Conjunctival lesions are frequently seen in the eye clinic, because the conjunctiva is readily seen and patients notice any change in their ocular appearance.
The conjunctiva is a translucent mucous membrane that covers the anterior part of the globe and has three portions:
- the bulbar conjunctiva that covers the sclera and includes the corneo-conjunctival limbus
- the conjunctival fornix
- the tarsal part covering the posterior surface of the upper and lower lid.
The epithelium contains goblets cells and scattered melanocytes. The stroma is a brovascular connective tissue that contains collagenous and elastic tissue as well as arteries, veins, lymphatics, nerves and lymphoid tissue. The caruncle on the nasal canthus contains both conjunctival and cutaneous structures and tumours can be of skin or mucosal origin.