Investigation of mucin layer of tear film in patients with pterygium

Introduction
The aim of this study was to investigate the tears film, particularly mucin layer in patients with pterygium.

Material and methods
We examined 31 patients with pterygium – 14 women and 17 men. Pterygium in one eye was found in 19 patients, in both eyes in 12. The control group consisted of 43 persons – 21 women and 22 men. In our study were evaluated: marginal tears film, tears film break-up time (BUT), Schirmer's test and mucus fern patterns.

Results
The results showed no statistically significant difference in Schirmer's test in both groups. Marginal tears film was incorrect in 65,12% of the eyes with pterygium and in 34,89% eyes of the control group. Tears film break-up time was reduced statistically significant, in patients with pterygium. Abnormal mucus fern patterns (type III and IV) was observed in 38,95% of the eyes with pterygium and in 13,94% of the eyes in the control group.

Conclusions
Disturbances of the tear film stability were found in the eyes with pterygium. The results of BUT and mucus fern patterns showed, that abnormalities of mucyn layer to be responsible for these changes. Perhaps these observations will contribute to prevention of pterygium.