title: Goblet cell density association with tear function and ocular surface physiology.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Center of Physics, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal. Electronic address: kishorsapkota@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Kishor
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sapkota
authors.affiliation: Center of Physics, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Franco
authors.affiliation: Center of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.
authors.forename: Paula
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sampaio
authors.affiliation: Center of Physics, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.
authors.forename: Madalena
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lira
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002452:Cell Count; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D020397:Goblet Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013499:Surface Properties; D013666:Tears / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Bulbar redness; Corneal staining; Goblet cell density; Schirmer score; Tear break-up time