[Ocular manifestations of Yusho 22 years after the onset]

Ocular manifestations were studied in 91 Yusho patients who took the contaminated rice oil 22 years ago. Tear film dysfunction was examined using the rose bengal test. Eighty-seven percent of the patients complained eye discharge, although edema of the eyelid and pigmentation of the conjunctiva were rarely seen. Cystic swelling of the tarsal glands was seen in 16 patients (18%) and white cheese-like contents in the tarsal glands were detected in 7 patients (8%). Twenty-five patients showed positive staining with the rose bengal test, although the intensity of the staining was slight. From this study it appears that there may not be tear film dysfunction in Yusho patients.