Scanning electron microscopy of microcorrosion casts: applications in ophthalmologic research

In light of the complicated nature of the ocular vasculature, it has been difficult to define the normal ocular anatomy by reference to two-dimensional tissue sections. Since it provides three-dimensional replicas, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of vascular corrosion casts has therefore been an invaluable addition to the study of ocular vasculature. This technique also often permits identification of a normal vessel's arterial, venous, or capillary nature by its surface features. In addition, this technique is finding increased use in defining anatomical features of human vascular disease and is especially well suited for the study of experimental neovascularization as it relates to the eye. This paper reviews the application of SEM of microscopic casts to the study of normal and diseased ocular vessels, as well as the contribution of this method to studies of experimental ocular neovascularization.