Tear Function Alterations and Conjunctival Impression Cytology Findings in Patients With Gout

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the tear functions and conjunctival impression cytology (CIC) findings of patients with gout and compare them with healthy controls. Methods: Thirty-four patients with gout (group 1) and 32 age-matched and gender-matched healthy individuals (group 2) were included in this cross-sectional study. Schirmer 1 test, tear breakup time (TBUT), Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score, and CIC grade were evaluated and compared between the groups. Results: There was no significant difference between the groups in gender and age (P=0.923 and P=0.078, respectively). The mean of Schirmer 1 test result was significantly lower in group 1 (9.74 +/- 6.03 mm) than that in group 2 (17.16 +/- 9.33 mm) (P<0.001). The TBUT was also significantly lower in group 1 (7.00 +/- 2.09 seconds) than that in group 2 (12.75 +/- 5.25 seconds) (P<0.001). The OSDI score (20.04 +/- 12.92) was significantly higher in group 1 than that in group 2 (6.19 +/- 10.07) (P<0.001). Although 10 patients (29.4%) in group 1 had the CIC grade of 2 to 3, none of the controls had CIC grade 2 to 3. The mean CIC grade in group 1 (1.15 +/- 0.89) was significantly higher than that in group 2 (0.47 +/- 0.51) (P<0.001). Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that ocular surface alterations assessed by CIC and tear function abnormalities are more common in patients with gout.