Atomic force microscopy of the cornea and sclera.

We report the first investigation of the extracellular matrix of cornea and sclera using an atomic force microscope (AFM), and evaluate the potential of this new technique. We were able to obtain 2-3 nanometre resolution of both tissues in a condition close to their native state. The AFM was able to resolve surface features on the collagen fibrils, as well as providing unique images of crossbridge structures between collagen fibrils in both cornea and sclera.