Alterations of the tear film and ocular surface health in chronic smokers

Y. Matsumoto, M. Dogru, E. Goto, Y. Sasaki, H. Inoue, I. Saito, J. Shimazaki, K. Tsubota

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

66 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effects of chronic smoking on ocular surface and tear functions. Methods: Fifteen right eyes of 15 healthy chronic smokers (9 men, 6 women; age range: 36-47 years) who smoked 20 cigarettes per day for 20 years and 20 eyes of 20 control non-smokers (12 men, 8 women; age range: 38-43 years) were included in this prospective study. All subjects underwent measurements of breath and haemoglobin CO concentration, tear lipid layer interferometry, evaporimetry, tear film break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer's I test, corneal fluorescein staining, conjunctival impression, and brush cytology. Results: The mean Hb CO level was significantly higher in smokers compared to non-smokers. TBUT was also significantly shorter in smokers. Tear lipid layer showed significant slowing in spread over the tear film with a concomitant significant increase in tear evaporation rate. Conjunctival impression cytology revealed significant loss of goblet cells and squamous metaplasia in smokers. Brush cytology showed significant conjunctival neutrophil infiltration in smoker subjects. Conclusion: Chronic smoking induced distinctive quantitative and qualitative disturbances on the ocular surface health.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)961-968
Number of pages8
JournalEye
Volume22
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2008 Jul
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ophthalmology
  • Sensory Systems

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