AIM: To comparatively analyze the application of laser confocal microscopy and corneal smear in the diagnosis of fungal keratitis.

METHODS: Totally 77 patients(77 eyes)diagnosed as fungal keratitis were selected. Laser confocal microscopy and corneal smear examination were performed to observe the characteristics of the images, and the detection rate of fungus were compared between the two methods.

RESULTS: Of the 77 patients, 66 eyes(86%)were positive and 11 eyes were negative detected by laser confocal microscopy; 51 eyes(66%)were positive and 26 eyes were negative detected by corneal smear examination, the difference was statistically significant compared between two group(P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: Laser corneal confocal microscopy is relatively safe and sensitive. If combined the application of laser corneal confocal microscopy and corneal smear examination in clinical, the diagnosis rate of fungal keratitis may be improved.