Bleb dystrophy of the cornea: histochemistry and ultrastructure.

Abstract

Corneal epithelial biopsies from 2 patients affected with asymptomatic bleb dystrophy were examined by light microscopy and EM. The basis of this disorder appeared to be the deposition of a neutral mucopolysaccharide-protein complex as a continuous layer between the basement membrane and Bowman''s layer. This material, although homogeneous in light microscopy, had a fine granular ultrastructure. It was friable, and in view of the apparent integrity of the basement membrane/hemidesmosome system it was suggested that the recurrent epithelial erosions which can occur in this disorder result from shearing of this layer. Fissures in the bleb material contained cells which may play a role in its degradation.