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Updated: Jun 6, 2026
In Vivo Confocal Microscopy in the Diagnosis and Management of Dry Eye: A Focus on Imaging Protocols and Interpretation
Published on: November 11, 2025
In vivo imaging of corneal inflammation: new tools for clinical practice and research
Dimosthenis Mantopoulos1, Andrea Cruzat, Pedram Hamrah
1Cornea Service & Ocular Surface Imaging Center, Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
Purpose:
Infectious and inflammatory corneal diseases are a major cause of blindness. To date, assessment of corneal inflammation, has only been possible by slit-lamp biomicroscopy. The purpose of this study is to review the current state of imaging technologies enabling in vivo imaging of inflammation in the cornea.
Methods:
Literature review of peer-reviewed articles on in vivo imaging modalities.
Results:
Current means of diagnosis and treatment follow-up for immune and infectious keratitis are limited to slit-lamp biomicroscopy. Several modalities are currently emerging, allowing for in vivo imaging of corneal inflammation, including in vivo confocal microscopy, anterior segment optical coherence tomography, and intravital multiphoton microscopy.
Conclusion:
Several in vivo imaging technologies are currently evolving, allowing for objective assessment of corneal inflammation and treatment response.
