Confocal Microscopy in the Study of Corneal Nerve Alterations Post-Refractive Surgery: A Review of Recent Advancements

Abstract

As more and more people choose to get rid of the bondage of glasses through refractive surgery, there is a corresponding increase in concern about the potential impact of the surgery on corneal nerves. Refractive surgery can cause damage to corneal nerves, leading to abnormal corneal sensitivity, dry eyes, and other adverse reactions. Additionally, different methods of corneal refractive surgery may have varying degrees of impact on corneal nerve changes. Confocal microscopy has high resolution and three-dimensional imaging capabilities, allowing for direct observation of changes in corneal nerve fiber structure. This is of great significance for deeply exploring the mechanisms of corneal nerve changes after refractive surgery. Therefore, this review looks back at existing research with the aim of discussing the impact of refractive surgery on the morphology of corneal nerves.