Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026
06:53
A Custom Multiphoton Microscopy Platform for Live Imaging of Mouse Cornea and Conjunctiva
Published on: May 17, 2020
[Normal human bulbar conjunctiva on confocal microscopy in vivo]
Wen-qing Zhu1, Jian-jiang Xu, Xing-huai Sun
1Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & Ear, Nose, Throat Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China.
Summary
In vivo laser scanning confocal microscopy reveals detailed human bulbar conjunctiva morphology. This noninvasive technique aids in diagnosing ocular surface diseases by analyzing epithelial and immune cell densities.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Confocal Microscopy
- Cell Biology
Context:
- The human bulbar conjunctiva's microscopic structure is crucial for ocular surface health.
- Previous studies often relied on invasive or less detailed imaging methods.
Purpose:
- To analyze the in vivo morphology of the human bulbar conjunctiva using laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM).
- To quantify the densities of epithelial cells, goblet cells, and dendritic cells in the bulbar conjunctiva.
Summary:
- A cross-sectional study examined 50 healthy subjects' bulbar conjunctiva using LSCM.
- Detailed morphological characteristics and cell densities (superficial, intermediate, basal epithelial cells, goblet cells, dendritic cells) were recorded and analyzed.
- Significant differences in epithelial cell densities across layers were observed.
Impact:
- LSCM provides a fast, noninvasive method for detailed bulbar conjunctiva analysis.
- This technique can aid in the early diagnosis and management of various ocular surface diseases.
- Establishes a baseline for normal conjunctival morphology for future research.
Related Concept Videos
01:16Confocal Fluorescence Microscopy
Confocal microscopy is an advanced microscopic technique. The prime advantage of the confocal microscope over other microscopy techniques is its ability to block the out-of-focus light from the illuminated samples using pinholes. It is widely used with fluorescence optics to obtain high-resolution, sharp contrast images. Unlike optical microscopes, confocal microscopes use a focused beam of light laser to scan the entire sample surface at different z-planes. These microscopes are, therefore,...
01:22Microbiome of the Eye
The human eye has a specialized microbiota that reflects its unique anatomical and immunological environment. This low-biomass microbial community predominantly colonizes the conjunctiva and eyelid margins, playing a vital role in ocular surface homeostasis and defense. Despite its proximity to the richly colonized facial skin, the ocular surface maintains a distinct microbial profile due to continuous mechanical and biochemical defense mechanisms.The conjunctival surface hosts fewer microbial...
01:12Immunofluorescence Microscopy
A fluorescence microscope uses fluorescent chromophores called fluorochromes, which can absorb energy from a light source and then emit this energy as visible light. Fluorochromes include naturally fluorescent substances (such as chlorophylls) and fluorescent stains that are added to the specimen to create contrast. Dyes such as Texas red and FITC are examples of fluorochromes. Other examples include the nucleic acid dyes 4’,6’-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI), and acridine orange.
The...
The...