Uses
CLSM is widely-used in numerous biological science disciplines, from cell biology and genetics to microbiology and developmental biology.
Clinically, CLSM is used in the evaluation of various eye diseases, and is particularly useful for imaging, qualitative analysis, and quantification of endothelial cells of the cornea. It is used for localizing and identifying the presence of filamentary fungal elements in the corneal stroma in cases of keratomycosis, enabling rapid diagnosis and thereby early institution of definitive therapy. Research into CLSM techniques for endoscopic procedures (endomicroscopy) is also showing promise. In the pharmaceutical industry, it was recommended to follow the manufacturing process of thin film pharmaceutical forms, to control the quality and uniformity of the drug distribution. CLSM is also used as the data retrieval mechanism in some 3D optical data storage systems and has helped determine the age of the Magdalen papyrus.
Read more about this topic: Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy