International Journal of Keratoconus and Ectatic Corneal Diseases

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VOLUME 7 , ISSUE 2 ( July-December, 2018 ) > List of Articles

Original Article

Snake-like Chromatin Cell Protein as an Indicator of Chronic Eye Rubbing in Patients with Keratoconus and Allergic Conjunctivitis

Maria A Henriquez, Nadia Canorio, Carmen Maldonado, Mirel Rincon, Luis Izquierdo Jr

Keywords : Conjunctivitis, Eye, Habit, Keratoconus, Rubbing

Citation Information : Henriquez MA, Canorio N, Maldonado C, Rincon M, Izquierdo Jr L. Snake-like Chromatin Cell Protein as an Indicator of Chronic Eye Rubbing in Patients with Keratoconus and Allergic Conjunctivitis. Int J Kerat Ect Cor Dis 2018; 7 (2):91-95.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10025-1163

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 01-12-2012

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2018; The Author(s).


Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the presence of snake-like chromatin (SLC) cell protein (related to eye rubbing) in patients with keratoconus or allergic conjunctivitis and in controls. Materials and methods: Prospective experimental study included 193 eyes of 193 patients between January 2015 and July 2016; 86 had a diagnosis of new keratoconus, 88 were controls, and 19 had a diagnosis of allergic conjunctivitis and underwent impression cytology (IC). Specimens were stained with a combination of periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and Gill's modified papanicolaou stains to detect the presence of SLC cell protein and morphological characterization of dry eye and allergic conjunctivitis. A questionnaire regarding eye-rubbing habits was administered. Results: Of the patients, 56.97% (49/86 eyes) in the keratoconus group, 84.21% (16/19 eyes) in the allergy group, and 10.11% (9/89 eyes) in the control group reported rubbing their eyes. The SLC was detected in 24.41% (21/86), 73.68% (14/19), and 3.37% (3/89) of the keratoconus, allergy, and control groups respectively, who reported rubbing their eyes. In contrast, SLC was detected in 2.32% (2/86), 0% (0/19), and 1.12% (1/89) of the keratoconus, allergy, and control groups respectively, who reported not rubbing their eyes. Conclusion: The presence of SLC cells was higher in keratoconus, allergy, and control group patients who reported rubbing their eyes. Keratoconus is independent of eye-rubbing habits and the presence of SLC cells.


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