It acts as a barrier to protect the cornea, resisting the free flow of fluids from the tears, and prevents bacteria from entering the epithelium and corneal stroma.

The majority of these are prickle cells, similar to those found in the stratum mucosum of the cuticle.

Central thickness of corneal epithelial layer is approximately 50 to 52 μm.

[2] Epithelial ingrowth is a LASIK complication in which cells from the cornea surface layer (epithelial cells) begin to grow underneath the corneal flap.

This complication is not present in PRK or other non-flap vision correction procedures.