Goblet cell density association with tear function and ocular surface physiology

作者：Sapkota Kishor^*; Franco Sandra; Sampaio Paula; Lira Madalena

来源：Contact Lens and Anterior Eye, 2015, 38(4): 240-244.

DOI：10.1016/j.clae.2015.01.016

• Goblet cell density
• Schirmer score
• Tear break-up time
• Bulbar redness
• Corneal staining

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 (TM)-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.

• 出版日期2015-8