Density of goblet cells in vernal conjunctivitis and contact lens-associated giant papillary conjunctivitis
M. R. Allansmith, R. S. Baird and J. V. Greiner
Using light microscopy, the density of goblet epithelial cells was
determined in the conjunctival epithelium of ten patients with vernal
conjunctivitis, ten patients with contact lens-associated giant papillary
conjunctivitis, and ten normal subjects. The median density was 13,000/cu
mm for vernal conjunctivitis, 11,000/cu mm for giant papillary
conjunctivitis, and 11,000/cu mm for normal subjects, a statistically
insignificant difference. Increased mucus in vernal conjunctivitis and
contact mucus in vernal conjunctivitis and contact lens-associated giant
papillary conjunctivitis is not accounted for by an increased density of
goblet cells per cubic millimeter. It is probably caused by the greater
surface area and thickness of epithelium, with a concomitant increase in
the total number of goblet cells and increased mucus from nongoblet
epithelial cells.
