Corneal Specular Microscopy / Specular Microscope

A specular microscope enables the viewer to study the morphology of the cells to look for any abnormalities indicating trauma. This type of microscope is helpful when identifying ocular conditions, such as Glaucoma, Fuch’s Dystrophy and Uveitis. Specular microscopy is also helpful for cataract patients and corneal transplant patients. Cell counts can help identify whether a patient’s cornea is at risk and enable a physician to identify potential risks pre and post-operatively.

Some specular microscopes make contact with the patient in order to view the corneal endothelium while many others are strictly non-contact. Determining which is best for your practice is a personal decision and patient comfort should be considered.