Comparative study of the laser scan confocal microscopy examination of fungal corneal ulcer before and after the corneal scraping

Xiaoming Yao, Duanrong Cao, Ming Li, Danyao Nie, Li Yu

Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Ji-nan University, Shenzhen, 518000, China

Objective: To study the cellular morphology of fungal corneal ulcer by laser scan confocal microscopy in vivo before and after the corneal scraping.

Methods: 45 cases (45 eyes) of fungal corneal ulcer were examined by laser scan confocal microscopy in vivo before and after the corneal scraping. Images were recorded by continuously focusing on the optical section through the corneal ulcer. The images were analyzed visually for morphology and compared with each other using Heidelberg Tomograph II Cornea Module.
Results: The cellular morphology of hyphae with laser scan confocal microscopy in fungal corneal ulcer is intact and clear before the corneal scraping. After the corneal scraping, the cellular morphology of hyphae with laser scan confocal microscopy in fungal corneal ulcer get broken and shadowy.

Conclusions The corneal scraping will make the hyphae broken in fungal corneal ulcer . We must take the examination of the laser scan confocal microscopy in vivo before the corneal scraping to advance the diagnostic level in the fungal corneal ulcer in the clinical.
Key word : Laser scan confocal microscopy, fungal, corneal ulcer, the corneal scraping