AN ANALYSIS of our findings in the examination of 572 conjunctival smears is presented, with an outline of the method used in obtaining the material.
The patients for this study were under treatment for chronic conjunctivitis in various eye clinics in St. Louis and St. Louis County and in several private offices in this area.
In each case a complete allergic history was taken. Cutaneous and conjunctival tests for possible allergens were made, along with pertinent bacteriological procedures. Slit-lamp examinations of the cornea and conjunctiva were carried out. Patients were selected for whom no specific causative agent was found and the conjunctival smear showed a high eosinophilic count.
CONJUNCTIVAL SCRAPE SMEAR
The conjunctival scrape smear can be of considerable value if it is properly made and interpreted. The use for diagnosis of a smear of secretory material gathered after sleep (especially if this material is obtained by the patient) is