[Confocal microscopy in corneal dystrophies].
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.
Sherif
Z A
ZA
Universitäts Augenklinik, Charité/Virchow Klinikum, Humboldt Universität, Berlin.
Pleyer
U
U
Rieck
P
P
Hartmann
C
C
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