAntibody–drug conjugates: payloads, linkers, corneal phenotypes, prevention and chemotherapy modulation.
Open the course → Review · 37 sheetsOne sheet per therapeutic agent, from autologous serum to gene therapy, with evidence level and regulatory availability.
Read the review →The other courses, from mechanism to clinic: Direct epithelial–stromal interactions · Corneal macrophages · Neurotrophic keratitis · Topical NSAIDs & healing
This page is the “cornea healing” entry point. All six expert courses are bilingual.
→ See also: Corneal graft — keratoplasty, DMEK, DALK, rejection (patient sheet & expert course).
Detailed pages: How long does healing take? · Healing after surgery · Corneal ulcer
A superficial abrasion of the corneal epithelium typically heals within 24 to 72 hours. Deeper healing (stroma), after surgery or an ulcer, can take several weeks to months when delaying factors are present (dry eye, diabetes, corneal neuropathy).
Treatment depends on the cause and depth of the lesion: artificial tears and healing ointments for superficial damage, bandage contact lens or amniotic membrane for ulcers, RGTA or growth factors for delayed healing, up to corneal transplantation in the most severe forms.
Persistent eye pain or discomfort beyond a few days, redness, tearing, blurred vision or light sensitivity that fail to improve should raise concern — they may signal delayed healing or an early ulcer, and warrant prompt evaluation.
A superficial corneal scar may fade over time, but a deep stromal scar is usually permanent. Depending on its location and density, it may or may not affect vision — which is why ophthalmologic follow-up matters.
