[1991 new developments regarding the conjunctiva].
Publications on the subject of conjunctiva in 1991 have been reviewed. Clinical relevant topics have been stressed. In the field of conjunctival affections caused by microorganisms a spectrum of bilateral squamous conjunctival tumors associated with human papillomavirus type 16 were first documented. Chlamydial antibodies cause proliferation of lymphocytes. The peripheral lymphocyte proliferative response to whole chlamydial elementary bodies seems to have a strong correlation between the responses to the Chlamydia trachomatis serotypes B and L1. In the field of impression cytology of the conjunctiva the topographical distribution of ocular surface cells was described. In patients with glaucoma using long-term topical medication, there seem to be significant degrees of conjunctival metaplasia associated with the number of glaucoma medications. These changes in the conjunctival surface may be related to the preservatives in the preparations (benzalkonium compounds). An ultrastructural defect in conjunctiva in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa may increase the susceptibility of the conjunctiva to minor mechanical trauma. Thus resulting in the bullous and cicatrical changes seen clinically.