In vivo confocal microscopy and histopathology of the ocular surface
Research type
Research Study
Full title
In vivo confocal microscopy and histopathology of the ocular surface
IRAS ID
138452
Contact name
Victor Hu
Contact email
Research summary
In vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) provides high-resolution images of living tissues in a non-invasive manner. Resolution is down to the level of few a microns and approaches the detail see in histological tissue sections. It has gained increasing use over the last few years in ophthalmology where it is used for a wide range of clinical applications. In particular, it plays an important clinical role in the diagnosis of ocular infections, in the assessment of potentially malignant lesions and has been applied to many diseases of the ocular surface. IVCM of the ocular surface is a completely safe, non-invasive procedure with no known side-effects and can be used in a repeated manner.\n\nThe interpretation of the different structures and morphology seen with IVCM can be challenging. There has been relatively little work on the validation of IVCM structure/morphology interpretation. We have published IVCM grading systems for conjunctival inflammation and scarring and have compared histopathological findings in subjects with trachoma, a chronic keratoconjunctivitis found in developing countries (Hu et al, Ophthalmol, 2011;118:747-54; Hu et al, Ophthalmol,2011,118:2138-46; Hu et al, Brit J Ophthalmol, 2013,303126Epub). We would like to expand this work to further develop our understanding and application of IVCM of the ocular surface by recruiting patients who will be undergoing surgery for corneal or eyelid disease in the UK. These patients would have IVCM performed pre-operatively (the only change/addition to their regular care) and we would correlate these findings with histological/immunohistochemical analysis of the tissue removed at surgery. Patients recruited would be undergoing corneal graft surgery (commonly for corneal failure or scarring) or eyelid resection (commonly for lid tumours or Floppy Eyelid Syndrome). Tissue processing would be performed at the Institute of Ophthalmology in London.
REC name
West Midlands - South Birmingham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/WM/0487
Date of REC Opinion
20 Jan 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion