Terahertz Photons Promote Corneal Injury Repair via Epithelial Proliferation, Migration, and Inflammation Reduction.

PURPOSE: Alkali burn of the cornea is a severe ophthalmic emergency that often results in permanent vision loss due to its destructive impact on corneal tissue. Current treatments face challenges in promoting rapid healing and restoring tissue integrity.

METHODS

This study demonstrates a non-contact therapeutic approach using terahertz (THz) photons transmitted via optical fibers for alkali-burned corneas. The effects of THz proton treatment on human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) were evaluated through proliferation and migration assays. RNA sequencing was used to analyze gene expression changes, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to observe cellular structural modifications. Murine models of alkali-burned corneas were subjected to continuous local THz photon therapy to assess wound healing, edema, neovascularization, and inflammatory cell infiltration.

RESULTS

THz photon treatment significantly promoted HCEC proliferation and migration. RNA sequencing revealed that THz photons modulated genes involved in energy metabolism, inflammation, and cell growth pathways. SEM images showed enhanced lamellipodia, filopodia, and microvilli formation, explaining the mechanism of cell migration. In vivo, THz proton therapy accelerated corneal epithelial wound healing, reduced edema and neovascularization, decreased inflammatory cell recruitment, and improved tissue integrity.

CONCLUSIONS

Terahertz photon therapy represents an effective, non-invasive, and biocompatible approach for treating ocular surface damage from alkali burns, holding promise for clinical translation to improve therapeutic outcomes.