[Conjunctival granuloma caused by synthetic fibers]

Histopathological examination of a conjunctival lesion occurring in a two-and-a-half-year-old boy revealed granulomatous inflammation surrounding filamentous foreign material. The main type of fiber was fairly uniform in diameter, generally round to oval in cross-section, with vivid birefringence, manifesting a "cracking phenomenon" and lacking a central core. These findings are typical of synthetic fibers. Synthetic fiber granulomas often occur in children, predominantly unilaterally. Comforting blankets, fabric toys or forcibly applied pullovers may cause initial inoculation.