Design, implementation and evaluation of non-contact in vivo confocal microscopy for capturing the human corneal endothelium from the central to near-limbal regions

This non-contact IVCM system delivers cellular-resolution imaging of the human corneal endothelium across central to near-limbus without topical anesthesia or corneal contact. It preserves the quantitative consistency of contact confocal microscopy yet offers greater comfort and a larger sampling area. To our knowledge, the herein presented IVCM is currently the only non-contact, high-resolution imaging modality demonstrating endothelial imaging in the limbal region in vivo. These results offer a patient-friendly alternative for routine quantitative endothelial assessment.