dieselsmummy
30-05-08, 01:10 AM
Cherry Eye is an inflammation of the Harderian Gland, an accessory tear gland of the conjunctiva inside the lower eyelid.
It occurs in eyes that have a poorly developed ligament holding the gland in position. The gland is contained within a fold of conjuctiva commonly called the "third eyelid".
Normally the lower pole of gland is anchored to the connective tissue inside the bony orbital rim. In the abnormal eye, the inferior ligament is absent or poorly developed. When the gland becomes inflamed and swollen, it flips up from under the "third eyelid" and herniates from under the lower eyelid,
Through repeated inflammation and herniation, this condition is associated with the development of "dry eye" or kerato-conjunctivitis sicca. Surgery can restore the gland to it's proper position. Removal of the gland can precipitate "dry eye" and so should be avoided.
It occurs in eyes that have a poorly developed ligament holding the gland in position. The gland is contained within a fold of conjuctiva commonly called the "third eyelid".
Normally the lower pole of gland is anchored to the connective tissue inside the bony orbital rim. In the abnormal eye, the inferior ligament is absent or poorly developed. When the gland becomes inflamed and swollen, it flips up from under the "third eyelid" and herniates from under the lower eyelid,
Through repeated inflammation and herniation, this condition is associated with the development of "dry eye" or kerato-conjunctivitis sicca. Surgery can restore the gland to it's proper position. Removal of the gland can precipitate "dry eye" and so should be avoided.