Tear functions in patients with pinguecula

Abstract

Purpose: 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). Conclusion: 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.