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Detection of Rabbit Corneal Epithelium Over Amniotic Membrane Patch by White-light and Laser Confocal Microscopy

Kobayashi A, Yoshita T, Sugiyama K, Tseng S.; Am J Ophthalmol. Sept 2003; 136(3):569-72.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To report confocal microscopic observation of rabbit corneal epithelium through amniotic membrane patch (AMP).

DESIGN: Experimental study.

METHOD: Six rabbit eyes were patched by amniotic membrane. Then, white-light and laser confocal microscopic observation was performed.

RESULTS: Images of human amniotic epithelium, amniotic basement membrane, and amniotic stroma were obtained using both devices, followed by detection of rabbit corneal epithelium.

CONCLUSION: This study indicates that observation of corneal epithelium through AMP is possible in rabbit eyes using both these methods. This implies that both devices might be used clinically to observe the epithelial healing process under an AMP to better determine when it should be removed.

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