Anterior segment applications of in vivo confocal microscopy.

Purpose: To review the current literature on in vivo confocal microscopy anterior segment applications (cornea, conjunctiva, and glaucoma) and discuss its advantages in different pathological conditions.

Methods: Review of selected relevant literature on in vivo confocal microscopy and its different applications.

Results: In vivo confocal microscopy can be used to visualize most layers of the cornea and conjunctiva, providing excellent resolution. In the past, it was mainly utilized as a research tool; lately there seems to be an increasing interest for clinical applications; confocal microscopy aids the diagnosis and follow-up of many anterior segment disorders, such as corneal dystrophies, corneal and conjunctival inflammatory and neoplastic diseases, glaucoma patients, and assessment of surgical procedures.

Conclusion: In vivo confocal microscopy is an important addition to the ophthalmic diagnostic tools with several anterior segment applications. Its clinical applications are being continuously explored and are quickly expanding to cover many new pathological aspects.