title: Tear functions in patients with pterygium.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In the etiology of pterygium abnormalities in tear functions have also been emphasized. In this study, tear function tests are evaluated in patients with pterygium.
  
  
  METHODS
  Schirmer's test 1, tear film break-up time and mucus fern patterns were evaluated in 70 eyes with pterygium and in 70 eyes of the age matched control group. Marginal tear films were also assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Tear film break-up time was significantly reduced in the pterygium group. Mucus fern patterns and marginal tear films were found to be markedly abnormal in the eyes with pterygium, however, there was no significant difference in Schirmer's test 1.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Tear function tests disclosed disrupted tear film stability which is more likely to be due to the altered mucin. This change may either be the primary factor inducing pterygium formation or reflect an existing pathology in the cells lining the ocular surface.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Hacettepe, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: S C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Kadayifçilar
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Orhan
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Irkeç
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003460:Crystallization; D003461:Crystallography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009093:Mucus / Q000502:physiology; D011625:Pterygium / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013666:Tears / Q000502:physiology*