Goblet cell density association with tear function and ocular surface physiology. Issue 4 (August 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sapkota, Kishor; Franco, Sandra; Sampaio, Paula; Lira, Madalena
• Is Part Of: Contact lens & anterior eye. Volume 38:Issue 4(2015)
• Page Start: 240
• Page End: 244
• Publication Date: 2015-08
• Subjects: Goblet cell density -- Schirmer score -- Tear break-up time -- Bulbar redness -- Corneal staining; Anterior segment (Eye) -- Periodicals; Contact lenses -- Periodicals; Segment antérieur (Œil) -- Périodiques; Lentilles de contact -- Périodiques; 617.752305
• DOI: 10.1016/j.clae.2015.01.016
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1367-0484

Abstract

Highlights: Goblet cell density (GCD) was determined on bulbar conjunctiva of asymptomatic subjects. Correlation of GCD with tear function and ocular surface physiology was evaluated. GCD was found significantly correlated with tear break-up time. No correlation of GCD with Schirmer score, conjunctival redness and corneal staining was found. Abstract: Purpose: To determine the relationship of goblet cell density (GCD) with tear function and ocular surface physiology. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 35 asymptomatic subjects with mean age 23.8 ± 3.6 years. Tear film assessment, conjunctiva and cornea examination were done in each subject. Conjunctival impression cytology was performed by applying Nitrocellulose Millipore MF™-Membrane filter over the superior bulbar conjunctiva. The filter paper was than fixed with 96% ethanol and stained with Periodic Acid Schiff, Hematoxylin and Eosin. GCD was determined by optical microscopy. Relation between GCD and Schirmer score, tear break-up time (TBUT), bulbar redness, limbal redness and corneal staining was determined. Results: The mean GCD was 151 ± 122 cells/mm 2 . GCD was found higher in eyes with higher Schirmer score but it was not significant ( p = 0.75). There was a significant relationship of GCD with TBUT ( p = 0.042). GCD was not correlated with bulbar redness ( p = 0.126), and limbal redness ( p = 0.054) as well as corneal staining ( p = 0.079). No relationship of GCD with age and gender of the subjects ( p > 0.05) was observed. Conclusion: GCD was found correlated with TBUT but no significant correlation was found with the aqueous portion of the tear, limbal as well as bulbar redness and corneal staining.