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Conjunctival Impression Cytology and Tear Function in Patients with Keratoconus
Deniz Ozarslan Ozcan1, Sait Coskun Ozcan1, Didar Gursoy2
1Department of Ophthalmology, Hatay Mustafa Kemal University Faculty of Medicine, Hatay, Turkey.
Beyoglu Eye Journal
|January 10, 2022
Summary
This study reveals that keratoconus significantly impacts ocular surface health, causing changes in conjunctival cytology and reduced tear function. Keratoconus severity correlates with these conjunctival cytologic alterations.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Diseases
- Ocular Surface Research
Background:
- Keratoconus is a progressive corneal ectasia.
- Ocular surface alterations are common in keratoconus patients.
- Conjunctival changes and tear dysfunction may play a role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate ocular surface changes in keratoconus.
- To evaluate conjunctival cytological alterations.
- To assess tear function parameters in keratoconus.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study comparing 98 keratoconus eyes with 68 healthy controls.
- Evaluated Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), tear break-up time (TBUT), ocular surface staining (OSS), Schirmer test, and conjunctival impression cytology (CIC).
Main Results:
- Keratoconus patients showed significantly higher OSDI and OSS scores.
- Keratoconus patients exhibited significantly lower Schirmer test and TBUT results.
- Keratoconus severity positively correlated with conjunctival impression cytology grade (p=0.004).
Conclusions:
- Keratoconus leads to ocular surface deterioration, affecting conjunctival cytology and tear function.
- Conjunctival cytologic changes are associated with keratoconus severity.
