Topographical distribution of ocular surface cells by the use of impression cytology

Abstract

Cytology impression samples of the conjunctiva and the cornea were obtained from normal eyes. Our results were in agreement with most authors, except in the interpalpebral areas. In the interpalpebral areas, we found new data about superficial cell distribution not described before; the non-secretory cells were more separated and larger, with a higher nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio than other areas. The secretory cells (goblet cells) had significantly decreased with respect to the rest. In the interpalpebral areas, near the limbal areas, no goblet cells were found, and the size of non-secretory cells was increased, the density was lower and the nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio was higher, with regards to the external areas. The corneal epithelial cells had a similar morphological appearance in all specimens tested. We confirm that our subjects were absolutely normal, and conclude that environmental factors might explain why the cells were slightly transformed.