In Vivo Confocal Microscopy — the Cellular Level Era for the Management of Dry Eye

Abstract

In vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) provides non-invasive, in vivo assessment of the corneal epithelium, keratocytes, inflammatory cells, nerves, conjunctival epithelium, follicles, and meibomian glands, along with objective quantitative analysis. Based on the changes at the cellular level, these assessments make an effective basis for the determining the etiology, early and subtype diagnosis, treatment direction, and prognosis evaluation of dry eye. These advances constitute the beginning of a new era for the management of dry eye disease. Key words: in vivo confocal microscopy; ocular surface diseases; dry eye; meibomian gland dysfunction