Confocal microscopy using near-infrared laser light is a useful new tool in the analysis of conjunctival tissue in vivo. It is a valuable aid in the differential diagnosis of conjunctival inflammation and thus may guide therapeutical decisions.

To analyze filtering blebs after trabeculectomy by means of in vivo confocal microscopy and to correlate the images with clinical bleb appearance and function. Method: In vivo confocal microscopy using the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph/Rostock Cornea Module (Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany) was performed in 53 filtering blebs in 45 patients 6 days to 30 years postoperatively. Results: In vivo confocal microscopic findings significantly correlated with good bleb function included the number of epithelial microcysts (P=.03), a large total stromal cyst area (P=.009), the absence of encapsulated stromal cysts (P=.002), minimal vascularization (P=.05), and the absence of tortuous conjunctival vessels (P =.01). In

Confocal microscopy is a valuable tool for demonstrating subtle corneal nerve alterations in vivo. It is capable of demonstrating diabetic nerve fiber damage earlier than corneal sensation testing and vibration perception assessment in the lower limb.

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