Using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, differentiation of the anterior surface of the corneal epithelium was studied in human embryos and fetuses with a gestation age from 6.4 to 22 weeks. Up to week 6/7 microvilli/microplicae are not often found; they arise in larger amounts beginning in week 7. During week 22, the morphological appearance of the corneal surface is almost adultlike. Antennulae microvillares and microfilaments running axially in microvilli can be found beginning with week 16/17.