Kishor Sapkota1, Sandra Franco2, Paula Sampaio3, Madalena Lira2. 1. Center of Physics, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal. Electronic address: kishorsapkota@gmail.com. 2. Center of Physics, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal. 3. Center of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.
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.
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.