Tear functions in patients with pinguecula.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the tear flow, tear film stability and condition of mucus in patients with pinguecula.


METHODS
The Schirmer I and ferning tests were performed and break-up time (BUT) was determined in 57 patients with pinguecula [random eyes; 34 males and 23 females, 18 to 70 years of age (mean +/- SD: 39.1 +/- 13.5 years)] and in 57 age-matched subjects (control) [random eyes; 35 males and 22 females, 11 to 70 years of age (mean +/- SD: 37.8 +/- 15.2 years)], and the test results were statistically analysed.


RESULTS
The mean Schirmer test value was 22.72 +/- 12 mm in the eyes with pinguecula and 22.7 +/- 8.5 mm in the control eyes. There was no statistically significant difference (t = 0.01, p = 0.99) between the groups. The mean BUTs were 11.42 +/- 6.89 s in the eyes with pinguecula and 15.46+/-5.85 s in the control eyes. Comparison of BUTs between the groups revealed a statistically significant difference (t = 3.37, p = 0.0010). Also, ferning types were found to be significantly abnormal in the eyes with pinguecula (p < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
The alteration in the mucin layer is a possible change inducing pinguecula formation, or it may reflect an already existing pathology in the cells on the ocular surface.
Oguz
H
H
Departments of Ophthalmology and Pathology, Harran University, School of Medicine, Sanliurfa, Turkey. halitoguz@hotmail.com
Karadede
S
S
Bitiren
M
M
Gurler
B
B
Cakmak
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D003229:Conjunctival Diseases / Q000378:metabolism*; D003941:Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009093:Mucus / Q000378:metabolism*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013666:Tears / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*