[In vivo imaging of limbal epithelium and palisades of Vogt]

Limbal disorders can lead to loss of stem cell population and deficiency in corneal integrity. The aim of this study is to describe the morphological features of this region by using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in healthy subjects, contact lens wearers and in patients with surface disorders. On examination hyper- and hyporeflective finger-like structures were found with numerous basal epithelial cells within and in between crypts. In contrast, detailed imaging of limbal palisades of Vogt was not possible on SD-OCT, the corresponding hyperreflective line was identified. These typical crypts were less pronounced or absent in cases with corneal alterations as has been demonstrated. Additionally morphological changes at the level of intermediate and basal cell layers were discussed. A better understanding of the corneal limbus can provide valuable clues on understanding cell integrity and wound-healing processes. In future, quantitative analyses of limbal epithelium in different corneal disorders will be preferable.