Extended depth-of-field microscopy with surface tracking for noninvasive examination of conjunctival goblet cells in humans

Abstract

Conjunctival goblet cells (CGCs) are specialized epithelial cells that secrete mucins to form the mucous layer of the protective tear film and by suppressing inflammation. Although CGCs are an important biomarker for diagnosing ocular surface diseases, rapid and noninvasive CGC examination methods have not been available. We have developed a new imaging system, high-speed extended depth-of-field wide-field microscopy with surface tracking, to enable non-contact large-area CGC imaging in human subjects. A novel long-range surface detection method was developed for rapid large-area mosaic imaging with lateral translation. Large-area CGC imaging and density quantification in human subjects was demonstrated. This new imaging system could be useful for noninvasive CGC examination in humans, which could be valuable for precision diagnosis and optimal treatment of ocular surface diseases.