Cornea special edition of veterinary ophthalmology

Abstract

This special issue of Veterinary Ophthalmology concentrates on a seemingly straightforward tissue: the cornea. Although a relatively simple structure when compared to other ocular tissues such as the retina, the cornea compromises a huge portion of the ophthalmic diseases that we treat as veterinary ophthalmologists. Additionally, because of the cornea’s relative similarity across species, we are in a unique position as veterinary ophthalmologists to characterize spontaneous diseases in other species that can serve as models of human disease, furthering both animal and human health. In this issue, researchers and clinicians strive to improve our understanding of normal corneal homeostasis and wound healing as well as investigate new treatments of common corneal diseases. The review of integrins in normal and abnormal corneas by Dr. Renee Carter is an excellent starting point in furthering our understanding of corneal health and disease. The role of myofibroblasts in the cornea, highlighted in the review by Dr. Kathern Myrna et al., is only just beginning to be understood in humans and will likely prove to be an important factor in modulating corneal wound healing in all species. Both of these papers highlight the amount of work that still needs to be done to fully understand both the normal and diseased cornea. In this issue, we also have the first description of the anatomy of the living equine cornea using confocal microscopy, which is an exciting addition to the advanced diagnostic tools increasingly available to us to understand corneal pathology. Drs. Brian Gilger and Andy Matthew review the classification of immune mediated keratitis in horses. In this review, various forms and treatment options are described, as well as new areas of research to improve our understanding of these sometimes frustrating entities in horses. Dr. Caryn Plummer reviews the use of amniotic membrane use for ocular reconstruction, an underutilized option to improve corneal wound healing in veterinary medicine. Other papers in this issue address methodology to culture primary equine corneal cells, which should provide an excellent foundation for future wounding healing studies. In the area of corneal transplantation, work with allogenic mesenchymal stem cells demonstrates an innovative area of research to improve outcomes in all species (Wee et al.). Wee et al. also research the effect of freezing and thawing corneal prior to transplantation, a step in increasing the possible supply of donor corneas. Other papers in this issue address new treatment techniques and critically analyze success rates of treatment modalities. The practice of evidence based medicine whenever possible should be our goal in veterinary ophthalmology, in spite of the seemingly numerous obstacles placed in our way.1 One crucial element of evidence-based medicine is the peer review process. During the editing of this journal, I have been repeatedly impressed with reviewers who take time out of their busy schedules to provide thoughtful, constructive reviews. Without reviewers generously donating their time, we could not as a profession move forward. I would like to extend my thanks and congratulations to these reviewers who make the extra effort to advance the field of veterinary ophthalmology.