What Is Papillary Conjunctivitis?

Giant papillary conjunctivitis is an allergic conjunctivitis caused by long-term wearing of a contact lens or prosthetic eye. The cause is that bacteria or other protein particles are adsorbed on the surface of the lens or the prosthetic eye. These substances act as allergens, which trigger the disease. Cytological examination of conjunctival sac secretion can reveal increased eosinophils associated with allergic factors.

Basic Information

nickname: Giant papillary conjunctivitis
English name: macropapillary conjunctivitis

Visiting department: Ophthalmology
Common causes: Caused by long-term wearing of contact lenses or prosthetic eyes
Common symptoms: Itchy eyes and tears

Causes of giant papillary conjunctivitis

The disease is more common in contact lenses (especially those who wear soft contact lenses with poor wearing materials) or prosthetic eyes. The occurrence of giant papillary conjunctivitis is closely related to antigen deposition and microtrauma. It is a mechanical stimulus and As a result of the combined action of hypersensitivity, its immune damage is based on type rapid-type hypersensitivity and type delayed-type hypersensitivity.

Clinical manifestations of giant papillary conjunctivitis

1. The patient's eyes are itchy and teary.

2. The hard and flat nipples on the upper eyelid conjunctiva are arranged like paving stones, with viscous filamentous secretions.

Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis Examination

Cytological examination of conjunctival sac secretion can reveal increased eosinophils associated with allergic factors. Giant nipples are covered with thickened, irregular, and many crypt-shaped conjunctival epithelial cells. Epithelial erosion and corresponding fluorescein staining can be observed in many cases. Under the electron microscope, it can be seen that the epithelial cells have different sizes and lose the normal polygonal morphology. Its microvilli are flat, clustered, and branched. The increased mucus secretion of giant papillary conjunctivitis is associated with an increase in the conjunctival surface area covering the nipple surface. Giant papillary conjunctivitis is typically characterized by infiltration of eosinophils, mast cells, basophils, lymphocytes, and plasma cells in the conjunctival parenchyma.