Current applications of clinical confocal microscopy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Confocal microscopy's role within ophthalmology has been evolving since the introduction of this technology in 1955. The purpose of this review is to describe the confocal microscope and illustrate its recent ophthalmic applications.

RECENT FINDINGS: Numerous investigators have used confocal microscopy to research ophthalmic disease and to find new diagnostic applications. This review will describe the development and uses of this technology. The cornea was the first ophthalmic tissue to be imaged due to its transparency, although, tissues, such as conjunctiva, are now being studied. This article will review normal confocal corneal appearance and discuss a wide range of recent applications that include corneal infections, dystrophies and disease. Furthermore, this article will discuss recent developments in refractive surgery, ocular surgery and various miscellaneous discoveries.

SUMMARY: Confocal microscopy is developing into a powerful research and diagnostic tool in ophthalmology. The future uses of this novel technology will evolve and is increasingly becoming a vital tool in the ophthalmologist's armamentarium.