Snake-like chromatin in conjunctival cells of a population aged 30-60 years from Copenhagen City.

PURPOSE: To investigate the frequency of snake-like chromatin in the conjunctival epithelial cells (SLC) of a population from Copenhagen City.

METHODS

A questionnaire was mailed to 504 persons aged 30-60 years. Persons with symptoms of ocular/oral dryness and a control group without symptoms were examined by the conjunctival imprint technique.

RESULTS

According to this material the frequency of SLC in persons 30-60 years living in Copenhagen may be estimated to 47%, which is considerably higher than earlier reported. In most cases SLC was, however, occupying less than 1% of the total cell area. No significant association was found to abnormal results of the Schirmer test, tear film break up time, rose bengal score or tear film lipid layer thickness. The frequency of SLC in persons with KCS was 53%, however, only few cases of KCS were found in the material.

CONCLUSION

Results indicate that SLC is a quite frequent and unspecific finding, probably reflecting chronic irritation of the ocular surface.