[Methods and clinical significance of the condition of corneal nerve fibers].

The review provides basic information about embryology, structural features, biochemical composition, functions and classification of corneal nerve fibers, and describes anatomical, histological and functional diagnostic techniques for corneal nerves. Each method for analyzing the structure of the nerve fiber, its advantages and disadvantages are described in detail, including the history of the development of confocal microscopy (laser and light) and esthesiometry (contact and non-contact). The article also presents the criteria according to which the structure of the nerve fiber is estimated using laser confocal microscopy, and the shortcomings of these criteria. Additionally, the article reports on the futility of the use of modern esthesiometry methods.