Background: Confocal microscopy represents a methodology that allows in vivo examination of corneal morphology, particularly of the epithelium and stroma.
Material and 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.
Conclusion: Our data indicate that confocal microscopy provides information on living tissue that correlates with that obtained with conventional techniques on fixed and sectioned tissue.