title: [Confocal microscopy in corneal dystrophies].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Confocal microscopy represents a methodology that allows in vivo examination of corneal morphology, particularly of the epithelium and stroma.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using the confocal microscope "ConfoScan Modell P2" epithelial, stromal and endothelial changes were evaluated in 11 patients with corneal dystrophies. All findings were compared with data from healthy individuals.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Confocal images could be correlated to conventional (slitlamp) biomicroscopic findings in all patients with corneal dystrophies. In addition, confocal microscopy provided more detailed images particularly of epithelial and stromal changes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our data indicate that confocal microscopy provides information on living tissue that correlates with that obtained with conventional techniques on fixed and sectioned tissue.
authors: Universitäts Augenklinik, Charité/Virchow Klinikum, Humboldt Universität, Berlin.
authors: Z A
authors: ZA
authors: Sherif
authors: U
authors: U
authors: Pleyer
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Rieck
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Hartmann
mesh_terms: D003317:Corneal Dystrophies, Hereditary / Q000473:pathology*; D003319:Corneal Stroma / Q000166:cytology; D004728:Endothelium, Corneal / Q000166:cytology / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal / Q000379:methods*; D017154:Stromal Cells / Q000473:pathology