Abstract
Purpose: The structure of mucin balls collected from silicone hydrogel contact lens wearers was examined to determine their nature. Methods: Tears containing mucin balls were collected using a capillary tube. These were processed for light microscopic histochemistry, scanning electron microscopy, and electron microscopic elemental analysis. Mucin balls were also observed in vivo using confocal microscopy. Results: Histology showed that the mucin balls were PAS positive, indicating that glycoproteins form a major component. Lipids and bacteria were not detected. Scanning electron microscopy did not show the surface to be smooth but revealed a variation in density across the surface. Elemental analysis was inconclusive. Conclusions: Mucin balls are likely to be made from collapsed mucin and are unlikely to have been formed as a result of pearling around a silicon, lipid, or bacterial kernel.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 740-745 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Cornea |
Volume | 22 |
Issue number | 8 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Nov 2003 |
Keywords
- Electron microscopy
- Histology
- Lipid plugs
- Precorneal deposits
- Tear microspheres