Contributions of electron microscopy to the study of corneal pathology

Abstract

Most of the electron microscopic studies of pathological corneas have been done only recently. Keratoplasty has been the most important source of specimens for ultramicroscopic investigation. With the introduction of electron microscopic techniques, we have been able to confirm many light microscopic studies in pathological corneas. This contribution has been most valuable in the identification of the sites and types of pathological changes in corneal dystrophies and degenerations. This review of electron microscopic studies describes the present concepts on the nature of the histological changes in dystrophies and degenerations of the anterior and posterior corneal layers and corneal stroma. It also includes a review of some corneal inflammatory conditions as well as metabolic disorders affecting its transparency.