Limbal palisades of Vogt

Abstract

The palisades of Vogt are distinctive normal features of the human corneoscleral limbus. Our clinical studies indicate that they are more discrete in younger and in more heavily pigmented individuals, and that they appear more regular and prominent at the lower limbus than at the upper limbus. They are seen only infrequently in the horizontal meridian. There is some symmetry (though it is not exact) from one eye to the other in the same person. The anatomy of the palisades appears to be unique for a given individual. In this respect, as well as in their microscopic anatomy, the palisades of Vogt appear comparable to fingerprints, and the term "conjunctivoglyphics" ("conjunctival carvings") or "limboglyphics" is suggested in analogy with "dermatoglyphics." The palisades of Vogt have a distinct vasculature with narrow, barely visible, arterial and venous components of radially oriented hairpin loops. Angiography reveals that these vessels leak fluorescein relatively late and only to a moderate extent. They respond to inflammation by dilatation and gross breakdown of their physiologic barrier properties. The functions of the palisades of Vogt are not known with certainty, but their interpalisadal epithelial rete ridges may serve as a repository for corneal epithelial cells. They may thus be important in both aging and diseases of the cornea.