Tear and ocular surface profile in adult anophthalmic sockets

ABSTRACT

Objective@#To determine the tear and ocular surface profile of the anophthalmic socket in relation to the contralateral normal eye.@*Methods@#Twenty-five adult patients with unilateral anophthalmic sockets were included into the study. They were at least 2 months post-enucleation or post-evisceration and without any topical medications on the anophthalmic socket and control eye for at least 2 weeks. Assessment was performed using the following parameters (1) meibomian gland evaluation, (2) ocular surface staining, (3) degree of conjunctival inflammation, (4) Schirmer I and II, and (5) conjunctival impression cytology. @*Results@#Mucoid discharge (52%) was the most common complaint in anophthalmic sockets, followed by itchiness (40%), tearing (36%), and dryness (4%). Compared to control eyes, the anophthalmic sockets had more pronounced and statistically significant lid wiper epitheliopathy, conjunctival staining, and bulbar inflammation. Meibomian gland dysfunction, Schirmer I and II, and conjunctival impression cytology showed no difference between the 2 groups. There was a correlation between the symptoms complained and the ocular staining patterns of the anophthalmic sockets.@*Conclusion@#Anophthalmia predisposes to various ocular surface problems, such as a change in the composition of tears, specifically an increase in the mucin component and a decrease in the aqueous and lipid components, resulting to increased tear viscosity.