Corneal Intraepithelial Neoplasia

Abstract

Purpose: To study the clinical and pathologic characteristics of corneal intraepithelial neoplasia. Methods: Eight corneal intraepithelial neoplasia cases were presented in this study. Keratometry, topography, surgical debridement, and pathologic examination were performed for these cases. Results: Topography revealed astigmatism associated with the epithelial opacity. Pathologically, corneal intraepithelial neoplasia was characterized by hyperplasia of the epithelial cellular layer, loss of cellular polarity, and irregular cellular shape. Five cases revealed positive reaction in human papillomavirus immunohistochemistry study, two cases showed koilocytosis, and one case showed mitotic change. After removal of the membranous corneal opacity, most cases had great visual improvement. One recurrence was noted during the follow-up period. Conclusions: We find that corneal intraepithelial neoplasia may be associated with human papillomavirus, and may present as a precancerous change. It results in flattened effect corneal astigmatism. Although surgical management can eliminate the lesion and improve the vision promptly, all corneal intraepithelial neoplasia patients need long-term careful follow-up.