Improved resolution of specular micrographs.

Abstract

The purpose of specular photomicrography of the corneal endothelium is to depict fine cellular morphology and to determine total cell density. The use of silver-based photographic films to record the cells and generate enlarged paper prints yields the highest resolution currently possible. Previously, the quality of these prints was diminished when the highly resolved cell image was combined with the standardized grid used for quantification, since the sub-optimal quality of the grid's plastic substrate caused optical aberrations. We present a prototype device and a modified technique that enables the full resolution of the microscope to be represented on photographic prints and allows highly detailed views of the endothelial mosaic to be depicted with or without the standardized grid.