Spheroid degeneration of the conjunctiva. Histochemical and ultrastructural examination

Sixteen specimens from 14 patients with typical conjunctival spheroid bodies were obtained by biopsy. Six biopsies were examined histochemically and 10 ultrastructurally. For comparison tissue from pingueculae was processed simultaneously in 4 cases for light microscopy and in one for electron microscopy. The spheroid bodies were found to be strongly autofluorescent and of a proteinaceous nature, corresponding to the elastotic degeneration in pingueculae. Ultrastructurally they were of various electron density, but when distinguishable the fine structure was granular with transition from surrounding collagen fibres. Based on reports from the literature and on our own investigations, it is concluded that condensations seen as spheroid bodies in both conjunctival and corneal tissue under solar/climatic influence are similar and have their origin in degenerated collagen.