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Tear functions in patients with pterygium
S C Kadayifçilar1, M Orhan, M Irkeç
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Hacettepe, Ankara, Turkey.
Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica
|May 20, 1998
Summary
Pterygium patients show disrupted tear film stability, indicated by reduced tear film break-up time and abnormal mucus fern patterns. These tear function abnormalities may contribute to pterygium development.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Ocular Surface Disease
Background:
- Pterygium is a common ocular condition.
- Abnormalities in tear function are implicated in pterygium etiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate tear function tests in patients diagnosed with pterygium.
- To investigate the relationship between pterygium and tear film abnormalities.
Main Methods:
- Compared 70 eyes with pterygium to 70 age-matched control eyes.
- Assessed Schirmer's test 1, tear film break-up time (TBUT), mucus fern patterns, and marginal tear films.
Main Results:
- Significantly reduced TBUT in the pterygium group.
- Markedly abnormal mucus fern patterns and marginal tear films in pterygium eyes.
- No significant difference in Schirmer's test 1 results between groups.
Conclusions:
- Tear function tests reveal disrupted tear film stability in pterygium.
- Altered mucin is a likely cause of reduced tear film stability.
- These tear film changes may be a primary factor in pterygium formation or secondary to ocular surface pathology.