Goblet cell density association with tear function and ocular surface physiology

- Goblet cell density (GCD) was determined on bulbar conjunctiva of asymptomatic subjects.
- Correlation of GCD with tear function and ocular surface physiology was evaluated.
- GCD was found significantly correlated with tear break-up time.
- No correlation of GCD with Schirmer score, conjunctival redness and corneal staining was found.

PurposeTo determine the relationship of goblet cell density (GCD) with tear function and ocular surface physiology.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study conducted in 35 asymptomatic subjects with mean age 23.8 ± 3.6 years. Tear film assessment, conjunctiva and cornea examination were done in each subject. Conjunctival impression cytology was performed by applying Nitrocellulose Millipore MF™-Membrane filter over the superior bulbar conjunctiva. The filter paper was than fixed with 96% ethanol and stained with Periodic Acid Schiff, Hematoxylin and Eosin. GCD was determined by optical microscopy. Relation between GCD and Schirmer score, tear break-up time (TBUT), bulbar redness, limbal redness and corneal staining was determined.ResultsThe mean GCD was 151 ± 122 cells/mm2. GCD was found higher in eyes with higher Schirmer score but it was not significant (p = 0.75). There was a significant relationship of GCD with TBUT (p = 0.042). GCD was not correlated with bulbar redness (p = 0.126), and limbal redness (p = 0.054) as well as corneal staining (p = 0.079). No relationship of GCD with age and gender of the subjects (p > 0.05) was observed.ConclusionGCD was found correlated with TBUT but no significant correlation was found with the aqueous portion of the tear, limbal as well as bulbar redness and corneal staining.