Specular Microscopy

$This is an image of refractive specks symbolizing images taken with specular microscopy of the endothelial cells of a cornea.$

PHP 839

OVERVIEW

Specular microscopy is a fast, non-contact scan that measures corneal endothelial cells. It helps doctors assess corneal health before surgery and monitor corneal disease. The test is painless, quick, and provides precise cell data that supports safer and more personalized eye care decisions.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS, INCLUSIONS, AND EXCLUSIONS

1. Service includes non-contact endothelial imaging and automated cell analysis. 2. Interpretation by the attending ophthalmologist is required for clinical decisions. 3. Results support assessment but do not replace full eye examination. 4. Fees may vary when bundled with other diagnostic tests. 5. Image quality depends on patient fixation and corneal clarity. 6. Test may be repeated if capture quality is insufficient. 7. Definitive treatment planning may require additional diagnostics.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Dr. Manolette Roque | Dr. Barbara Roque St. Luke’s Medical Center – Global City 2nd Floor, Units 217-218, Roque Eye Clinic, Medical Arts Building Rizal Drive cor. 5th Ave, Taguig City 1634, Philippines +63-917-844-2020 +63-998-998-2020 +63-2-8828-2020 +63-2-8789-7700 ext. 7217 +63-2-8789-7700 ext. 7218

Dr. Manolette Roque | Dr. Barbara Roque St. Luke’s Medical Center – Global City 2nd Floor, Tan Eng Gee Eye Institute, Main Hospital Building Rizal Drive cor. 5th Ave, Taguig City 1634, Philippines +63-998-582-1980 +63-2-8789-7700 ext. 2020 +63-2-8789-7700 ext. 2024

Specular microscopy is a non-contact diagnostic eye imaging service that evaluates the health and density of corneal endothelial cells. These cells maintain corneal clarity by regulating fluid balance. Therefore, accurate assessment helps your ophthalmologist detect early endothelial damage, monitor disease progression, and plan eye surgery more safely.

WHAT THIS SERVICE DOES

This test captures a magnified image of the corneal endothelium, the innermost corneal layer. It measures endothelial cell density, cell size variation, and cell shape. In addition, it assesses corneal thickness. Consequently, doctors gain objective data that routine slit-lamp examination cannot provide.

The results guide clinical decisions in patients at risk for corneal decompensation. Moreover, serial scans allow reliable monitoring over time.

WHEN SPECULAR MICROSCOPY IS RECOMMENDED

Ophthalmologists request this test when corneal endothelial health may affect vision or surgical outcomes. For example, it is commonly used in the following situations.

1. Preoperative assessment for cataract surgery
2. Evaluation before intraocular lens exchange or implantation
3. Monitoring of Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy
4. Assessment after eye surgery or trauma
5. Long-term contact lens use evaluation
6. Investigation of unexplained corneal edema

HOW THE TEST IS PERFORMED

The procedure is quick and non-invasive. First, you sit in front of the imaging device and place your chin on a support. Next, you look at a fixation target while the camera captures the corneal image within seconds. During the scan, nothing touches the eye. As a result, the test remains comfortable and low risk. Most sessions are completed in a few minutes.

PATIENT COMFORT AND SAFETY

Specular microscopy uses safe light-based imaging and requires no eye drops, needles, or contact instruments. Because there is no contact, infection risk is extremely low. Most patients feel no discomfort. In addition, normal activities may be resumed immediately after the test.

WHY ENDOTHELIAL HEALTH MATTERS

Healthy endothelial cells keep the cornea clear. When cell count drops or cell shape becomes abnormal, the cornea may swell and vision may blur. Therefore, early detection helps guide treatment timing and surgical planning. Accurate measurements also help reduce postoperative complications and improve long-term visual outcomes.