Journal List > J Korean Ophthalmol Soc > v.49(8) > 1008038

Kim, Kim, and Kim: Visualization of Subconjunctival Lymphatics and Its Significance

Abstract

Purpose

To observe and characterize subconjunctival lymphatics in patients with subconjunctival hemorrhages.

Methods

Patients who visited our clinic with subconjunctival hemorrhage resulting from ocular trauma, or subconjunctival injection of gentamicin and betamethasone during a cataract operation, were included in this study. Subconjunctival hemorrhages and subconjunctival lymphatics were observed using slit lamp biomicroscopy.

Results

Apparent dilated lymphatics were found in one patient with subconjunctival hemorrhage after rubbing of the eye; thin lymphatics were found in 10 patients with traumatic subconjunctival hemorrhages; and apparent dilated lymphatics were found in 10 patients after subconjunctival injection. Slit lamp biomicroscopy using a green filter allowed easy visualization of subconjunctival lymphatics.

Conclusions

Subconjunctival lymphatics, which are not visible in normal ocular conditions, are evident on subconjunctival hemorrhages, especially after subconjunctival drug injection.

References

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Figure 1.
(A) Sausage-like lymphatic channel filled with hemorrhage are shown: slit lamp finding. (B) slit lamp finding under green filter. (C) nasal aspect of lymphatic channel shows definite annular ring interrupting lymphatic hemorrhage. (D) anatomy of subconjunctival lymphatic channel cited from Gray’s anatomy.10
jkos-49-1215f1.tif
Figure 2.
The linear conjunctival lymphatics (white arrow) are shown. (A) 24-year-old male patient-subconjunctival hemorrhage due to eyeball contusion. (B) 36-year-old female patient-subconjunctival hemorrhage due to eyeball contusion. (C, D) 42-year-old male patient-subconjunctival hemorrhage due to eyeball contusion. (A, B, D) Findings under the green illumination.
jkos-49-1215f2.tif
Figure 3.
Well visible dilated conjunctival lymphatics (white arrow) and lymphatic cyst (black arrow) are shown. More dilated lymphatics than those in trauma cases are seen. (A, B) 62-year-old female patients who received subconjunctival injection of gentamicin and bethamethasone after phacoemulsification. (C, D) 66-year-old female patients received the same procedure. Slit lamp finding without filter (C) and with green filter (D), respectively.
jkos-49-1215f3.tif
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