[Clinical diagnosis of fungal keratitis by confocal microscopy]

Abstract

Objective: To illustrate the value of confocal microscope in the diagnosis of fungal keratitis.

Methods: In vivo confocal microscopy was performed on 43 patients of suspected fungal keratitis. The results were compared to that of smears and biopsies.

Results: Fungal filaments were imaged in 31 of 43 patients' corneas. Fungal keratitis was diagnosed in 32 patients based on clinical signs and all the methods of examinations. The positive rate of confocal microscopy is 96.9%.

Conclusion: Confocal microscopy can be a rapid, effective and noninvasive imaging technique, and it is helpful in the diagnosis, treatment and study of fungal keratitis.