Confocal and Multiphoton Imaging of Cornea

Since the invention of the first ophthalmoscope in 1851, the quest for quantitative in vivo imaging of ocular surfaces for diagnostic purposes was initiated. Confocal microscopy has been widely implemented in clinics providing excellent spatial resolution and enabling optical sectioning. With the introduction of ultrashort pulsed laser sources, multiphoton microscopy became feasible. Multiphoton microscopy allows 3D tissue imaging. Collagen, elastin, NAD(P)H etc., can be imaged by multiphoton microscopy, providing structural and functional information of the cornea. In this article, we will discuss the principles and potential use and limitations of confocal and multiphoton microscopy for corneal imaging.