Using in vivo microscopy analysis is a safe and effective diagnostic tool in detecting ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) characteristics, claims a study in the journal Eye.

Dr Y Xu et al., Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Eye Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China, conducted a case series on five patients with OSSN. All characteristics were identified by in vivo confocal microscopy before surgery.

Structure and cellular features of OSSN were analysed with anterior-segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) and confirmed by histopathological biopsy.

The anterior segment photography revealed tumours with red gelatinous surfaces with vascular dilation of the ocular surface and corneal epithelium. In three cases the AS-OCT found only tumours in the corneal epithelium, but the Bowman's layer and anterior stroma were invaded in two of the cases.

In three patients in vivo confocal microscopy revealed cellular anisocystosis and enlarged nuclei with a high nuclear to cytoplasmic ratio. Characteristics identified by histopathological biopsy were similar to the results identified by in vivo confocal microscopy in all patients.

Overall, the procedure is a safe, relatively non-invasive and effective tool in identifying OSSN characteristics. It is a valuable tool for managing OSSN patients.