PURPOSE/METHODS: We examined the mast cells in 12 pterygium specimens
of patients who under went primary excisions and the conjunctival spec
imens of ten normal age-matched control subjects. RESULTS/CONCLUSION:
The mean mast cell count per cubic millimeter was twice as high in the
pterygium specimens as in the control specimens. Mast cell proliferat
ion and activation may contribute to the pathogenesis of pterygium for
mation.