Abstract
The endogenous or ectogenous theory in eye leprosy have been discussed for many years since Bull and Hansen's ectogenous theory was published in 1873. For investigating this problem, the author employed ten clinically intact eyes of C cases to find an initial focus in eye leprosy microscopically. In this study the author examined not only the eye ball but also surrounding tissues such as the eye lid and lacrimal gland. In two eyes, initial leprous infiltration took place at the Schlemm's canal and its surrounding. In eight eyes an infiltration began at capillary loops of the iris and ciliary body, and in the margin of cornea, where capillary loops form a ring arround the circumference of cornea, coming from the anterior ciliary vessels. While lepra bacill entered into the conjunctival sac from the eyelid, it was seldom to see that bacilli came through the conjunctival or corneal epithelium. This fact acertains the endogenous theory. On the other hand, bacilli were found in nine cases in 55 of C type, while none in 40 cases of N type. (16.4% in C)
The passage of lepra bacilli are as follows:
1) from an ulcer on the margin of eyelid.
2) from Meibom's, Moll's and Krause's glands.
3) from the goblet-cells of palpebral conjunctiva.
4) through bulbar conjunctiva and in its desauamated epithelium.
5 in leucocyte phagocyted.
Author's investigation thus acertained that the leprous eye change anticipates an appearance of bacilli in the conjunctival sack. That is to confirm the endogenous theory.
