An anatomic and histologic study of the caruncle.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the histologic features of the caruncle and to determine its anatomic relationship to the common canaliculus.


METHODS
Specimens from preserved and fresh-frozen cadavers were studied histopathologically.


RESULTS
The average distance between the external surface of the caruncle and the common canaliculus was 0.85 mm, whereas the shortest distance measured was 0.50 mm. Several histologic abnormalities (oncocytic change, apocrine metaplasia, and microscopic stones) were identified in specimens that appeared clinically normal.


CONCLUSIONS
Caution should be exercised when operations are performed on or near the caruncle to avoid inadvertent damage to the canalicular system.
Kathuria
S S
SS
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA.
Howarth
D
D
Hurwitz
J J
JJ
Oestreicher
J
J
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002102:Cadaver; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007765:Lacrimal Apparatus / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged