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Updated: Mar 29, 2026

Corneal Confocal Microscopy: A Novel Non-invasive Technique to Quantify Small Fibre Pathology in Peripheral Neuropathies
Published on: January 3, 2011
Corneal confocal microscopy in a healthy Brazilian sample
Gabriela Dieckmann1, Camila Pupe1, Osvaldo J M Nascimento1
1Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niteroi, RJ, Brazil.
This study provides reference values for the corneal sub-basal plexus in healthy Brazilians using in vivo confocal microscopy. Findings indicate a higher average fiber count in this population compared to others.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The corneal sub-basal plexus is crucial for corneal innervation and health.
- Establishing population-specific reference values is essential for diagnosing neuropathies.
- In vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) is a key tool for visualizing corneal nerves.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the corneal sub-basal plexus in healthy Brazilians.
- To establish normative data for fiber density, number, and Langerhans cells.
- To investigate correlations between nerve parameters and age in the Brazilian population.
Main Methods:
- Observational, cross-sectional, and descriptive study design.
- In vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) performed on 55 healthy Brazilian participants (aged 20-70).
- Quantitative analysis of corneal nerve fiber density, number, and Langerhans cells.
Main Results:
- Average fiber count: 5.35 ± 1.36; fiber density: 33.4 ± 8.5 fibers/field.
- Mean Langerhans cells: 5.13 ± 8.10.
- Inverse correlation between fiber number/density and age in women (p < 0.05); age positively correlated with Langerhans cells.
Conclusions:
- The Brazilian population exhibits a higher average corneal nerve fiber count compared to other studied groups.
- Age is a significant factor influencing corneal nerve and immune cell characteristics.
- Further research with larger cohorts is recommended to validate these findings.
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