Tear functions in patients with pinguecula

PURPOSE: To investigate the tear flow, tear film stability and condition of mucus in patients with pinguecula. METHODS: The Schirmer I and ferning tests were performed and break-up time (BUT) was determined in 57 patients with pinguecula [random eyes; 34 males and 23 females, 18 to 70 years of age (mean +/- SD: 39.1 +/- 13.5 years)] and in 57 age-matched subjects (control) [random eyes; 35 males and 22 females, 11 to 70 years of age (mean +/- SD: 37.8 +/- 15.2 years)], and the test results were statistically analysed. RESULTS: The mean Schirmer test value was 22.72 +/- 12 mm in the eyes with pinguecula and 22.7 +/- 8.5 mm in the control eyes. There was no statistically significant difference (t = 0.01, p = 0.99) between the groups. The mean BUTs were 11.42 +/- 6.89 s in the eyes with pinguecula and 15.46+/-5.85 s in the control eyes. Comparison of BUTs between the groups revealed a statistically significant difference (t = 3.37, p = 0.0010). Also, ferning types were found to be significantly abnormal in the eyes with pinguecula (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The alteration in the mucin layer is a possible change inducing pinguecula formation, or it may reflect an already existing pathology in the cells on the ocular surface.