Correlation of conjunctival impression cytology results with lacrimal function and age

Acta Ophthalmol (Copenh). 1991 Aug;69(4):422-5. doi: 10.1111/j.1755-3768.1991.tb02016.x.

Abstract

Impression specimens were obtained from the bulbar conjunctiva of 146 eyes of 73 healthy volunteers (mean age, 52 years). Goblet cell densities and nuclear-cytoplasmic (N/C) ratio were determined. Break-up time (BUT), Schirmer-I test (S-I), Rose Bengal scores (RBs) were also recorded. Using a simple linear regression analysis, no correlation between the number of Goblet cells and age, BUT and S-I was found. Negative correlation with RBs (P = 0.05) was found. The N/C ratio has a negative correlation (P less than 0.01) with age and RBs and a positive correlation with BUT (P less than 0.01) and S-I (P = 0.03).

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging / physiology*
  • Cell Count
  • Conjunctiva / cytology*
  • Cytological Techniques
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lacrimal Apparatus / physiology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Tears / physiology