Evaluation of dry eye parameters in Helicobacter Pylori infection

PurposeTo assess the ocular surface of patients with Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection using conjunctival impression cytology.MethodsThis study included 71 patients, who were divided into two groups. Group I included 41 patients with HP infection and Group II included 30 patients without HP infection. HP infection was diagnosed histopathologically by Giemsa staining of endoscopic gastric biopsy specimens. To evaluate the ocular surface of the patients, tear break-up time (TBUT), the Schirmer I test, and conjunctival impression cytology (CIC) were performed.ResultsThe mean CIC in Groups I and II was 1.12 ± 0.90 and 0.60 ± 0.68, respectively, with CIC grades being higher in Group I. The mean Schirmer I test value was 16.73 ± 7.72 and 20.00 ± 2.94 mm in Groups I and II, respectively. When both groups were compared, Schirmer I test results were significantly lower in Group I (p = 0.031). The mean TBUT value was 11.27 ± 3.30 s in Group I and 13.27 ± 1.64 s in Group II. When the groups were compared, the TBUT values were significantly lower in Group I (p = 0.003). In the correlation analysis, a significant positive correlation was found between CIC and HP density (rho = 0.77, p < 0.01).ConclusionThe prevalence of dry eye disease was higher in patients with HP infection, and greater tear film instability was observed in this group. Evaluation of dry eye disease in these patients may be clinically relevant, as HP infection may be associated with alterations in tear film parameters.