PTERYGIUM IN LEPROMATOUS LEPROSY

Pterygia from the eyes of three lepromatous leprosy patients were hist opathologically studied. All of the specimens contained acid-fast baci lli (AFB) and exhibited features of chronic inflammation. In the etio- pathogenesis of the pterygium that occurs in leprosy patients, the chr onic inflammation that is a feature of the disease, the involvement of the nerves within the pterygium, the increased exposure to sunlight, dust and wind (especially in patients having lagophthalmos), and the o strasization by society that necessitates living predominantly outdoor lives, should be taken into account.