Wide field scanning slit in vivo confocal microscopy of flattening-induced corneal bands and ridges

We used a wide field scanning slit confocal microscope to examine the response of the in vivo human cornea to flattening. Flattening‐induced effects consisted of (1) anterior corneal mosaic, which appeared as a meshwork of intersecting stromal and Bowman's layer bands with overlying epithelial ridges; (2) deep and middle stromal bands, which were narrower than and unrelated in position to the anterior corneal mosaic; and (3) posterior surface ridges. The posterior surface ridges projected posteriorly into the anterior chamber consisted of endothelium, Descemet's membrane, and posterior stroma, and were unrelated in position to posterior stromal bands. Confocal microscopy is a promising modality in the examination of the cornea and its response to mechanical stress.