Confocal Microscopy in Posterior Polymorphous Corneal Dystrophy

Abstract

PURPOSE: To report the distinguishing characteristics of posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy (PPMD) using confocal microscopy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two consecutive patients with PPMD were prospectively examined using a white-light tandem scanning confocal microscope with a 24x/0.60 contact objective. RESULTS: At the level of Descement's membrane, roundish hyporeflective images were found in 1 patient. In the other patient, hyporeflective bands were detected. In both patients, patchy hyperreflective areas were identified. CONCLUSION: Confocal microscopy may allow diagnosis of PPMD by demonstrating the alterations in Descement's membrane. This technique is especially valuable in cases of endothelial decompensation, where slit-lamp and specular microscopy may fail to demonstrate changes in Descement's membrane.