Update on pathologic diagnosis of corneal infections and inflammations

Geeta K Vemuganti1, Somasheila I Murthy, Sujata Das

  • 1Sudhakar and Sreekanth Ravi Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Ophthalmic Pathology Service, Hyderabad, India.

Insights

This review updates histopathological findings for corneal infections and inflammations, crucial for diagnosing conditions after keratoplasty. Advances in diagnostic methods improve understanding of corneal diseases and their causes.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Pathology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Excised corneal tissue post-keratoplasty is a common specimen in pathology labs.
  • Corneal infections and resulting scars are frequent reasons for corneal explantation.
  • Histopathological analysis is vital for diagnosing corneal diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an updated review of histopathological findings in corneal infections and inflammations.
  • To highlight advances in diagnostic techniques for corneal diseases.
  • To enhance understanding of the mechanisms behind corneal inflammatory diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Review of histopathological findings in corneal specimens.
  • Analysis of diagnostic advancements in histology and molecular biology.
  • Synthesis of current knowledge on corneal infections and inflammations.

Main Results:

  • Histopathology remains a cornerstone for diagnosing corneal pathologies.
  • Histological and molecular diagnostics enable rapid and accurate identification of infectious agents.
  • Improved diagnostic tools enhance the understanding of inflammatory processes in the cornea.

Conclusions:

  • Accurate histopathological diagnosis is essential for managing corneal infections and post-keratoplasty complications.
  • Advances in diagnostic methods significantly improve patient outcomes by enabling targeted treatments.
  • This review consolidates current knowledge, aiding pathologists and ophthalmologists in diagnosing and understanding corneal inflammatory and infectious diseases.