In Vivo Confocal Imaging Of The Eye Using Tandem Scanning Confocal Microscopy (TSCM):

The tandem scanning reflected light microscope (TSRLM) is a confocal light microscope which has the capability of looking into living tissue and obtaining high resolution, high magnification images of cellular structure. TSRLM can be used to study living tissue such as all layers of the corneal epithelium including basal epithelial cells, keratocytes, nerves, inflammatory cells, bacteria, and corneal endothelium. For the first time in vision research, real-time, in vivo, microscopic images of normal and pathologic tissues can be obtained from human or animal eyes using the TSRLM. Compared to other methods of vital microscopy, TSRLM has no present rival. Specifically, TSRLM will: (1) Allow the hitopathologic analysis of living eyes, in vivo, over multiple observation periods without the need for tissue fixation and/or processing; (2) Assist in the acquisition and analysis of histopathologic images from human eyes, in vivo, in corneal disease; and (3) Greatly reduce the need for large numbers of animals in the histopathologic evaluation of experimental corneal disease and surgical procedures.