Lysosomal enzymes in tear fluids from patients with Terrien's marginal corneal degeneration.

We examined biochemically the lysosomal enzyme activities in tear fluids from patients with mild myopia, senile cataract, and Terrien's marginal corneal degeneration. Tear acid phosphatase activities in Terrien's degeneration were almost the same as those in mild myopia and senile cataract, while those of N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase in Terrien's degeneration were higher. The high activity of tear N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase may be derived from the lacrimal gland and infiltrate histiocytelike cells in Terrien's marginal corneal degeneration.