Confocal Microscopy Of The Eye.

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Abstract
A laser scanning confocal microscope was used to study the structure of human donor eyes and enucleated rabbit eyes. Reflected light confocal images were obtained with a Leitz water immersion objective (50X, NA 1.0). A drop of bicarbonate Ringer's was placed between the objective and the tissue to optically couple the tissue. The confocal microscope was used to image the following objects within the eye: superficial epithelial cells, super basal and basal epithelial cells, basement membrane, stromal nerve plexus, nerve fibers, nuclei and cell bodies of stromal keratocytes, cell processes of stromal keratocytes, Descemet's membrane, and the endothelial cells. In addition, the ocular lens and excised retina were imaged. The confocal microscope produces images of the eye with the following enhanced features: increased lateral resolution, decreased depth of field, and increased contrast of transparent ocular structures. It is concluded that confocal imaging systems are an improvement over traditional optical instruments, and they may develop into a new tool for basic visual science and clinical ophthalmology.

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