J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.
2006 May;47(5):717-724.
Changes of Ocular Surface and Tear Film in Patients with Pinguecula and Pterygium
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Ophthalmology, Chonnam National University Medical School Gwangju, Korea. kcyoon@chonnam.ac.kr
Abstract
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PURPOSE: This study was performed to evaluate the parameters of tear function and ocular surface in patients with pinguecula and pterygium.
METHODS
The corneal sensitivity test (CST), tear break-up time (BUT), basal tear secretion test, fluorescein staining, rose bengal staining, tear clearance test, and conjunctival impression cytology were evaluated in patients with unilateral pinguecula and pterygium. The results were also evaluated according to the severity of pterygium.
RESULTS
In patients with pinguecula, BUT (P=0.03) and goblet cell density (P<0.01) were decreased, while the rose bengal staining score (P=0.01) was increased significantly. In patients with pterygium, CST (P=0.01), BUT (P<0.01), and goblet cell density (P<0.01) decreased, and the fluorescein staining score (P<0.01), rose bengal staining score (P<0.01) and grade of conjunctival metaplasia (P<0.01) increased significantly. In comparison with mild pterygium, moderate pterygium demonstrated decreased CST (P=0.01) and BUT (P=0.01), and an increased rose bengal staining score (P=0.04).
CONCLUSIONS
The tear films and ocular surface changes in patients with pinguecula and pterygium are worse than in control group. Also, there is close correlation between the severity of pterygium and dry eye condition.
