[Specular microscopy of corneal epithelium]

Wide-field specular microscopy was used to examine the morphologic appearance of normal human corneal epithelium. A drop of sodium hyaluronate (Healon) on the applanation cone of the microscope minimized injury to the corneal surface and enabled clear observation of the epithelial cells. Not only the details of surface cells, but also deep epithelial layers which consist of wing and basal cells were recognized in this study. Dark cells in specular microscopy, we presume, originate from young surface cells becoming exposed after desquamation of old cells.