Light and Specular Microscopy of the Cornea

The atlas of the light and specular microscopy of the cornea, particularly of the corneal endothelium presents healthy and pathological corneas as well as corneas prepared for grafting; photographs are taken from donor or patient’s corneas. The first section of the atlas shows healthy cornea and its particular layers: the epithelium (superficial and basal cells, subepithelial nerve plexus), stroma and keratocytes, and the endothelium. Blood vessels or palisades of Vogt in limbus are shown as well. The second section that shows corneas processed for grafting is focused on the endothelial layer. The main causes of exclusion of corneas from grafting, such as the presence of dead cells, polymeghatism, pleomorphism, cornea guttata or stromal scars have been shown. The third section shows corneas before and after storage in tissue cultures or hypothermic conditions with the aim to assess suitability of tissue for grafting. Finally, the last section contains photographs of pathological corneal explants.