Subepithelial fibrous tissue in failed corneal grafts. A histopathologic study.

Clinical observation of corneal grafts often reveals subepithelial whitish opacities or membranes. To further understand the phenomenon, we undertook a histopathologic study of the changes in this region in failed human corneal grafts. Thinning and thickening of the epithelium, breaks in Bowman's membrane, and growth of subepithelial fibrous tissue were observed. Close association was found between the subepithelial fibrous growth, the breaks in Bowman's membrane, and stromal inflammation.