Alterations in the Tear Film and Ocular Surface in Pediatric Migraine Patients

Abstract

Abstract Purpose:To evaluate the ocular surface (OS) parameters in the pediatric migraine patients (PMPs). Methods: This prospective case-control designed study consisted of 51 PMPs (PMP Group) and 55 healthy pediatric patients (HPP Group). In all participants were evaluated of tear function by subjective (Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire), objective (Schirmer tear test (STT) and tear film break-up time (TBUT)), clinical and laboratory investigations (conjunctival impression cytology (CIC)). The PMP Group was divided into 2 according to their aura. Results: The mean age and gender distribution of the study groups were almost the same (for both of them: P > 0.05). In the PMP Group, both the STT value and the TBUT value were significantly lower than those determined in the HPP Group (P = 0.021, P = 0.018, respectively). In the PMP Group the OSDI scores of were higher than those in the HPP Group (P = 0.032). In the PMP Group, the goblet cell density (GCD) values were lower than those in the HPP Group (P = 0.01). In regard to the aura, the TBUT and STT values were non-significantly lower in the PMP aura-positive group than in the PMP aura-negative group (for both of them: P > 0.05). The OSDI assessment was similar in both of the groups. In regard to the goblet cell count, it was observed to be less in the PMP aura-positive group than in the PMP aura-negative group (P = 0.01). Conclusion: Influence of the OS in children with migraine was also demonstrated with samples taken from the conjunctiva. These changes were also demonstrated by objective tests such as STT and TBUT. Both clinical objective evaluations and pathological changes were more prominent in the migraine with aura group.