Alterations in Conjunctival Cytology and Tear Film Dysfunction in Patients with ??-Thalassemia

Abstract

Ocular surface disorder of these patients was characterized by goblet cell loss and conjunctival squamous metaplasia. Our findings were correlated positively with the variable age. Epithelial damage by toxic reaction and disorder of tear quality and quantity are implicated as important factors in the pathogenesis of the ocular surface disease in beta-tha patients.