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Updated: Jun 26, 2026
Corneal Confocal Microscopy: A Novel Non-invasive Technique to Quantify Small Fibre Pathology in Peripheral Neuropathies
Published on: January 3, 2011
[Posterior polymorphous dystrophy--changes in corneal morphology in confocal microscopy]
Jacek P Szaflik1, Urszula Kołodziejska, Monika Udziela
1Z Katedry i Kliniki Okulistyki II Wydziału Lekarskiego Uniwersytetu Medycznego w Warszawie. jacek@amwaw.edu.pl
Purpose:
To describe the in vivo conocal microscopic findings in posterior polymorphous dystrophy (PPD).
Material And Methods:
Eleven patients (22 eyes) with PPD suspected or clinically diagnosed were examined using scanning slit white light confocal microscopy (ConfoScan 3, Nidek Technologies).
Results:
Endothelial cell densities ranged from 716 to 2380 cells/mm2 and endothelial polymegathism was noted in all cases. In 5 cases PPD changes was reported unilateral. Confocal microscopy demonstrated a variety of vesicular and linear abnormalities. In 13 eyes exhibited bright, nucleus-like structures within endothelial cells. Stromal edema was noted in 4 cases.
Conclusions:
To our knowledge, we present the largest case series of PPD imaged by in vivo confocal microscopy. Confocal microscopy images of PPD are very characteristic. This method allows to confirm presumptive or to identify final diagnosis. Our study enhances the value of confocal microscopy in detection and monitoring corneal abnormalities.
