Journal of Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology
Open Access

Abstract

In vivo Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy Used in Herpes Simplex Keratitis Research

Xia Yuan, Huang Zhen Ping, Shi Yu Hua and Yang Li Ping

In vivo Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy (LSCM) is a new technology that can be used to observe morphologic changes of the cornea on a cellular level. Non-invasive, high-contrast in vivo images of the cornea at different depths can be reliably and rapidly captured by LSCM. The high resolution of corneal structures, close to 1 μm, demonstrates the sensitivity of this technique, and the images can be stored for further research. The amount of magnification is high enough to visualize individual cells. In vivo images of the cornea at different depths from the epithelium to the endothelium are obtained immediately, directly and reproducibly. The in vivo laser scanning confocal microscopy is useful in HSK (Herpes Simplex Keratitis) research because it provides a new way to observe HSK and provides a new path for treatment.