[Correlation between birefringence and histopathologic figures of keratoconus and bullous keratopathy].

PURPOSE: We studied macroscopic pictures with polarizing filter and microscopic pictures of the corneas in keratoconus and bullous keratopathy.

METHOD: Among penetrating keratoplasty specimens referred to the National Defense Medical College, we investigated 16 keratoconus and 189 bullous keratopathy specimens. Macrophotographs with polarizing filter and light microscopic photographs (hematoxylene-eosin staining) were investigated. The hyperbolic polarizing pattern, stromal thickness of corneal specimens and number of fibroblast-like cells in the stroma were analyzed.

RESULT: Hyperbolic polarizing patterns depended on the number of fibroblast-like cells in the stroma and the thickness of the stroma, but hyperbolic polarizing patterns had no relation with the epithelium or endothelium of the cornea.