Local Ocular Surface Alterations in Children with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

ABSTRACT

Purpose

To evaluate the ocular surface characteristics based on Schirmer’s test, tear break-up time (TBUT), and conjunctival impression cytology (CIC) in children with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT).

Methods

This study included 51 children with HT and 53 control subjects. The ocular surface characteristics of participants were assessed via Schirmer’s test, TBUT, and CIC. Conjunctival samples were examined cytologically according to the Nelson grading system.

Results

Schirmer’s and TBUT results were significantly lower in HT group (p < .05). All samples in both the study and control groups were evaluated as grade 0 according to the Nelson classification (p = .841), however, goblet cell density (GCD) was significantly lower in HT group (p = .001). Schirmer test results were significantly associated with the duration of HT (p = .025, r = −0.311).

Conclusion

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis without any ocular complaints may cause ocular surface changes with TBUT and Schirmer’s. Although CIC analysis showed similar grading results, GCD was significantly decreased in HT group.

Keywords:

• Dry eye
• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
• impression cytology
• ocular surface
• tear film

Acknowledgments

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest and have no proprietary interest in any of the materials mentioned in this article. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.